The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
from Northern California’s Lassen
Volcanic National Park to Southern
Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park.
www.volcaniclegacybyway.com
Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
All American Road
Welcome
6
Table Of Contents
Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
4
All American Road Intro & Map
Lake Almanor/Chester
6
All American Road
Lassen Volcanic National Park
8
All American Road
10
Old Station/McCloud
10
All American Road
McCloud/Tulelake
12
All American Road
16
20
F
Klamath/Wildlife
16
All American Road
Crater Lake National Park
20
All American Road
reedom - the freedom
Association has been promoting a
region that is known for its great
outdoor recreation, adventure
opportunities and scenic wonders.
This guide is designed to help you
discover the freedom and scenic
beauty in the Shasta Cascade region.
Gather up the family, get in the car
and out of the city, and you too can
discover what Americans have been
experiencing for over 100 years - the
magic of rekindling relationships with
a scenic driving vacation.
to travel a mile a minute.
I m a gine a life when a
twenty mile trip might take all day,
the automobile gave us this freedom.
In 1908 the Ford Model T sold for
$850.00 and this changed America
forever. Its simplicity, toughness and
design were perfect for the deeply
rutted roads of the west, and the
American driving vacation became
a lifestyle. For more than eighty-two
years the Shasta Cascade Wonderland
2
Resources
Back Page
Information about lodging and traveler services is available from the
visitor’s bureaus and chambers of commerce along the route. Those
phone numbers are listed at the end of each route in the “drive tips”.
For general information about the region:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association
530-365-7500 or 1-800-474-2782
or at our website:
www.shastacascade.com
3
Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
All American Road
So Much To Experience
One of just 27 All American Roads in the entire United States, the Volcanic Legacy
Scenic Byway connects Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California and
Crater Lake National Park in Southern Oregon. The volcanic activity of the Cascade
Range has created unique geological formations that can only be seen in this part
of America. Gigantic obsidian glass flows, steaming mud pots, and lava tube caves
surrounded by a wide diversity of scenery make this an unforgettable experience.
The byway travels through dense forests, across broad wetlands, along clear swift
streams, and through massive farms and ranches. These wide open-spaces make
this area adjacent to the byway an ideal setting for hiking adventures, great fishing
and whitewater boating. The communities along the byway are eager to tell their
story and share their uniqueness with you. The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway is
about blue skies, virgin forests, clear lakes and streams, and uncrowded openspaces. It will excite your senses, refresh your soul and offer the possibility of
taking your breath away at every bend in the road.
“ The byway travels through dense
forests, across broad wetlands, along
clear swift streams, and through
massive farms and ranches.”
4
5
Hikers in Lassen Volcanic National Park
Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
All American Road
Lake Almanor/Chester
Recreational Paradise
Drive Tips
Distance: 133 miles
Minimum Driving Time: 4 hours
Best Time to go: Year-round,
some portions- May to October only.
For Regional Information:
The southernmost point of the
Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway is
Lake Almanor, also the southern end
of the Cascade Mountain Range. This
area by itself could be a complete
vacation. In reality it’s not an ending
or beginning point, but a crossroad.
In a small amount of space, this is
where Highways 89, 32, 36, and 44
converge. Know as a “water lover’s
playground,” Lake Almanor Basin has
been known as a recreational paradise
for decades. Summertime activities on
Lake Almanor include waterskiing, jet
skiing, sailing, parasailing, boating,
and fishing (which can be done year
round). A paved recreational trail for
bikes and hiking follows the west
shore of the lake, offering great views
and water access.
unique distinction of once having been
the largest company lumber town in
the west. A 24 foot tall statue of the
legendary logger Paul Bunyan honors
the town’s heritage. The road north
out of Westwood provides wintertime
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association,
530-365-7500 or 1-800-474-2782
www.shastacascade.com
Along the byway: Chester/Lake Almanor
Chamber of Commerce, 530-258-2426, and Westwood Chamber of
Commerce, 530-256-2456.
Services along the route: Lodging and other traveler services are
available in Chester, Lake Almanor, Westwood and Old Station, with other
limited services along the route.
