# Oregon's waterfalls and volcanoes

> 3-day road trip of about 437 km (271 mi) with 4 stops, from Portland to Crater Lake National Park. About 4 h 51 min of driving in total.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/oregon-volcanoes/

**At a glance:** 3-day road trip of about 437 km (271 mi) with 4 stops, from Portland to Crater Lake National Park. About 4 h 51 min of driving in total. The Columbia River Gorge, high desert around Bend and the deep blue of Crater Lake.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 437 km (271 mi) |
| Driving | 4 h 51 min |
| Suggested days | 3 |
| Stops | 4 |
| Route | Portland → Crater Lake National Park |
| States | OR |
| Updated | June 13, 2026 |

## Route description

From Portland, follow I-84 east into the Columbia River Gorge to Multnomah Falls, Oregon’s tallest waterfall at 620 feet in two tiers, reached from its own exit on the interstate. In summer a timed permit may be required, so check before you go.

Continue east to Hood River, then take OR-35 south around the flank of Mount Hood and US-26 toward Warm Springs, joining US-97 at Madras. East of the Cascades the damp fir forest gives way to juniper and sagebrush, and the high desert opens up around Bend, a lively town on the Deschutes River with volcanic buttes and lava fields close by.

South of Bend, US-97 runs through pine forest before OR-138 turns west toward Crater Lake National Park, where the deepest lake in the US fills a collapsed volcano. Rim Drive is usually fully open only from July to October, and snow can linger along the rim into early summer. Stop at several overlooks, as the color of the water changes with the light.

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Portland** (OR)
2. **Multnomah Falls** (Bridal Veil, OR): Oregon's tallest waterfall, 620 feet in two tiers, just off I-84 in the Columbia River Gorge. Timed permits may apply in summer.
3. **Bend** (OR)
4. **Crater Lake National Park** (Crater Lake, OR): The deepest lake in the US fills a collapsed volcano. Rim Drive is usually fully open from July to October.

## FAQs

**How long is Oregon's waterfalls and volcanoes?**
3-day road trip of about 437 km (271 mi) with 4 stops, from Portland to Crater Lake National Park. About 4 h 51 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for Oregon's waterfalls and volcanoes?**
We suggest 3 days: about 4 h 51 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does Oregon's waterfalls and volcanoes start and end?**
It starts in Portland and ends in Crater Lake National Park.

**Which states does Oregon's waterfalls and volcanoes pass through?**
Oregon.