Location: Paulina Lake (the approximate center of the crater) is about 3 hours from Eugene. The best route to take is the Willamette Highway (58) across the Crescent Cut-off and then north on US-97 until you see the signs for the Newberry Volcanic Monument about 30 miles south of Bend.

Google Maps: Eugene to Newberry Crater

Adventure Specifics

Hiking & Mountain Biking:

There are several great hiking and mountain biking opportunities around the crater. A few of the more notable routes are:

• Rim Trail (#3957) is a 21 mile loop around the crater. It is classified as difficult primarily due to its length and lack of water sources, but has very rewarding views of forests, lakes and volcanic formations. Also open to horses.
• Big Obsidian Flow Interpretive Trail (#3958)is a must see if you are limited on time, the one mile trail wanders through Oregon’s youngest lava flow and has several interpretive signs. Watch your step though, the obsidian is sharp!
• Paulina Peak Trail (#3951) is a steep (8% grade) but short (.5 mile) offshoot of the Rim Trail to the top of Paulina Peak. From the top you can see all the way from Mount Adams to Mount Shasta on a clear day. The views are unbeatable!

Fishing: Paulina and East Lake contain large numbers of Kokanee Salmon, Brown, and Rainbow trout. East Lake also contains some Atlantic salmon. Two record size brown trout have been pulled from Paulina Lake. 

East Lake Fishing Info: East Lake Resort – Fishing Info

Camping/Lodging: There are 7 campgrounds in the Newberry Monument including Little Crater, Paulina Lake, Newberry Group Camp, Chief Paulina Horse Camp.

Snow Sports – The Paulina Lake/Newberry Crater area is popular for snow sports such as snowmobiling, snow shoeing and cross country skiing. The historic Paulina Lake Resort is open all winter to provide lodging to snow sport aficionados.

Additional Adventures: Check out the newly remodeled Lava Lands Visitor Center and nearby lava caves for and additional adventure near the monument.

Time Involved: There are plenty of places to explore in the Volcanic Monument, you can spend as much time as you’d like.

Best Time to Go: Late Spring, Summer, and Early Fall. The roads are not well maintained and many of the attractions in the area are not open after October as the weather is unpredictable.

Amenities: Toilets, Snacks, Restaurant, Cabins, Camping.

Usage Fees: $5 day pass / $30 annual pass.  Northwest Forest Pass is required at some trailheads.

Fees: There is no fee to tour the lighthouse, groups are restricted to 8 or less individuals. Click here for camping fees: http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_121.php

Location: Just under 2 hours West of Eugene. Take Highway 38 (The Umpqua Highway) East to Reedsport and then 101 South to Umpqua Lighthouse & State Park.
Eugene to Umpqua Lighthouse – Google Maps

Time Involved: I usually like to make a day trip out of this adventure and spend some time meandering up the coast. You can make a loop if you drive north to Florence and then head back inland to Eugene.

Adventure Specifics: Umpqua State Park is a general recreation area. Lake Marie has several campsites and when we visited there was a high concentration of ORVs playing on the nearby dunes. The beach is sandy and there is a long rock jetty.  Also don’t miss the daily tours of the Umpqua Lighthouse May 1st – October 30^th from 10-4pm.

What to Bring: Camera, hiking/walking shoes, binoculars, etc.

Amenities: Restrooms, campground with full RV hook ups, tent spaces and yurts, picnic areas.

Best Times to Go: A nice clear day.

Links to External Sites: Oregon State Parks Information

Other Adventures Nearby: Reedsport, Oregon,  Oregon Dunes, Lake Marie, Clear Lake, Bolton Island Tideways State Park.

Photo By: Andrea Niemiec

Location:

Getting There Take 101 through Coos Bay, and turn right onto Empire Rd before you leave town. Take Empire/Coos Bay Hwy for 2.8 miles, then veer left onto Newmark for 0.5 miles, left again to get onto Cape Arago Hwy, and drive for 8 miles.

