Crater Lake National Park – Known for its intense blue color and spectacular views, Crater Lake is one of Oregon’s most popular destinations. Visitors can take the Rim Drive that circles the lake, stopping for views of the crater down below. Boat tours are also available, and the back country contains a number of scenic trails. Challenge yourself to climb up 8,929-ft Mt. Scott, take a ranger-led walk, or help the kids become Junior Rangers.
Crater Lake – Ride the Rim 2024 – Each year the EAST RIM DRIVE is closed to motor vehicle traffic and open only to bicycle / pedestrian use. This year the date will be two consecutive Saturdays in September, 9/7 and 9/14. Ride the Rim Crater Lake isn’t for the weak hearted. Participants need to know what the route involves before committing to the challenge. If your plan is to visit Crater Lake by car, please be aware of this closure.
Newberry Volcanic National Monument – Find our “Other Crater” located 40 minutes north of Crescent. It is prized for its hiking and fishing opportunities.
With it’s spectacular views from Paulina Peak, the beautiful waterfall, and the wonder of the Big Obsidian Flow, there is something here to intrigue all visitors.
The Three Trails OHV System – Located in the Deschutes National Forest this new trail system offers over 63 miles of trails and 12 miles of single track trails to ride motorcycles and ATVs with plans to add more. The trails form nice long loops and are marked and rated. Two separate trailheads and riding areas have now been completed. Open May 1 to November 30. You can also access unimproved trails in the Gilchrist State Forest, open year round, directly from Big Pines RV Park.
The High Desert Museum – Discover the world of wildlife and the Old West at this stunning museum, set south of Bend, Oregon. With indoor and outdoor exhibits that feature wild animals, amazing artwork, and living history displays, this is a great place to explore
Central Oregon’s history and future. In the Spirit of the West exhibit, you can talk to a stagecoach driver, visit the Silver City mining camp, and meet the Wells Fargo Express agent. The museum has daily wildlife shows that feature porcupines, golden eagles, owls, bats, lizards, and snakes.
Deschutes River – The Upper Deschutes and Little Deschutes are a short drive from Big Pines RV Park, creating spectacular natural drama with splashing waterfalls and narrow headwaters. The river is famous among trout fishers as a fly-fishing hotspot, particularly near the Deschutes National Forest. With both brown trout and rainbow trout, this is a great place to spend a morning or afternoon casting and watching the river flow. The Deschutes River Conservancy is a nonprofit that works to restore streamflow and improve water quality in the Deschutes Basin, keeping the river clean and healthy.
Waldo Lake – This beautiful, natural lake offers spectacular views of mountains perched above green forests. With its pure-blue waters, Waldo Lake is a popular spot for boating, canoeing, kayaking, and sailing. There are three public boat ramps and many sandy beaches for secluded swimming or wading from the shore. Mountain bikers can follow the 21-mile loop around Waldo Lake, stopping at isolated beaches and coves. For hikers there are over 150 miles of trail to explore. Many lead to small wilderness lakes, cascading streams, volcanic peak summits, and conifer groves. There are also spaces for hunting, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, wildlife viewing, and snowmobiling.