Lassen
National Forest
OLD STATION
Eagle Lake
89
139
Shingletown 44
10457ft
Sus
an
1
A2
The next town you will come upon was
originally developed as a logging and
sawmill community, though its current
charm comes from quaint B&B’s
and 1950’s style motels. Chester
provides the largest base of lodging
opportunities on the southern portion
of the byway. Several of the restaurants
Pin
Caribou
Wilderness
LASSEN PEAK
Sailboarding Lake Almanor
Photographer Tom Rath
e
44
Lassen Volcanic
National Park
access to the Volcanic Legacy Scenic
Byway, as the road through Lassen
Volcanic National Park is usually
closed from November to May. Just a
few miles off the byway and east of
Westwood is Susanville. The cliffs and
gorge of the Susan River flank
its western limits and is the
eastern end of the Bizz Johnson
Recreational Trail. Following
the legal abandonment of the
Lassen R.R. Branch Line by the
Southern Pacific Railroad, the
Bureau of Land Management
quickly obtained this seemingly
“useless” land in order to create
this rail to trail conversion. It
is considered by many to be
one of the most exhilarating
trails in Northern California; it
is available for hiking, biking,
Kayaking Lake Almanor
horseback riding and fishing.
Photographer Shannon Morrow
Hwy. A-21 meets Hwy. 44 which
eventually connects back to
and businesses date from the early Hwy. 89 at Old Station. This portion
1920’s, including the bowling alley of Hwy. 44 with its wide open spaces
which has been a dance hall, cafe, and is popular with snowmobilers in the
pool hall. Westwood is just to the east winter months.
of Lake Almanor/Chester. It has the
6
Mineral
36
CHESTER
172
er
36
Childs Meadows
36
SUSANVILLE
Riv
Mill Creek
WESTWOOD
A1
3
36
147
89
32
89
Mountain Meadows
Reservior
Lake Almanor
89
70
7
Quincy
Bizz Johnson Trail
Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
All American Road
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Volcanic History and Scenic Wonder
earth’s surface. This natural source
provides a constant supply of hot
water for the Drakesbad Guest Ranch
swimming pool.
The very existence of Lassen Volcanic
National Park is linked to a loud
awakening of Lassen Peak in 1914.
This was a beginning of a seven-year
cycle of sporadic volcanic outbursts
with the major eruption occurring on
May 19, 1915, causing a massive
collapse of the summit crater spilling
flowing lava towards the Sacramento
Valley. Three days later a great
explosion blasted out a new crater. The
area was designated a National Park
in 1916 because of its significance
as an active volcanic landscape.
The park is a compact laboratory of
volcanic phenomena and associated
thermal features. Several groups of
hot springs and fumaroles remain as
remnants of this volcanic activity. Most
of these lie in, or are closely adjacent
to, Brokeoff Volcano’s caldera. When
entering the park at the southern end,
the first easily accessible volcanic
area is called Sulphur Works. Adjacent
to Hwy. 89, it is definitely worth the
stop to see nature releasing a small
Back on the byway, a few miles north
of Sulphur Works, is the parking area
for Bumpass Hell and Lake Helen.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Manzanita Lake
Drive Tips
Distance: 33 miles
Minimum Driving Time: 2 to 4 hours
Best Time to go: Late May-November
For Regional Information:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association,
530-365-7500 or 1-800-474-2782
www.shastacascade.com
Along the byway Lassen Volcanic National Park, 530-595-4444,
Chester/Lake Almanor Chamber of Commerce, 530-258-2426,
Red Bluff/Tehama County Chamber, 530-527-6220, and
Redding Convention & Visitors Bureau, 530-225-4100
Services along the route: Lodging and other traveler services are
available in Chester, Lake Almanor, Red Bluff, and Redding, with other
limited services along the route.
Lassen
National Forest
89
44
44
Manzanita Lake
Loomis Museum
Lassen Volcanic
National Park
LASSEN PEAK
10457ft
Bumpass Hell
Lake Helen
Kings Creek
Caribou
Wilderness
Drakesbad
1
A2
Sulphur Works
Chester Warner Valley Rd.
