From world-famous Crater Lake National Park to one of America’s richest bird refuges, the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway - All American Road owes its dramatic scenery and abundant wild life to its rich volcanic past.

The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway – All American Road skirts lakes, diverse wetlands, and scenic ranches, all against a stunning backdrop of volcanic landscapes. You’ll encounter the ancient natural forces that shaped exquisite mountain lakes and snow-caped peaks all throughout this “volcano to volcano” driving adventure that stretches from Crater Lake in Oregon to Mount Lassen in Northern California. Along with Spectacular scenery, you’ll enjoy rich history, charming towns and extraordinary recreational and cultural opportunities.

Crater Lake National Park and its historic Lodge are certainly “high points” of this Byway and All-American Road. Crater Lake was formed after the collapse of an ancient volcano, posthumously named Mount Mazama. This volcano’s violent eruption, 7,700 years ago, was 42 times as powerful as the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington State. The basin or caldera was formed after the top 5,000 feet of the volcano collapsed. Subsequent lava flows sealed the bottom, allowing the caldera to fill with approximately 4.6 trillion gallons of water from rainfall and snow melt, to create the seventh deepest lake in the world.

A little farther along, the Byway passes 90,000-acre Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon’s largest lake. Famous for its diverse bird life and oversized rainbow trout, Upper Klamath Lake is the centerpiece of the Klamath Basin, the largest freshwater ecosystem west of the Great Lakes. The six National Wildlife Refuges scattered across the Basin host over a million birds during peak migration periods, and serve as wintering grounds for as many as 500 bald eagles.

Crater Lake is the beginning of the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway - All American Road and takes you on a beautiful ride south through sensational scenery to the Lava Beds National Monument. 

Fort Klamath

The fist stop on the way to Crater Lake, this historic area is located in the lush Wood River Valley, only 17 miles south of Crater Lake National Park. Just north of town lies the Wood River, a spring creek that bubbles up from the ground. It is highly regarded for its native Brown and Rainbow Trout. Fort Klamath, established in 1863, was the first military post in the region. The guardhouse (museum) contains fort relics, pictures, and houses a small gift shop. Visitors can also learn the history and see the gravesites of Modoc Chief, Captain Jack and three of his warriors who fought off the U.S. Army in the most expensive campaign in the West - the Modoc Indian War of 1872-1873. Re-enactments are staged during the summer months. Contact the Klamath County Museum at 541/883-4208 for more information.

Klamath Lake

Soon you'll reach the shore of Klamath Lake and the edge of the upper Klamath Wildlife Refuge. Klamath Lake is one of Oregon's largest bodies of fresh water, covering 133 square miles. The lake and the refuge are situated in the heart of the Pacific Flyway, which attracts more than 350 species of birds, including Sandhill Cranes, Pelicans, and Bald Eagles. During peak migration more than a million birds pass through. West Side Road passes through portions of the Fremont-Winema National Forests, in the shadow of Mt. McLoughlin, and connects with Highway 140 along the lake. 

Rocky Point Resort 

Rocky Point Resort is nestled on the shore of Upper Klamath Lake as you continue down West Side Road approximately 18 miles. Beautiful sunsets and spectacular views make the delicious meal complete. The resort also offers Southern Oregon’s finest facilities for fishing, hunting, boating, camping, RV camping, wildlife enthusiasts and camera buffs. For more information, call 541/356-2287

Trip Facts

Distance: A stunning 140-mile drive.

Best Time: June-October; Crater Lake has fewer people in the fall; the north entrance and the rim drive close from November through May.

Minimum Drive Time: 5 – 7 hours

Medical Services: Klamath Falls and Bend (large hospitals)

Fees: Crater Lake National Park ($10/car)