Rare chance to bike, hike Crater Lake rim

Those seeking a quick weekend trip from Bend are in for a special treat this weekend. For the first time in history, East Rim Drive at Crater Lake National Park will be closed to motorized vehicles June 22-23.

Starting at dawn on Saturday, pedestrians and cyclists will be able to trek this scenic stretch of road without sharing the roadway with motorized vehicles. The arrangement will continue through sunset on Sunday, June 23, and is part of a plan created by the National Park Service and Travel Oregon.

“This is an opportunity we’ve been hoping to offer Oregon cyclists and pedestrians for several years now,” explained David Blair, a Bend-based consultant with Travel Oregon. “Crater Lake’s East Rim Drive is widely regarded as one of the most scenic stretches of road in America, and it’s great the National Park Service has been able to make this work. We’re excited for visitors to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Whether hiking or biking, visitors will have the opportunity to take in stunning views of Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States, from various points around the rim with no vehicle traffic.

Under the plan, East Rim Drive Road will be open to non-motorized vehicles only (except for administrative and emergency vehicles) from North Junction around the East Rim of Crater Lake all the way to the intersection at Crater Lake National Park Headquarters and the Steel Visitors Center.

Hwy 62 through the south end of the park, West Rim Drive and the North Entrance Road will be open to vehicles. Regular parking areas will be open, but generally fill up quickly.

For more information, visit this link or contact David Blair. http://www.nps.gov/crla/parknews/east-rim-road-opens-for-non-motorized-recreation.htm