36
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Kohm Yah-Man-Nee Visitor Center
sample of its fiery core. In the Warner
Valley, (accessible only in the summer
months from Chester) two hot springs
deliver clear boiling water to the
8
Mineral
172
Childs Meadows
Lake Almanor
CHESTER
Mill Creek
32
A1
3
147
36
WESTWOOD
89
Bumpass Hell is an approximate
one hour hike and is well worth the
outing. It is the largest geothermal
feature in Lassen Park. In 1864,
Kendall Vanhook Bumpass, a well
known hunter and mountain man,
discovered this area. He was the first
known person to accidentally step
through the thin crust and suffered
a severe burn which eventually led
to the amputation of one of his legs.
Therefore, this area provided his own
personal hell and the area has been
known as Bumpass Hell ever since.
Continuing on the byway just a short
distance to the north is the parking area
for climbing Lassen Peak. The parking
area, just over 8,000 feet, provides
access to an easy trail to the 10,457
foot summit. This several hour hike to
the top offers unparalleled views of all
of Northern California. Other great hikes
in the park include the Kings Creek Trail
and Falls, as well as Summit Lake with
both trails accessing the Pacific Crest
Trail to the east of the highway.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Bumpass Hell
On the north edge of the park is
Manzanita Lake. This area has the
most accessible camping in the park as
well as a park store. Loomis Museum,
near Manzanita Lake, is named after
B.F. Loomis who as an amateur
photographer and naturalist took the
invaluable photos of the Lassen Peak
eruptions in 1914, 1915 and 1917. His
early photographs were some of the
first published after Lassen Peak began
erupting in 1914. His photographic work
and eye witness reports helped develop
the nation’s interest and contributed
to the establishment of Lassen as a
national park. Loomis owned all the
property around Manzanita Lake and
his love for the new park encouraged
him to donate his property in order to
preserve this incredible asset. A stop
in the small museum provides both
the photographic and interpretive
description of the volcanic nature of
this prized park. At the southwestern
entrance, the Kohm Yah-Man-Nee
Visitor Center is now open year round.
Open in the fall of 2008, the building
has met the high environmental
standards to earn the Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design’s
top rating. The visitor center will
include an information station, along
with permits, interpretive exhibits,
a concession-run gift shop and
restaurant! In an era that all too often
ignores the importance of nature and
special places, Lassen remains a
sacred and enchanting destination.
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Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
All American Road
Old Station/McCloud
Creek, Rivers and Waterfalls
campgrounds, as well as classic mid
19th century resorts. The intersection
of Hwy. 89 and 299 allows for
several optional side trips to the
communities of Burney and Fall River
Mills. Both have lodging and a variety
of restaurants. In Fall River Mills,
the historic Fort Crook Museum is
open May to November, with a huge
collection of memorabilia from early
settlers and Native American artifacts.
This section of the Volcanic Legacy
Scenic Byway begins at the northern
edge of Lassen Volcanic National Park
and is a continuation of the volcanic
terrain from Lassen.
Just a few miles north of the park is
Old Station, which traces the historic
Lassen and Nobles Emigrant Trails,
both designated by Congress as
National Historic Trails. Just north of
Old Station is Subway Cave offering an
opportunity to walk through a volcanic
lava tube. The 1/3 mile long cave has
a constant temperature of 46 degrees
even when the outside temperature
during the summer months may
Heading back to Hwy. 89 and north of
the intersection about six miles is what
Theodore Roosevelt called the “eighth
wonder of the world,” McArthur-Burney
Falls State Park. The never-changing
Drive Tips
Distance: 70 miles
Minimum Driving Time: 3 hours
Best Time to go: March-November
For Regional Information:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association,
530-365-7500 or 1-800-474-2782
www.shastacascade.com
Along the byway: Burney Chamber of Commerce, 530-335-2111,
Fall River Valley Chamber, 530-336-5840 and
McCloud Chamber of Commerce, 530-964-3113.
Services along the route: Lodging and other traveler services are
available in Old Station, Hat Creek, Fall River Mills, Burney and McCloud,
with other limited services along the route.
