Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway is in south-central Oregon. It begins on US 97 at the California state line and travels north for 140 miles. The byway follows US 97, OR 140, OR 62, and OR 138. All are two-lane paved roads suitable for all types of vehicles. The portion running through Crater Lake National Park is closed by snow from mid-October to mid-June.
Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway takes travelers along the shores of Upper Klamath Lake and through Crater Lake National Park. It crosses the desert landscape of Klamath Basin and evergreen forests surrounding the national park. Upper Klamath Lake is Oregon’s largest fresh-water lake; it has a surface area of more than 90,000 acres. Thousands of migrating birds can be seen around the lake during peak fall migrations.
Crater Lake National Park’s main attraction is six-mile long Crater Lake. The lake is 1,932 feet deep and is surrounded by lava cliffs that rise 500 to 2,000 feet. Over 50 miles of trails exist within the park, including 33 miles of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. Some trails lead to the summit of high points above the lake while others bring you closer to the lake. There are two campgrounds within the national park: Lost Creek and Mazama. Lost Creek has 16 tent-only campsites. Mazama has nearly 200 sites, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and a dump station. There are no hookups in either campground. A 71-room lodge is also in the park.
Other public campgrounds are available along or near the byway. Hagelstein Park is a county-operated park that has ten campsites on Upper Klamath Lake. Collier State Park is 30 miles north of Klamath Falls on US 97 and has 50 sites with complete hookups. It is open mid-April through October.