Adventure Specifics:

Sunset Bay is a well-appointed campground, and makes a great base from which to explore the rest of the area. Whether you’ve brought your RV, your tent, or you have reserved a cozy yurt, the campground features a number of pleasant campsites, clean restrooms, and hot showers. Since the campground is set a few hundred yards inland from the beach, it is sheltered from shore winds, and next door to a small golf course. The only word of caution I would mention would be to keep in mind that the campsites are small; if you are looking for privacy and reserving sites online, consider picking the more remote sites, or ones that have no reservations next door. Aside from a squabbling family who left early on our first morning, the campground was fairly peaceful despite it being spring break, and everyone seemed to quiet down soon after dark. The yurts also offer more privacy and act as a better sound barrier than a tent. For more information, go to: http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_100.php

Shore Acres Less than a mile away by road, or two miles by a scenic trail along the top of the cliffs, Shore Acres is a botanical garden and former estate to lumber baron Louis J. Simpson. While his original mansion fell prey to both shore erosion and the depredations of the Great Depression, the grounds have been lovingly restored and turned into a public park. The park is well designed and features different floral displays and plantings throughout the year to take advantage of different blooming periods. To find out more, go to: http://www.shoreacres.net/

Cape Arago Another two miles by trail, or a shorter distance by road, lies Cape Arago, a jutting promontory and state park. With numerous tide pools and colonies of seals and sea lions, the Cape is a great introduction to the marine wildlife in the area. Come and enjoy the vista and watch for spouting whales, but don’t forget that parts of the trail are off-limits from March 1-June 30 to protect young seals. http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_94.php

History:

During the Eocene period approximately 40 million years ago, much of the present coastline of Oregon and Washington was below sea level. A long, semicircular bay reaching from the present-day Puget Sound cut inland across much of the Willamette Valley, and curved back around through parts of the present-day Siskiyous. Present-day Coos Bay was not inundated, and marked the edge of the prehistoric bay. The sandstone and shale cliffs and islands around Sunset Bay and Cape Arago were formed by an ancient delta fed by streams from inland Oregon, which deposited mud and silt along the coast. The floor of this delta then hardened over time and was lifted up by the subduction zone off of the Oregon coast. Part of this bedrock is now visible on the beach of Sunset Bay in the large rock formations that jut up out of the sand.

Photo By: Andrea Niemiec

Coal deposits are a feature of this delta, and are now referred to as the Coaledo Formation, Oregon’s largest coal deposits. Coos Bay made much use of this natural resource, opening its first mine in the 1850′s. By 1904 approximately 40 coal mines were operating, selling their coal to fuel locomotives. However, once diesel engines became popular in the 1920′s, the coal mines declined and closed by the 1940′s. Fossilized clams, snails, sand dollars, crabs, logs, and prehistoric plants can be found in the Sunset Bay and Cape Arago cliffs and boulders. The many fault lines that run along this small section of the coast have left their mark on the land.

Erosion in many forms has also carved this landscape: concretions along the Shore Acres observation shelter, wave erosion, honeycomb weathering from salt and algae, and stone-boring marine life. The south side of Sunset Bay reveals evidence of a huge earthquake which struck approximately 1,200 years ago; exposed roots of enormous spruce trees in the intertidal zone show that the coastline dropped rapidly during an earthquake, flooding the forest with salt water. Long before European settlers first spotted Cape Arago in the 1500′s on Sir Francis Drake’s voyage, the Coos Indians inhabited the area, and retain strong ties to Chief’s Island where the decommissioned Cape Arago lighthouse now stands.

Find more photos and information on this post at Andrea’s Blog – Shoestring Traveler

Photo By: Andrea Niemiec

Location:Google Maps – Directions from Eugene

Approximately 1.5 hours from Eugene, Oregon. To reach the Matthieu Lakes trail head, from I-5 south near Eugene, take OR 126/McKenzie River Highway east for approximately 55 miles, and look for the OR 242/Old McKenzie River Highway turnoff to the right. This portion (OR 242) of the road is closed seasonally due to snow. Approximately 25 miles along 242, you will see the parking lot and sign for the Dee Wright Observatory on your left. 0.5 miles beyond the Observatory parking lot is the Lava Camp Lake campground and the Matthieu Lakes trail head. Continuing on OR 242 will bring you to Sisters, Oregon in a short 15 minute drive.

Time Involved: Matthieu Lakes trail loop can be hiked in 2.5 hours, but plan on spending some extra time savoring the views and enjoying lunch beside one of the lakes.

Adventure Specifics:

Hiking – An easy 6 mile loop between the two lakes, with an elevation gain of 800 feet round-trip. This trail is along part of the PCT trail, so including it in a longer backpacking trip along the PCT is a possibility. Continue on past S. Matthieu Lake on the PCT several more miles to the Scott Trail junction in order to explore more of the lava lands and a nearby crater.