WEED
Mt. SHASTA
5
14162ft
Mt. SHASTA
McCLOUD
DUNSMUIR
BARTLE
McCloud Falls
89
McCloud River
Castle Crags State Park
McArthur-Burney Falls
Memorial State Park
Big Lake
Lake
Britton
299
Pit River
Whiskeytown
Shasta-Trinity
Nat’l Rec. Area
Shasta Lake
BURNEY
HAT CREEK
299
S H A S TA
Shasta Lake City
Subway Cave
OLD STATION
89
299
Redding
5
Anderson
Anderson
water volume over the falls is what
makes it so unusual. The sources of
most of its water are springs, just a 1/2
mile above the falls. The state park also
includes an extensive campground and
Lake Britton.
approach 100. Besides a sweater,
you’ll need a flashlight, as there is no
lighting inside this volcanic spectacle.
Further along Hwy. 89 is Hat Creek,
considered by many as one of the best
trout fly-fishing streams in the country.
Numerous access points, as well as
campgrounds, provide the makings of
a great summer vacation. These cold
spring fed waters are a perfect habitat
for trout.
Continuing north on Hwy. 89 are
several private and Forest Service
10
The scenic drive continues north on
Hwy. 89 with uncrowded roads and
a number of forest access roads
that will truly get you “off the beaten
path”. Hwy. 89 and the McCloud
River loop offers the chance to see
three spectacular water falls – Lower,
44
Lassen Volcanic
National Park
44
36
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
FALL RIVER MILLS
Lassen National
Forest
Middle and Upper McCloud Falls. It has
been said that each of the falls has its
own unique qualities: Lower Falls is
known to be the family area, Middle
Falls is a photographer’s paradise, and
Upper Falls is complete with massive
areas of water to swim, along with
plenty of areas for picnicking. Your
next stop is McCloud, a great stopover
or even a place to enjoy the evening.
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Subway Cave
Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
McCloud/Tulelake
All American Road
Shasta in View
the Mt. Shasta Board and Ski Park, the
only ski resort on the Volcanic Legacy
Scenic Byway.
This portion of the All American Road
has the distinction of having a view
of Mount Shasta for almost the entire
section. Majestic Mount Shasta at
14,162 feet is the tallest volcano
in California and can often be seen
from more than 100 miles away. For
centuries, the mountain has served as
the anchor for the Cascade Range, as
a spiritual center for Native Americans,
and as a nature lover and mountain
climber’s paradise. The mountain
Beginning in McCloud, which
is on the southern slope of Mount
Shasta, this picturesque community
offers everything from luxury
accommodations and fine dining to
camping and picnicking. McCloud is a
town of superlatives - from having the
oldest golf course in Northern California
cars to help provide a truly unique
resort experience.
the area on Lake Siskiyou, it’s a great
place to stay or enjoy a relaxing stroll.
The city is known for its wide variety
of bookstores, galleries, gift shops
Continuing your trek north, Weed, a
Middle McCloud Falls
Living Memorial Sculpture Garden
town on the western slopes of Mount
Shasta should be your next stop. The
Weed Historic Lumber Town Museum
offers a collection of artifacts including
the original lumber company store, as
well as a collection of antique logging
equipment. Nearby Lake Shastina
is known for its challenging 27 hole
“Magnificent Monster” golf course and
water recreation. At Weed the byway
heads towards Oregon on Hwy. 97. Just
a few miles north is The Living Memorial
Sculpture Garden, a heart warming
memorial dedicated to veterans. The
garden consists of eleven sculptures,
each is sure to provoke a different
memory from the veterans, and an
immense amount of gratitude from all
and good restaurants, as well as
Sisson Museum and Mt. Shasta Fish
Hatchery. The best access point for the
mountain itself is the Everett Memorial
Highway which begins in downtown
Mt. Shasta City.
to the best dinner train experience, it is
a beautiful historic town worth a visit.
itself has been recognized as one of
the seven sacred mountains in the
world. Its interesting history, tales
of lore, myths and legends continue
to attract visitors from around the
world who believe the mountain has a
spiritual aura. Located on its slopes is
Moving up the byway, at the base of the
mountain is Mt. Shasta City. From the
warmth of the chalets at Mount Shasta
Resort to the largest campground in
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Dunsmuir, just south of the byway and
Mt. Shasta City has a century long
history as a railroad town. Dunsmuir
is like stepping back in time with its
quaint and picturesque downtown.
