Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway

03/02/2024

Tailor Made for RV Travelers

We know that your RV is more than a vehicle; it’s your home on wheels. That’s why the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway is designed with you in mind. You'll find numerous, well equipped RV parks, convenient amenities, and friendly faces every step of the way. The freedom to travel at your own pace is the essence of RV life. Stop for a photo, set up camp by a serene lake, or explore a hidden trail. Your schedule is yours to make, and every day is an opportunity for a new adventure.

With your RV as your base camp, set out to explore diverse habitats that are a haven for wildlife. From bird watching in the Klamath Basin to spotting deer in the forests, nature’s wonders are at your doorstep. Whether it’s hiking, fishing, kayaking, or stargazing, the byway offers endless activities for every interest. Every season brings its unique charm and a new way to experience the great outdoors.

02/02/2024

An RV Travelers Paradise

Discover the heart of America's volcanic frontier on the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, a captivating route stretching over 500 miles from the majestic Lassen Volcanic National Park in California to the awe-inspiring Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. For scenic route travelers, this byway isn't just a road; it's a passage through some of the most breathtaking landscapes, rich histories, local culture and heritage, and diverse ecological wonders our planet has to offer.

31/01/2024

Embrace the Great Outdoors

The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway All American Road offers many activities for nature enthusiasts, from hiking and birdwatching to fishing and boating. Each season unveils new adventures, including wildflower viewing in spring, summer water sports, vibrant fall foliage, and winter snow sports. It really is nature’s playground for all ages – a family-friendly adventure, with educational and fun activities that will delight children and adults alike.

For all, the Byway provides solace and an opportunity to refresh and recharge. The journey is an opportunity to disconnect from the bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature. Breathe in the fresh mountain air, listen to the whisper of the forests, and find peace in the tranquil beauty of the landscapes. Whether you're seeking a weekend getaway or an extended exploration, the byway offers flexibility to create your perfect adventure. Modern accommodations, RV parks, and camping sites ensure that your journey is as comfortable as it is memorable.

We invite you to experience the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, a route through stunning landscapes and the heart of nature's wonders. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first scenic journey, this byway promises an experience that will inspire, rejuvenate, and leave you in awe.

27/01/2024

Echoes of Earlier Times

This land is steeped in rich cultural history. Learn about the Native Americans that have called this land home for centuries, explore historical landmarks, and immerse yourself in the stories that have shaped this region. Tribes such as the Modoc, Klamath, Pit River, and Shasta have inhabited these lands for centuries. Their legacy is evident in the landscape, from ancient petroglyphs to sacred sites.

The byway also traces the paths of early explorers and settlers who navigated this challenging terrain. Their stories of exploration, logging, mining, and settlement offer a glimpse into the pioneer life and the region's transformation over time. Travelers will encounter historic towns that reflect the region's diverse cultural heritage along the byway. These communities, with their museums, architecture, and local traditions, offer a window into the lives of those who have called this area home.

The charming towns which remain, dotted along the byway, are bursting with character and hospitality. Explore local museums, quaint shops, and eateries that offer a taste of the local culture and cuisine. Enjoy one of the numerous cultural festivals and events along the byway that celebrate the region's history and heritage. These gatherings are vibrant displays of local customs, cuisine, music, and dance, offering travelers an authentic cultural experience.

26/01/2024

A Tapestry of Natural Wonders

Your scenic journey starts at Lassen Volcanic National Park, where the ground still steams with the earth's fiery energy. Witness the remnants of volcanic activity, serene mountain lakes, and fields of wildflowers that paint the landscape in vibrant hues. Traverse through towering forests, past the magnificent Mount Shasta, and into the heart of the Cascade Range. Each curve of the road reveals a new, awe-inspiring vista - from sparkling lakes to vast lava beds that whisper tales of ancient eruptions.

Every mile you meander offers the chance for a novel discovery. Designed for those seeking the beauty in the journey coupled with historical attractions and culture along the way, the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway offers endless opportunities. With conveniently placed viewpoints, you can pause to soak in the panoramas and capture moments that will last a lifetime. Whether bathed in the golden hues of sunrise or the soft glow of sunset, every landscape along this route is a living postcard waiting to be captured through your lens.

24/01/2024

Welcome to Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway All American Road: Journey Through Nature’s Marvels

Imagine a journey where each turn brings you closer to nature's raw beauty, the landscape tells a story millions of years old, and where adventure awaits on every mile. This is what’s in store for you along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, a magical route stretching from California's Lassen Volcanic National Park to Oregon's Crater Lake National Park. This byway isn't just a route; it’s an adventure through time, nature, and the heart of America's volcanic wonders.

Prepare to be mesmerized as you embark on this epic road trip. The route is a canvas painted with fiery volcanic landscapes, tranquil lakes, and forests teeming with life. Each mile unveils a new vista, each turn a discovery, and every moment a memory in the making. Marvel at the wonders dotting the horizon, witness the majesty of Mount Shasta, and stand in awe at the rim of Crater Lake. A geology lesson brought to life.
Welcome to Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway All American Road: Journey Through Nature’s Marvels

Imagine a journey where each turn brings you closer to nature's raw beauty, the
landscape tells a story millions of years old, and where adventure awaits on every mile. This is what’s in store for you along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, a magical route stretching from California's Lassen Volcanic National Park to Oregon's Crater Lake National Park. This byway isn't just a route; it’s an adventure through time, nature, and the heart of America's volcanic wonders.

