RIDING TYPE | ■︎ Intermediate

TRIP DURATION | 5-Days

SEASON | July – August

Bicycling Magazine chose the Crater Lake Loop as one of its top ten rides. It is in a beautiful and practically undiscovered part of southwestern Oregon. The lake was created when Mt. Mazama erupted over 7,000 years ago and the resulting crater slowly filled with water. Our road bike tour is a great way to explore the unique geology of the area. We start with rolling farm and forest terrain south of the national park. Then on day 2 we climb up to the rim of the crater for our first views of the lake. On day 3 we ride around the lake and stop for a hike down to the water level and a boat ride across. This is a beautiful ride that undulates along the rim and through the surrounding forest. On day 4 we head north to the Umpqua River. Now we are traveling down, down, down and the last night of the trip is spent at a famous fly-fishing lodge on the banks of the Umpqua River. Elevations on this trip range from 2,800 - 7,100 feet, so get ready to climb. However, when you've had enough our support van will be ready for you. You have the opportunity to control the challenge. Lodging includes a great bed and breakfast and the Crater Lake Lodge.

Accommodations may be changed due to availability. Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety and other factors which may
affect the logistics of the trip.

Overall Rating: Intermediate
Physical Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced
Altitude: 1,100 - 7,800 feet

MEETING PLACE AND TIME

Medford, OR
This tour will begin at 8:30 AM PST at Marty’s Cycle & Moore, 720 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, Oregon, 541-772-9253. You will need to spend the night before in Medford.

ENDING TIME

We will return to Medford between 4:00-5:00 PM on the last day.

GETTING TO MEDFORD, OR

Driving

Medford is located near the southern border of Oregon on Interstate 5. There is parking available at the bike shop where the trip meets.

Flying into Medford
Airport Code: MFR

Flying into Portland, OR
Airport Code: PDX
You can rent a car in Portland and park it at the bike shop where the trip meets. It is a beautiful 4-1/2 hour drive.

Flying into Eugene, OR
Airport Code: EUG
You can rent a car and park it at the bike shop where the trip meets. It’s a 2-1/2 hour drive.

TAXI SERVICE

TLC Yellow Cab: 541-772-6288
Valley Cab: 541-772-1818

LODGING BEFORE YOUR TRIP
Medford is a popular summer vacation spot. It is a good idea to book your rooms several months in advance if possible; here are a few recommendations:

Hampton Inn
541-779-0660, 800-426-7866

Shilo Inn
541- 770-5151, 800-222-2244
Offers airport shuttles.

Holiday Inn Express
541-732-1400, 800-465-4329

Comfort Inn South
541-772-8000, 800-424-6423
Located downtown. There is a bike path right behind the Comfort Inn that will eventually run the whole way to Ashland, Oregon.

ACCOMMODATIONS DURING YOUR TRIP

Prices are based on double occupancy. If you are traveling alone, we will pair you with another guest. If you prefer your own room, ask about the single supplement and we will accommodate if available.

Be sure to bring everything on this list. We have carefully developed this list to ensure your comfort on the tour regardless of the weather. If you are prepared for extreme weather, it is an adventure. If you are not prepared it can be a serious problem. We recommend the layering system, including a wicking or long underwear layer, an insulating layer and a weather barrier for wind and rain. This list reflects that philosophy. Weather can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed!

HOW TO PACK: The bulk of your gear and clothing will ride in the Western Spirit support vehicle (preferably in a large duffle bag) and will not be accessible during the day. While this trip is vehicle supported, there will be extended times when you are away from the vehicle. For this trip, you will need to be able to carry some extra clothing while riding. You can either bring a riding pack or carry these items in your jersey.

A small day bag is optional and may be used to store things you’d rather not ride with, but would like to have access to during the day. This daypack will
remain with the support vehicle and will be available periodically throughout the day.

WHAT WE PROVIDE:
✓ meals, snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, non-alcoholic drinks
✓ 2 large cycling water bottles
✓ sunscreen & bug spray
✓ bike stand and lube
✓ guides bring their own tools
✓ first aid kit with basic medications

BRINGING OR RENTING

o road bike:

  •  if you’re bringing your own bike, make sure to bring a pump, tire levers, spare tubes, and optional CO2 cartridges.
  •  if you’re renting, we will provide all the above items. Rental bikes have 2 water bottle cages on them. Our rentals come with flat pedals. You are welcome to bring your own shoe-pedal combination if you prefer.

o helmet (gratis w/rental bike)

CYCLING CLOTHING

o cycling shoes
o 3 - 5 pair cycling shorts
o 3 - 5 cycling shirts
o long sleeve cycling shirt
o long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
o cycling socks
o windbreaker
o tights or leg warmers
o 2 pair cycling gloves (1 pair full length for warmth)
o ear band
o booties
o rain jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
o rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
o warm layer (lightweight synthetic puffy jacket or long sleeve fleece shirt)
o sunglasses or other eye protection