The town may be one of the few
places that you can actually spend the
night in a 19th century railroad car.
Railroad Park Resort, located south
of Dunsmuir near Castle Crags, has a
collection of old cabooses and dining
13
Shasta Sunset Dinner Train
McCloud/Tulelake CONTINUED
wildlife refuge and Tulelake.
visitors. Continuing north on the byway
is Grass Lake and Deer Mountain. Grass
Lake provides a scenic stop over point
On the California side of the border
there are three prominent wildlife
viewing areas, the Lower Klamath Tule
Lake, and the Butte Valley National
Wildlife Refuges. The Lower Klamath
NWR has the distinction of being the
first refuge set aside for waterfowl in
the nation. Seventy-five percent of
the wildlife migrating along the west
Butte Valley National Grasslands
while Deer Mountain is popular for
winter snowmobiling and backcountry
snowshoeing. Don’t forget to take in
another view of Mount Shasta looking
at its northern and glaciated side.
Lower Klamath NWR
Drive Tips
Distance: 100 miles
Minimum Driving Time: 2 to 4 hours
Best Time to go: April-November,
winter for refuges
For Regional Information:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association,
530-365-7500 or 1-800-474-2782
www.shastacascade.com
Along the byway McCloud Chamber of Commerce, 530-964-3113,
Mt. Shasta Chamber of Commerce/Visitors Bureau, 530-926-4865, and
Weed Chamber of Commerce. 530-938-4624
Services along the route: Lodging and other traveler services
are available in McCloud, Mt. Shasta, Dunsmuir, Dorris and Tulelake, with
other limited services along the route.
Ashland
97
66
MIDLAND
OREGON
Merrill
DORRIS
Butte Valley
National Grasslands
97
MeissLake
coast Pacific Flyway visit these refuges.
During the year, over 260 species of
birds use the refuge including the
largest concentration of wintering
American bald eagles in the continental
United States. Although fall and winter
may be best for wildlife viewing,
there are numerous wildlife viewing
opportunities throughout the year.
The community of Tulelake on the
eastern side of the refuges is known
Lower
Klamath
Lake
161
Lower
Klamath N.W.R
Yreka
TULELAKE
Hill Road
One of the least populated areas of
California is also known for the most
wildlife population. Literally millions of
birds pass through this area annually
on the Pacific Flyway. When descending
Hebron summit on Hwy. 97 you are
entering Butte Valley, the only National
Grasslands in California. The small
town of Dorris near the Oregon border
has several interesting distinctions.
Several years ago the residents were
looking for some way to gain attention
to their community so they erected the
tallest flagpole west of the Mississippi.
On a clear day you can see this flag
waving from more than ten miles
away from the south. Leaving Dorris
heading for the Oregon border on
Hwy. 97, the intersection of Hwy. 161
is just a few minutes out of town. This
road paralleling the border leads to the
Tule Lake N.W.R
Tule Lake
139
Lake
Shastina
Lava Beds
National Monument
Grass Lake
Deer Mountain
5
Living Memorial Sculpture Garden
CALIFORNIA
Mt. SHASTA
WEED
14162ft Mount Shasta
Wilderness
Lake Siskiyou
Mt. SHASTA
DUNSMUIR
89
McCLOUD
Castle Crags State Park
5
Lava Beds National Monument Blue Grotto
Photographer David Hays
14
as the horseradish growing capital of
the world with more than 1/3 of the
world’s crop grown in the area. This
portion of Northern California also has
WWII history. One of the internment
camps for Japanese Americans was
just outside of Tulelake, as well as a
German/Italian prisoner of war camp.
Also in Tulelake is the only wildlife
waterfowl manufacturer of down
products in the United States. A side trip
to the Lava Beds National Monument is
worth the time, as this area not only
has unusual volcanic features but was
the site of the only Native American/
US Army battle in California history.
