2-2.5weeks is a good amount of time for this type of loop. I echo Opoppas suggestion of driving down the Oregon Coast first for logistical reasons and if you are thinking about an earlier summer adventure, the coast is a good starting place and even an extra week of meltout in the high country(Crater Lake) could be useful. Typically mid/late July is the sweet spot of melt out snow and usually less fire/smoke concerns.

my suggested minimums dates for each area but can add extras: 3 days to travel the Oregon coast, 2-3 in redwood, 2-3 in Bend and 2-3 Mt Hood/Gorge. I have not been to Lassen- every one who I've talked to says its ok but not as impressive as other NP. if you do go there- be sure to add on Lava Beds National Monument which is excellent if you like caving and interesting historical hiking trails(Captain Jacks stronghold) too. Could be too hot in July for hiking.

Also you cant really avoid crowds anymore so dont worry about that factor- any time from May to October there will be plenty of locals and visitors in the out of doors. of course 'crowds' are subjective.

For your hiking days do know that most locations require some logistics re: permits and passes. Figure them out well in advance to avoid fussing around with them while on vacation. Some do require advanced reservations in wilderness areas near Bend- so its great you are looking ahead. have primary destination in mind and nearby backups in the event parking lots are full, etc. The hikes youlve listed are excellent choices for first time visitors and very popular for good reason.

For Crater Lake i would recommend a long day trip from Bend. Honestly you can find better hiking elsewhere but the Lake itself is quite mesmerizing and worth visiting.

For the Columbia Gorge, i would see if Hood River is a place to overnight or you could stay in Portland if you want to have an urban/city experience as a part of the vacation. Great urban hiking available in Portland if that is of interest. Edgefield Hotel might be of interest for you- eclectic NW style lodging.

Heres a pretty good website describing gorge hikes https://gorgefriends.org/hike-the-gorge/find-a-hike.html

FYWIW the instagram/social media of people out on the Natural Bridges along the coast is a unsanctioned (and deadly) user trail. i would not recommend anyone going out there, but the viewpoint is nice. Just trying to temper expectations/realtity with what is posted virtually.

one other safety tip. depending on your carrier phone/cell service can be quite spotty- dont rely on it as your primary locational tool.

Thank you oregonpoppa and chinookgirl. Much appreciate your info.

Will Mt Hood hikes be accessible beginning of July? Is 2-3 nights in Bend enough?

My husband is a die hard runner and wants to forgo some of the coast for an overnight in Eugene as it’s Track City USA. We figure we could arrive stay in Portland day trip to Astoria/Cannon Beach then head to Eugene visiting Silver Fslls St Park in route for the trail of the 10 Falls. Trying to time our Cannon beach visit with best low tide in early summer.

From Eugene we would head down Redwoods and resume the our trek along the coast. After Redwoods, we thought to visit Crater Lake in route to BEND is that reasonable?

Finally, where to you suggest we base in the Redwoods? In the list for redwoods - fern canyon, Boy Scout trail, stout grove, Avenue of the giants, grove of titans

I'm very confused about our dates and timing. If track and field is important, be sure to check out the dates for the NCAA championships, Prefontaine Classic and other big meets at Hayward Field. You'll either wa t to. end there for the events or avoid Eugene because of the difficulty finding economical lodging.

Regarding Crater lake, it's easy to fit in between Grants Pass and Bend. especially if the north entrance has opened.

Trinidad is the place to base yourselves in the redwoods.

Thank you for that important detail. My husband would like to visit Eugene To see the important track and field sites, but we do not want to get caught in all of the crowds. Our trip to Oregon is ending When the Prefontaine classic begins, so we will be sure to put a visit to Eugene at the beginning of our trip instead of the end so we don’t overlap with the crowds.

Google Track Town Events for the 2025 schedule. June and July are busy times. If your husband wants to really feel what it's like at the heart of the track and field universe. you should try to attend one of the meets, despite crowds, etc. This is still Eugene, not Los Angeles, Atlanta or New York.

If and when you decide to spend time in Eugene/Springfield let us know so we can help you with local planning.