CASUAL CLOTHING

o casual shorts
o casual long pants
o shirts (long and short sleeve)
o one nice dinner outfit
o socks
o jammies
o pile or fleece jacket
o warm gloves and hat
o hat or visor
o swim suit
o comfortable walking shoes
o sandals

PERSONAL

o toiletries
o medication (daily and emergency)
o sunglasses
o optional riding pack
o optional day bag
o cash for tipping guides: your guides work as a team and share all of their gratuities. A tip of 10-20% of the price of your trip given to either one of your guides when you return to civilization is a great way to say thanks for a job well done.

OPTIONAL

o camera, extra batteries
o binoculars
o alcoholic or any of your favorite beverages (your guides will pack these)
o books or maps
o we encourage you to turn your devices off, but if you cannot, please bring a way to charge them. We recommend a portable USB charger with 1-2 charges.
o charger for phone or other devices at hotel

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Need more information about our bike trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping and FAQ page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by .

Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732 

Crater Lake National Park Road Tour

PRICE | $2,795 pp

Private Departures Available
Call  435-259-8732

DEPARTURES

A Day With Western Spirit

Rise & Shine
How do you like to start your day? If you like waking up to hot coffee and unforgettable sunrises you’re in luck. Delicious cowboy coffee, fresh fruit salad, pancakes, bacon, granola, yogurt and more.

>>> Read More

Hit The Trail
Whether your trip includes: riding
the Rainbow Rim Trail; enjoying breathtaking views of the
Grand Canyon; leading your
friends on the White Rim Road in Canyonlands; or ripping down.

>>> Read More

Apres
We base our itineraries around the trails that we love to ride, but also around great camp locations. We love to find the perfect place next to rivers or lakes , or by vistas
and sunset spots.

>>> Read More

BIKE TRIP TESTIMONIALS

Your guides are your ambassadors, they are fun, energetic and very knowledgeable. I would not do anything different.

~ Paul

“Warmth, humor, seriously good people skills,professionalism, competence. They execute their very serious responsibilities with confidence-inspiring grace.”

~ David

“This was our 3rd trip with Western Spirit, so we knew what to expect from the guides and the support they’d provide. The trip itself was spectacular – the scenery was unbeatable and the weather was perfect.”

~ Jennifer

“Food was WAY better than I expected. I like to eat healthy and was worried about “camping food.” The guides prepared amazing food. The trip was a blast in general with gorgeous scenery and good campsites. Guides were very friendly, patient and helpful”

~ Erika
“I was worried riding and camping with a group… could I keep up?… would I “fit in”? I was able to keep up and push myself and was challenged by the terrain, I loved it! The group was great I had nothing to worry about, everyone was friendly and supportive.”
~ Robin

“The trip was one of the most incredible experiences of my life… the scenery, the views, the guides, and the food! I loved how great the meals were!!! The guides were unbelievable cooks! After biking all day, to be able to sit down and eat a great meal & drink a beer …man, it was great!”

~ Gary

“Great salads at lunch, a lot of variety, they guides had food specially prepared for those of us with food issues. Plus, they set up our chairs in the best spots!”

~ Teri

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been on any organized event and this one was simply amazing. My skill and fitness level were not up to those as others in the group but never once did I feel intimidated…”

~ Nick

“Normally I do self supported but having someone else make excellent food makes me want to do it again”

~ Christl

“I had been to Canyonlands two years prior so knew scenery was outstanding but it takes on even more magnificence when seen from seat of bike. The guides were awesome and supportive. Food was better than in most restaurants and more than you could eat.”

~ Michael

Great salads at lunch, a lot of variety, they guides had food specially prepared for those of us with food issues. Plus, they set up our chairs in the best spots!

~ Teri

“I was tired at the end of each day and to have everything taken care of as far as dinner and cleanup, it was so nice to have that not be my issue. The guides were amazing, simply amazing….the food was always excellent, their personalities are different but blended with everyone perfectly!”

~ Pam

The guides made the trip totally beyond awesome. They were fun, the food was WAY better than I expected, the rides could be were tailored, guiding was superb, trails were a blast, our campsite was sweet. I have zero complaints.

~ Wendy

“To begin with the landscape and scenery was majestic and awesome. The guides were all instrumental in enhancing the experience with their knowledge, skills, and out of the goodness of their character.”

~ Edward

“Very accommodating of me being vegan, very cheerful and nice.”

~ Jason

The food was fantastic! I didn’t expect such meals. The guides were so friendly, helpful, and entertaining. They really worked well together. Also, they made sure that everyone in their various skill levels enjoyed the rides and that there was enough for everyone.

~ Nichole