Shield volcanoes, cinder cones, spatter
cones, strato-volcanoes, and lava tubes
are all a part of this historic area. The
most prominent of all volcanic features
in this national monument has got
to be the lava tube caves. You won’t
want to miss over 700 caves, historic
battlefields, and Native American rock
art sites; this truly is something unique
for you to experience.
15
When you have finished exploring this
area, go back on Hwy. 161 to Hwy. 97
and a right turn will immediately deliver
you into the Oregon portion of this
byway adventure.
Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
Klamath/Wildlife
All American Road
Nature’s Gathering
The beginning of this segment of
the byway on the Oregon/California
border has an immediate opportunity
for a short side trip. The Bear Valley
National Wildlife Refuge just to
the west of Hwy. 97 is home to a
year history, it has had several boom
cycles. One of the early dreams of the
residents of Klamath Falls was being
connected to the rest of America by
railroad. This eventually happened
with the first train arriving in 1909.
eclectic history of the area. The Ross
Raglin Theater, constructed in the
classic art deco style, is a 60 year old
Pelican Hotel. The city’s stately
new landmark turned Klamath Falls
into a playground for wealthy San
Fort Klamath Museum
Photographer Todd Kepple
Lower Klamath Lake
significant portion of the bald eagles
who visit the refuge each winter. Back
on the byway and continuing north on
Hwy. 97, the City of Klamath Falls is
just a few minutes away. In its 135
Ideally located half way between San
Francisco and Portland, it immediately
began realizing its potential with the
construction by Southern Pacific
Railway of the magnificent White
16
landmark in Klamath Falls. Just to the
west of Klamath Falls is the Running
Y Ranch with Oregon’s number one
rated golf course. Upper Klamath
Lake located to the east of the byway
begins just outside of Klamath Falls.
Nearly 30 miles long and eight miles
wide, the Upper Klamath Lake is the
Franciscans. By the 1930’s a thriving
“entertainment industry” had begun
to take hold in Klamath Falls. Brothels
and saloons attracted many ranch
hands and loggers into town on Friday
nights. Today Klamath Falls is a great
place to spend a little time as several
museums offer a glimpse of the
17
Upper Klamath Lake NWR
Klamath/Wildlife CONTINUED
cranes, pelicans and bald eagles. If you
have enough time, consider renting a
canoe at Rocky Point Resort for a tour
on the lake.
largest body of freshwater west of
the Rockies. Because the lake is so
shallow a highly nutritious blue green
algae flourishes in the lake. Packed
Fort Klamath Church
Your next stop will be at Fort Klamath.
Built in 1863, the fort was the
first military outpost in the region.
A museum, open in the summer,
provides an interesting recounting of
the antagonism between the settlers
coming into the area in the 1860’s
and the Native Americans. This finally
culminated in the Modoc War of
1872-73. Nearby are the graves of
those Indians who were hanged for
the murder of General Canby. Among
those graves is that of the famous
Modoc Indian, Captain Jack. Captain
Jack and his men held off the US Army
in the Lava Beds south of the state
with an amazing range of micro
nutrients, the algae is harvested and
processed as a food supplement.
At the northern end of the lake, the
crystal clear water around Pelican
Bay is home to a vast population of
rainbow trout. Fly fishermen from
around the globe catch some of the
largest trout on the continent. There
are several lake excursion operators
offering informative and exciting tours
of Upper Klamath Lake. One of these
is a paddle wheeler offering guests
a guided tour while they enjoy a
sumptuous meal.
Distance: 80 miles
Minimum Driving Time: 3 hours
Best Time to go: Year-round
For Regional Information:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association,
530-365-7500 or 1-800-474-2782
www.shastacascade.com
Along the byway: Klamath County Dept. of Tourism,
1-541-882-1501 or 1-800-445-6728
Services along the route: Lodging and other traveler services
are available in Klamath Falls, Rocky Point, with other limited services
along the route.
Crater Lake
National Park
62
97
Annie Creek
FORT KLAMATH
KLAMATH
62
Sprague R.
