Luxury Oregon’s Crater Lake & Cascades Walk 6D5N (The Pacific Crest Trail), Fully Guided

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 14 km (9 miles), Elevation gain: 518 m (1700 ft)

Meet up with your tour leaders at 9 am, at the Oxford Hotel, Oregon. Please, make sure to arrive dressed in hiking clothes and come along with a daypack containing your rain gear and anything else you may want for the day's hike, and your luggage (which will be transported to your room for the next two nights).

Welcome to Bend, the gateway to premium adventure in Oregon! Our hiking adventure in this beautiful city begins with a morning walk along Tumalo Creek, a tributary of the Deschutes River, and a loved path for local hikers, runners, and cyclists. Wander through virgin forest and take in high desert sage as we go down the creek to where we will have lunch.

Following lunch, we shuttle to a different route, where we hike through hemlock and pine forests accompanied by fields of lupine. This takes us to the top of Tumalo Mountain for awe-inspiring views of the Three Sisters, Broken Top, and Mount Bachelor. If you'd rather not go hiking, but still love to see the stunning sights, you could use the scenic chairlift at the foot of Mount Bachelor.

After our hike, we shuttle down to our home for the next two nights. The Oxford Hotel, a sophisticated, eco-chic boutique property seated in the heart of historic downtown Bend that boasts luxury accommodations with little environmental impact. Take your time to settle, and reconvene shortly after for dinner, where we enjoy some of Bend's famous cuisine and Oregon's award-winning wine.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 274 m (900 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 549 m (1800 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 366 m (1200 ft)

After a delicious breakfast, we shuttle north to Smith Rock State, a high-desert land of cliffs, deep canyons, and magnificent geological formations. The Smith Rock's columnar basalt and steep faces of welded rock are perfect for rock climbing which is why adrenaline-seeking enthusiasts are drawn to it. We encounter this relatively low landscape, decorated by huge walls and towering spires of up to 168 metres (550 feet) as we follow a route through some of the 650-acre park’s most stunning features. Make sure to make stops to enjoy the stunning panoramas! If you'd like to go on to tackle some more miles, ask your leaders about the Wolf Tree Trail.

We will have lunch at one of Oregon's legendary outdoor food truck parks where we'll savour mouthwatering cuisine and specialty drinks under an unbeatable atmosphere. Then, we go on a beer venture at the city's historic Deschutes Brewery. After that, we return to Bend.

Enjoy award-winning craft beer and handmade ales, and learn how the Deschutes Brewery became a crucial part of the local community in 1988. Afterward, you could explore the city of Bend or head back to the hotel for a relaxing time in the hot tub or sauna. In the evening, you are to enjoy dinner on your own, at any restaurant of your choice. Savour the flavours of any cuisine of your choice, from American to Italian in the many great restaurants all around Bend.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 183 m (600 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 11 km (7 miles), Elevation gain: 244 m (800 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 13 km (8 miles), Elevation gain: 366 m (1200 ft)

After a nice breakfast, we shuttle west into the nearby Deschutes National Forest for beautiful vistas of glacially decorated Tumalo Falls, the tallest and most spectacular waterfall along Tumalo Creek. The falls dip magnificently off a rock ledge, dropping 27 metres (89 feet) before crashing into a small pool below.

We go on a hike beyond the falls and alongside the creek, journeying northward toward the convergence of the Middle Deschutes River (this is where water sandals come in handy!). After crossing several bridges, we are faced with smaller cascading waterfalls along the trail, as it cuts through a conifer forest characterised by diversity.

As the hike ends, we shuttle to our next destination, the Sunriver Resort. This resort is located at the foot of the Cascade Mountains and oozes homely elegance in combination with grand public spaces and a rustic environment. Explore the grounds before dinner; get yourself a craft brew at the Sunriver Beer Garden, or check out Sage Springs Club 5 & Spa for a rejuvenating massage. (Spa treatments are not included in the trip fee. Reservations are advisable.)

Level 2, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 274 m (900 ft)

Begin your day by shuttling north to Rosary Lakes, three alpine jewels tucked into Deschutes National Forest in Oregon's Central Cascades. Then, we go on a hike that takes us past a small section of the Pacific Crest Trail, legendary long-distance hiking trail. Arriving at Willamette Pass, we wander through a sheltered virgin forest as we make our way toward the charming Lower, Middle, and North Rosary Lakes. The Lower Rosary Lake which is the largest of the three is a perfect mirror for monolithic Pulpit Rock to the northwest and is a sight that is guaranteed to leave you in awe.

You could get a feel of the water with just your feet, or take a dive if you're up for it. Journey closer to the Pulpit Rock, a lofty formation that stands about 183 metres (600 feet) above Middle Rosary Lake. Moving a little further will lead you to a perfect lunch spot in the shade, on the shore of North Rosary Lake. Retrace your steps back to where you came from, and hop into the shuttle back to Sunriver Resort for a relaxing and rejuvenating afternoon before dinner.

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 366 m (1200 ft)

Shuttle south into Klamath County to explore Crater Lake National Park, which was established in 1902. The Crater Lake was formed almost 8,000 years ago when an enormous stratovolcano, Mount Mazama, blew its lid in an unbelievably powerful eruption. The remnant of the eruption was a caldera, a gaping 4000- foot in the earth. Eventually, it filled with water, creating the breathtaking wonder that is Crater Lake.

We explore the eastern side of the lake by hiking up to the peak of Mount Scott, known as Tomsandi in the native Kalamath language. Getting to the Rim Road, we hike through a meadow and stroll along a rough trail sometimes decorated with occasional stands of western hemlock and white-bark pines, leading to wide views from Mount Scott's peak at 8,928 feet (2.7 kilometres). On a clear day, you could see as far as the Three Sisters, 137 kilometres (85 miles) to the north, or Mount Shasta, 100 miles (161 kilometres) south in California! It is known as a great spot to take group photos at Crater Lake, only from here can you fit an entire width of the lake within a standard camera lens.

Following that, shuttle to the west side of the lake for a scenic and easy-going hike along the crater's rim to arrive at historic Crater Lake Lodge, our home for the night. This lodge was built in 1915 and is redolent of a bygone period with its rustic allure, crackling fireplaces, and cosy atmosphere. Relax in the lodge, maybe in a rocking chair on the lodge's back deck, or you could learn about the natural history of the park at the nearby Rim Visitor Centre.

The stunning sapphire waters of the lake provide an awe-inspiring backdrop for our farewell reception with a delicious dinner at the lodge to follow, where we will amuse our palates with delicious American cuisines.

Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 457 m (1500 ft)

On this day, you have the option of rising early to go on a hike on the nearby Garfield Peak, a well-known Crater Lake trail. The firm, steep climb fakes you to the summit of Garfield Peak for a far-reaching bird's eye view of the entire lake, including a small island near the south rim— the Phantom Ship. Or you could sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge and rendezvous with the others before lunch.

The hikers make their way back to Crater Lake Lodge and freshen up before we enjoy one last picnic together. Following that, we take our final shuttle to Bend, which marks the end of our trip. Leaving in awe of adventures together. Bid a fond farewell to your leaders and newly found friends as you continue your onward journey.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.