Camping – There is a pleasant no-fee campsite with well-maintained pit toilets at Lava Camp Lake, the departure point for the Matthieu Lakes trail. Make sure to bring in your own water, as no running water is available at this site. In addition, camp sites are available in designated locations at both of the Matthieu Lakes. These sites are rustic (no toilets/no running water) but very scenic. In particular, S. Matthieu Lake offers some exquisite views of the North and Middle Sister from the campsites.

Trail-Riding – The Lava Camp Lake has a horse camp, and the Matthieu Lakes trail allows horses and other pack animals.

Warnings: Bring insect repellent earlier in mosquito season (June/July). Hike on windy days or later in the season (August/September) to avoid insects. The usual wilderness backpacking rules apply as to waste disposal and camping further than 100 feet from bodies of water.

What to Bring: Water, sunscreen, first aid kit, and food. Be sure to also bring a camera; the views along the trail will leave you wishing you had!

Amenities: Pit toilets at trail head.

Best Time to Go: June through early October. Highway 242 (along which the trail is located) is closed most of the year due to heavy snowfall. Mosquitoes (particularly at dusk) can be an annoyance in June, shortly after the snow has melted.

General Comments: If you want to experience the Cascades up close and personal, this is an easy hike with minimal elevation gain and maximum scenic reward for your efforts.

Other Adventures Nearby: Stop by the Dee Wright Observatory (less than a mile from the Matthieu Lakes trail head) for panoramic views of the Cascades, and an up-close encounter with the otherworldly landscape of the lava flows. Highway 242 has several posted trail heads on the way from Eugene to the Matthieu Lakes; highlights include Proxy Falls, and the lovely creek side Limberlost campground (pit toilets/no running water).

Find more photos and information on this post at Andrea’s Blog – Shoestring Traveler

Photographer: Charles R. Bacon

The lake is 1,949 feet (594 m) deep at its deepest point, which makes it the deepest lake in the United States, the second deepest in North America and the ninth deepest in the world. However, when comparing its average depth of 1,148 feet (350 m) to the average depth of other deep lakes, Crater Lake becomes the deepest in the Western Hemisphere and the third deepest in the world. The impressive average depth of this volcanic lake is due to the nearly symmetrical 4,000-foot (1,200 m) deep caldera formed 7,700 years ago during the violent climactic eruptions and subsequent collapse of Mt. Mazama and the relatively moist climate that is typical of the crest of the Cascade Mountains.

The caldera rim ranges in elevation from 7,000 to 8,000 feet (2,100 to 2,400 m). The United States Geological Survey benchmarked elevation of the lake surface itself is 6,178 feet (1,883 m). This National Park covers 286 square miles (741 km2). Crater Lake has no streams flowing into or out of it. All water that enters the lake is eventually lost from evaporation or subsurface seepage. The lake’s water commonly has a striking blue hue, and the lake is re-filled entirely from direct precipitation in the form of snow and rain. *Copied from Wikipedia under the GNU License*

Here is some general information on Crater Lake National Park. Feel free to post more information.

Links:
Crater Lake National Park – Wikipedia
Crater Lake – Wikipedia
National Park Service – Crater Lake
Crater Lake Trust

Location: The dunes start just South of Florence, Oregon and extend all the way to Coos Bay. The Florence access points are about 70 minutes outside of Eugene on Highway 101.
Eugene to Florence Dunes – Click Here for the Map

Additional Information: All the information you’ll ever need on the dunes can be found at the links below.
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
DuneGuide.com – Oregon Dunes

Feel free to add more information! I update this regularly

Location: Just east of Roseburg Oregon along highway 138, 1.5 hours from Eugene.
Eugene to North Umpqua River – General Area – Click Here for the Map

Time Involved: A trip here can range from a day trip, or stay at any of the campgrounds along the river for a multiday trip.

Adventure Specifics: Over 20 miles of raftable/kayakable class I-IV rapids. Amazing steelhead fishing. Waterfalls include: Toketee falls 82 feet. Watson falls 272 feet. Clearwater falls 30 feet. Whitehorse falls 15 feet. There is a trail that parallels the entire river great for hiking and mt. biking. Toketee hot springs is an incredible hot springs with pools ranging from 110 degrees all the way down to the chilly temperature of the river. All the different campgrounds along the river can accommodate small and large groups.

Warnings: This river is far from gas stations and food.