West Side Rd
CHILOQUIN
Upper Klamath N.W.R
Upper Klamath
Lake
Mt. McLaughlin
9495ft
140
140
Lake of
the Woods
Ashland
Canvasback Duck
Upper Klamath NWR
line for over five months, which is one
of the most interesting episodes of
western American history.
While in this area, an interesting
side trip which will take just a few
minutes on Hwy.140 is Lake of the
5
Upper Klamath N.W.R
Hanks Marsh
Klamath Wildlife Area
Bear Valley Refuge
66
KLAMATH FALLS
MIDLAND
Klamath R.
Lower Klamath N.W.R
OREGON
Merrill
DORRIS
CALIFORNIA
97
161
Lower
Klamath
Lake
TULELAKE
139
Continuing north on Hwy. 62, which
closely follows Annie Creek, is
some extremely interesting geology,
including ancient fumaroles that have
undergone extensive erosion creating
chimney-like formations. Super
heated gases escaping through vents
hardened the soil thousands of years
ago. Over time erosion washed away
the softer surrounding soil leaving
tall irregular shaped chimneys.
Geologists have been known to
swoon at this sight. You are now at
the south entrance of Crater Lake
National Park, the final segment of
your byway adventure.
Upper Klamath Lake
Woods Resort. Mt. McLaughlin, once
an active volcano, looms over the
lake. This “Nuevo” rustic resort is a
great place to stay and the food is
excellent. Another wildlife viewing
opportunity exists on the north end
of the lake, Upper Klamath National
Wildlife Refuge. Established in 1928,
the refuge attracts more than 250
species of birds including sand hill
Drive Tips
18
19
Sunset on Tulelake
Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
Crater Lake National Park
All American Road
America’s Deepest Lake
asset was William Gladstone Steel.
His preoccupation with the lake began
in 1870 and in his efforts to bring
recognition to the park he participated
in numerous scientific studies, and
named many of the lake’s landmarks.
Steel’s dream of gaining national park
status was realized on May 22, 1902,
when President Theodore Roosevelt
signed legislation designating Crater
Lake as a national park. Also, Steel’s
continued involvement helped with
the development of Crater Lake Lodge
in 1915 and the Rim Drive. The drive
which goes completely around the
lake was completed in 1918.
Crater Lake has been an inspiration
to people for hundreds of years. Local
Native Americans witnessed the
collapse of Mt. Mazama and kept the
event alive in their legends. One ancient
legend of the Klamath people closely
parallels the geologic story which
has emerged from today’s scientific
research. The legend tells of two chiefs
pitted in a battle which ended in the
destruction of one of the chief’s home,
Mt. Mazama. The battle was witnessed
in the eruption of Mt. Mazama and the
creation of Crater Lake.
In more modern history, Crater Lake
was first seen by white men in 1853.
That year, three gold prospectors
came upon a long sloping mountain.
Upon reaching its high point they
found the huge awe inspiring lake.
Since gold was more on the minds
of settlers, the discovery was soon
forgotten. The person considered
responsible for originally establishing
Crater Lake as a significant natural
The lake itself is the deepest lake in
the United States and 7th deepest in
the world. There is no inlet or outlet to
the lake with all the water coming from
annual rain and snowfall. Because
Crater Lake is filled almost entirely by
snowfall, it is one of the clearest lakes
in the world. A small volcanic island,
Wizard Island, rises 764 feet above
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The best time to visit Crater Lake is
June through October if you wish
to complete the loop around the
the surface of the lake. A small crater
rests on the summit of the island.
Two species of fish, rainbow trout
Crater Lake
Crater Lake Lodge
lake on Rim Drive. During the other
eight months much of the park is a
snow covered wilderness receiving
and kokanee salmon, the result of
extensive stocking between 1880 and
1942, live in the lake.
21
Crater Lake, Mt. Thielsen
Photographer Todd Kepple
Crater Lake National Park CONTINUED
an average of 500 inches of snow
annually. When entering the park
from the south the Annie Springs
entry station brings you to the park
headquarters and the William G.
