Explore Oregon’s Three Calderas
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Photo by James Lowrey
Photo by Kristine McConnell
Photo by Tammy Leseuer
he Newberry Country Trail offers three loops to visit unique communities, geologic sites, museums and points of interest. You could do a loop in a day or pack a bag and make plans to stay at one of the many lodgings or campgrounds. Whether you fishing, hiking, camping, mountain biking or sightseeing, you will find it all on one of the loops. Visit lapine.org/travel-guide or the La Pine Chamber of Commerce at 51429 Huntington Road to get the map or call 541-536-9771.
HIGH LAKES LOOP 1. Start by having breakfast in Sunriver. Pick up food and beverages at the Sunriver Country Store or Sunriver Marketplace. 2. The Newberry National Volcanic Monument is a hidden gem where you can explore the trails by biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling or Nordic skiing. Go fishing, swimming, boating or paddleboarding at Paulina Lake or East Lake. Be sure to visit Paulina Peak to see incredible views of the Cascades, Newberry Caldera and across the High Desert. 3. La Pine State Park is home to North America’s largest Ponderosa Pine Tree. 4. Stop in La Pine for lunch, shop and make sure you have a full tank. 5. Twin Lakes 6. Cascade Lakes Highway 7. Stop at Manley’s Tavern for its famous broiled chicken. Visit the Crescent Lake Lodge. 8. Odell Lake with Odell Lake Lodge & Shelter Cover Resort. 9. Crescent/ Gilchrist & Mohawk Restaurant
HIGH DESERT LOOP 1. Fort Rock State Park, Fort Rock Homestead Village Museum: Experience volcanic landmarks from the ice age and hike Fort Rock. Museum open May-September. 2. Christmas Valley Community & Willows Antique Store 3. Crack In The Ground: Hike the volcanic fissure with depths up to 70 feet high for 2 miles through picturesque geological formations. 4. Christmas Valley Sand Dunes: 11,000 acres of natural sand dunes created by volcanic eruptions 7,000 years ago. 5. Ana Reservoir: Serene swimming and fishing spot.
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6. Summer Lake, Lodge at Summer Lake & Wildlife Area 7. Summer Lake Hot Springs: 1920s bathhouse and scenic outdoor pools. 8. Paisley, Pioneer Saloon & Chewaucan River 9. Silver Lake & Cowboy Dinner Tree: Reservations mandatory for this incredible dinner at a cowboy bunkhouse. 10. Thompson Reservoir: Remote location for camping, boating and ample fishing with views of nearby mountains. Area closed in the winter
CRATER LAKE LOOP 1. AMTRAK Station & KJ’s Cafe: Fill your belly with KJ’s Café’s delicious homemade food. 2. Collier Logging Museum & Collier Memorial State Park 3. Kla-Mo-Ya Casino & Hotel & Potbelly Café — test your luck or grab a meal. 4. Train Mountain/Klamath & Western Railroad: The world’s largest miniature railroad AND private caboose collection. 5. Agency Lake & Wood River Wetlands 6. Fort Klamath Museum: Museum and park showcasing the history of Southern Oregon. 7. Upper Klamath Canoe Trail: Paddle through the Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge. 8. Crater Lake ZipLine & Sasquatch Hollow: Nine thrilling ziplines with sky bridges and more. 9. Crater Lake: The “Jewel of the Cascades,” famous for its deep blue clear water and being the deepest lake in the U.S. 10. Diamond Lake offers year-round recreational activities. 11. Union Creek, Beckie’s Cafe and Rogue Gorge Viewpoint: Delicious food and viewpoints.