What to Bring: Camping gear, hiking boots, swim suit, sunscreen, water, food

Best Times to Go: Spring, summer and fall

General Comments:

Links to External Sites:
North Umpqua River Wikipedia
General North Umpqua River Information

Other Adventures Nearby: Crater lake is a short distance away

Photographer: Tori Simmons

Location: Trail Bridge is located just over an hour outside of Eugene and 13 miles east of McKenzie Bridge, OR on Highway 126.
Eugene to Trail Bridge – Click Here for a Google Map

Time Involved: You can spend half a day or a whole weekend at Trail Bridge if you want. The area around Trail Bridge is full of outdoor adventures.

Area Activites:
Camping – 46 campsites – 27 walk-in/tent sites and 19 RV sites (without hookups)
Fishing – Some amazing fishing with hatchery rainbow and brook trout
Hiking – The McKenzie River National Recreation Trail is nearby as are other trails in and around the campground – see the link below for more hiking information.
Boating – Boating is allowed (max speed 10mph). You will usually just see rowboats and float tubes.
Swimming – Trail Bridge is a nice place to swim, however the water is cold (max 55 degrees), even in the summer months

Warnings: During the Winter and early Spring, Trail Bridge is usually covered in snow. Also, because Trail Bridge is fed by the McKenzie, water temperatures, even during the summer time usually stay below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

What to Bring: A fishing rod, camping gear, sunscreen, and anything else you might need.

Amenities: One seasonal restroom, paved access roads, fishing platform, tables, piped drinking water, gravel boat launch, fire rings

Best Times to Go: The “season” for Trail Bridge is April-September, however the campground is open year round with no services or fees during the off months.

General Comments: Check out the links below for more details on Trail Bridge and the surrounding area.

Links to External Sites:
Willamette National Forest – Trail Bridge Reservoir
Willamette National Forest – Trail Bridge Campground
Willamette National Forest – McKenzie River Trail

Other Adventures Nearby: Sahalie Falls, Koosah Falls, Tamolitch Pool, Clear Lake

Photographer: Gary Halvorson

Location: Clear Lake is located approximately 90 minutes outside Eugene Oregon directly off of highway 126. Look for the sign for Clear Lake on the right side of the road about a mile after you pass Sahalie Falls.
Google Maps – Eugene to Clear Lake – Click Here for the Map

Adventure Specifics:

Hiking:
The Clear Lake Hiking Loop is a 5 mile off shoot of the McKenzie River Trail that circles Clear Lake and passes the headwaters of the McKenzie River and traverses through a 3,000 year old Lava flow. It’s open to hikers and mountain bikers, but the west side of the trail closes periodically to protect nesting Bald Eagles. Check with the ranger at Clear Lake before you set out on your hike. The trail has moderate trail rating and is usually open from late spring until the first snow of fall.

Fishing:
During the late Spring and Summer the fishing at Clear Lake is fantastic! The lake is regularly stocked with trout and it’s not uncommon to pull out daily limits. The best fishing is towards the southwest end of the lake as the fish tend to congregate in the shallow, more vegetated waters. I’ve been diving here many times and it’s not uncommon to see some larger 16-20 inch trout swimming around.

Boating:
Non-motorized boating is allowed on the lake and Clear Lake Resort rents rowboats for a small fee. Please check additional boating regulations with the rangers at the lake.

Camping:
Clear Lake is a full Resort with cabins and campsites available for rent. Please check out the Clear Lake Resort page below for more information: http://www.co.linn.or.us/parks/parks/clearlake.html

General Comments:The North end of the lake is the most well know area of Clear Lake. There is a small lodge, cabins available for rental, a small snack/food/general store. The south end has a small boat ramp and is home to a large campground.

Time Involved: There is tons to do at Clear Lake, you can spend as much time as you’d like.

Best Time to Go: Late Spring, Summer, and Early Fall. The major amenities at Clear Lake are open in the summer months. The main road down to the lake is usually snowed in during the winter months.

Amenities: Toilets, Snacks, Restaurant, Cabins, Camping, Row Boating.

Warnings: The water in Clear Lake is extremely cold year round. About 40 degrees farenheit. Hypothermia can set in quickly if you swim without proper exposure protection.

Link to More Information:
http://www.co.linn.or.us/parks/parks/clearlake.html
http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette/recreation/tripplanning/water/clearlake.html
http://www.campingfriend.com/clearlakeresort/default.asp?file=Home

Adventures Nearby: Sahalie Falls, Koosah Falls, Tamolitch Pool, Trail Bridge Reservoir/Campground