Steel Information Center. This is
open year-round. Here you will find
Mazama Village. The Mazama Village
campground has 198 sites and the
Mazama Village Motor Inn has 40
rooms. There is a lake overlook at the
Rim Village Visitor Center. From the
Rim Village there are several hikes
that are worth considering including
High Above Crater Lake
Drive Tips
Distance: 60 miles
Minimum Driving Time: 4 hours
Best Time to go: June-October
For Regional Information:
Klamath County Dept. of Tourism,
1-541-882-1501 or 1-800-445-6728 and
Crater Lake National Park, 1-541-594-3000.
Services along the route: Lodging and other traveler services
are available in Mazama Village and Rim Village.
138
CHEMULT
230
138
the one to Discovery Point and also
to the top of Garfield Peak. These
hikes afford visitors a view of Wizard
Island, The Watchman, Hillman Peak,
Mt. Thielsen and Cleetwood Cove,
more than six miles across the lake.
Another short walk leads to Sinnott
Memorial, with a small museum
and ranger presentations during the
summer months. This overview gives
a spectacular view 900 feet down to
the lake’s surface.
Cleetwood Cove
m
Ri
ive
Dr
Crater Lake
Wizard Island
Visitor Center
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4
providing spectacular views. Kerr
Notch and Sun Notch have views
down to Phantom Rock and across
the lake to Wizard Island. Continuing
on the scenic drive, the north junction
will lead you out of the park and onto
Hwy. 138. This route makes a quick
descent down to Hwy. 97 at Diamond
Lake junction which is about half way
between Bend and Klamath Falls.
Keep in mind this entrance or exit to
the park is usually only open from
June through October.
is only open during the summer but
affords numerous overlooks, many
with interpretive signage. The only
access to the lake itself is via a steep
trail to Cleetwood Cove where boat
tours are offered by Crater Lake Lodge
Company. These 1 hour 45 minute
ranger narrated tours are available
from late June through mid September.
Tickets are sold in the parking lot at
the Cleetwood Cove trailhead.
Numerous picnic areas can be found
along the rim drive with several
22
97
d
Mazama Village
Annie Spring Entrance
Crater Lake
Wizard Island Boat Ride
ounta
in Rd
Rim Village
Crater Lake Lodge
Sinnott Memorial Overlook
sR
cle
The 33 mile Rim Drive encircles Crater
Lake with each turn of the road giving
a different perspective of the lake, rim
and surrounding terrain. This drive
Crater Lake
National Park
a
nn
Pi
Continuing north from the visitor center
will soon bring you to the Rim Village.
This is the first overlook of the lake as
well as the only lodging available on
the rim of the lake. Crater Lake Lodge
was established in 1915 and went
through an extensive remodel in 1995.
The views from the lodge are fantastic
and meet anyone’s expectations of
what a national park lodge should be.
Other lodging and camping is available
at the Annie Springs entry station in
209
Sun M
detailed information about the park,
backcountry permits, exhibits, maps,
publication sales and a 16 minute
video about the park.
Diamond Lake
Junction
23
The California Welcome Center, 1699 Hwy. 273,
Anderson, California can provide extensive travel planning
information for all the scenic drives in Northern California
as well as information on public lands and travel services.
Funded in part by Federal Highway Administration.
This guide was produced by:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association
1699 Hwy. 273, Anderson, CA 96007
Phone: 530-365-7500/1-800-474-2782, Fax: 530-365-1258
Email: [email protected]
Guide Editor: Karen Whitaker, Director of Tourism
Helpful Websites:
www.shastacascade.com
www.volcaniclegacybyway.com
www.klamathcounty.com
Other Resources:
olcanic Legacy Scenic Byway Information
V
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Crater Lake National Park
Lava Beds National Monument
Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges
Klamath N.F.
Lassen N.F.
Modoc N.F.
Shasta-Trinity N.F.
Plumas N.F.
Winema N.F.
530-926-5439
530-595-4480
541-594-3000
530-667-8100
530-667-2231
530-842-6131
530-257-2151
530-233-5811
530-226-2500
530-283-2050
541-947-2151