Seeking Scenic Route Suggestions (1 Viewer)

[ikeedikeed]

Hi guys.

In a couple weeks the wife, pooch and I are heading to Del Norte from BC for a few days of big trees, light hikes and sights. I'm hoping to sneak in some light, scenic wheeling. We're staying in the Del Norte campground for three nights, then on to Crater Lake on the way home.

Any suggestions of nice day-trip drives/hikes slightly off the beaten path would be much appreciated. With the dog there seems to be not much we can do in the state or federal parks.

Here's a link to my thread from the last time we ventured south. Great time. Video in post #13.


Greg.

 

[TOY350]

You can run to the coast via the fire road to the McGrew Trail. From O'Brien to Rowdy Creek on the coast. Would be off the beaten path and not too tough, I have seen cars make it but not recommended.

 

[Kief]

Hit the 3 Capes scenic route on the way past Tillamook, Lots to check out up in Astoria too (Haven't been up there yet), The Tillamook air museum is a real surprise,a P38 and F14 were on display last time I was there about 10 years ago, Otter rock and the Devil's Punch bowl is cool, nice beach. Lots of Dunes and parks in the middle of the coast, Plenty of other cool coastal things to check out, on the south end the Chetco River has some awesome swimming inland to get out of the coastal fog, and hit Stout Grove on the south end of Crescent City if you don't want to cut back on the McGrew (which would skip the Redwoods). Its a bumpy gravel road but you are in the Redwoods and have a little more time to check out the scenery. Otherwise just taking 199 out of Crescent City Jedidiah Smith offers a nice campground on the Smith River which is gorgeous. Then there is the Oregon Caves and make sure you check out the Rogue Gorge on the way to Crater Lake. Take the Scenic route past Diamond Lake, check out all of the falls and then go play in the Umpqua River on the way back- Umpqua Falls, etc. Then back to the I-5 if you want boring.
Man, I'm due for a vacation.. Can you tell? Have fun..

 

[Russ in California]

do look into the boat ride @ Crater Lake if you are unaware. not to be missed.

 

[ikeedikeed]

Hey thanks guys. I'll have to spend some time tonight on the computer planning to try and fit some of these suggestions in! Sounds like lots to see and I'm really looking forward to it. I hope I don't need any problems like crawlin cruiser.

 

[ikeedikeed]

Then there is the Oregon Caves and make sure you check out the Rogue Gorge on the way to Crater Lake. Take the Scenic route past Diamond Lake, check out all of the falls and then go play in the Umpqua River on the way back- Umpqua Falls, etc. Then back to the I-5 if you want boring.
Man, I'm due for a vacation.. Can you tell? Have fun..

Just googled all your other suggestions and found out they're all on the OR coast, which we did two years ago. Just never found time to do the redwoods. OR caves, Rogue Gorge and Crater Lake are now on the list. We hit Crater Lake on the way back from UT last year only to find 15ft of snow or something ridiculous.

Thanks again!

 

[mobydick]

Snow at Crater Lake this year was near historic LOWS. Should have no problems exploring around the entire road which goes completely around it's rim. The Upper Rogue Gorge near Union Creek has many really neat short hikes( 1/4 milers ) to see the gorge itself, slightly downstream is a spot you shouldn't miss called "natural bridge" where the entire rogue river disappears into and returns to view from a lava tube. Diamond Lake offers beautiful scenery and if time permits from Diamond Lake you can head down along the Umpqua River towards Roseberg, along the way passing many of Oregon's beautiful waterfalls. So many things to see, just never enough time! Safe trip to you!

 

[Kief]

Ditto on the waterfalls between diamond lake and glide/roseburg. I hear the Umpqua hot springs are pretty cool.. er, hot. There is some good rafting on the Umpqua too.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

You could always do the OR Back Country Discovery Routes: http://www.oohva.org/index.html

Heck, you may be able to hit some in WA too: http://www.backcountrydiscoveryroutes.com/WABDR