Prepare to be mesmerized as you embark on this epic road trip. The route is a canvas painted with fiery volcanic landscapes, tranquil lakes, and forests teeming with life. Each mile unveils a new vista, each turn a discovery, and every moment a memory in the making. Marvel at the wonders dotting the horizon, witness the majesty of Mount Shasta, and stand in awe at the rim of Crater Lake. A geology lesson brought to life.

28/11/2023

It's Giving Tuesday!!! Please support the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway All American Road.

https://www.northstategives.org/organization/Volcanic-Legacy-Community-Partnership

22/11/2023

Help Us Save the Scenic Byway on Giving Tuesday!
The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway All American Road needs your help on Giving Tuesday (or sooner, since Early Giving is open!). There was federal funding when the Byway program started. It has been completely eliminated and we don't foresee any resumption in the foreseeable future.

The Volcanic Legacy delivers economic development to all the small towns along the 500-mile route, as visitors enjoy nearly 25 volcanic features, staying in local accommodations, dining in local restaurants and shopping in the unique shops along the way. Help us keep delivering this much needed economic impact!

Just click the link below to give early!

Millions of years ago, the earth’s plates moved and molten lava exploded between the cracks, spouting high into the sky. All that fire and fury created the Ring of Fire, a circle of volcanoes around the Pacific Ocean, which today in some places is still active – with...

05/10/2023

Crater Lake was created by the massive eruption of Mt. Mazama about 7,700 years ago. The eruption left a six-mile-wide caldera, which now contains the deepest lake in North America at 1943’ and the clearest lake on the planet, with average clarity of over 143’. You can see this, and MORE on your next road trip along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway ;)
https://buff.ly/34jcJJo

02/10/2023

Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway- Best Place to View the 2023 Solar Eclipse!
Have you ever witnessed a solar eclipse? If you would like to, travel to the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, which runs south from Crater Lake National Park to the Oregon border and beyond. The eclipse begins just after 8 AM and ends at 10:40 AM, with the peak occurring at 9:18 AM. Staying in Klamath Falls puts you right on the path of the eclipse. Caution: Be sure to wear eclipse glasses when viewing the eclipse!!

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25/09/2023

There is no other byway in the U.S. where you can see not one but ten volcanoes on one trip, but that is exactly what you’ll see along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway!

Depending on the reference source, volcanoes are classified into several groupings; including: Cinder Cones (also called Spatter Cones), Composite Volcanoes, Shield Volcanoes, Caldera Complexes, and Lava Domes. The VLSB is home to one Cinder Cone, one Caldera Complex, two Lava Domes, three Shield Volcanoes, and three Composite Volcanoes. Click the link to learn more about our volcano highways https://buff.ly/3PagFAA

23/09/2023

Scale the Mountain
The 15-mile scenic drive on Everitt Memorial Highway will get you up close and personal with Mt. Shasta, the second-highest peak in the Cascade Mountain Range. An important part of many Native American myths, the Shasta people believed the mountain was created by the Great Spirit, who used it to step onto the earth from a hole in the heavens. From 7,858 feet above sea level, the highest point you can reach by car, you will get an incredible view of the mountains and valleys to the west.

Discover Siskiyou Mount Shasta

22/09/2023

If you’re planning a trip to Lassen soon take a look at their website for updates on upcoming road construction!

Upcoming road construction will result in a road closure and traffic delays.

Road construction at Sulphur Works begins 09/25/2023. The road will be closed to traffic at 8:00 AM, re-opened at 12:00 PM for one hour, then closed again 1–5 PM every Monday - Friday until completion. Construction is expected to take place through November. Plan ahead and prepare for your backcountry trip or day trip. https://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

Image - A cloud-filled sky with a meadow, creek, and mountain peaks in Lassen's backcountry.

21/09/2023

More Lava Tubes than Anywhere Else
If you’re wondering what exactly is a lava tube? They are cavities left behind when the lava spewed out by erupting mountains cooled. Lava Beds National Monument pays homage to the geological and historical turmoil this part of the country has experienced over the past half-million years, with the highest concentration of lava tubes anywhere in the world. Thanks to the volcanic eruptions of the Medicine Lake shield volcano, the landscape is rugged, dotted with diverse volcanic features, and also home to more than 800 caves strewn about the high desert wilderness. Enjoy the diversity of geology here!

Discover Siskiyou Visit California Visit California Visit California Lava Beds National Monument

21/09/2023

What should you expect on a visit to Lava Beds National Monument?
Hundreds of caves, Native American rock art sites, historic battlefields, and a high desert wilderness await you! Formed over the last half-million years by flows of smooth lava from the Medicine Lake Volcano, this rugged landscape dotted with diverse volcanic features is definitely one of the Byway’s crown jewels.
https://buff.ly/3BVEy7e

14/09/2023

A Unique Experience in Southern Oregon
The peaks of the Cascade Range are calling! This fall, when the foliage is more than beautiful and the air is clear, meander from Crater Lake National Park through Southern Oregon on the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway All American Road. Explore quaint places like Chiloquin and Fort Klamath before reaching Klamath Falls. Enjoy the serenity of no less than five National Wildlife Refuges before reaching the California border. Leave at least a day to explore Klamath Falls known for the highest concentration of bald eagles in the Pacific Northwest.
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13/09/2023

Hey shutterbugs, check this out!

Calling all photographers! Crater Lake National Park is having a photo contest to find the perfect photo for the 2024 annual regional park pass. The pass is $55 and is good for entrance into Crater Lake National Park, Lava Beds National Monument, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area for one year. To enter please send ONE photo with your name and email address to [email protected]. The photo needs to be in jpg, tiff, or bitmap format and 300 DPI. Please make sure the photo does not include any people and send along the photo credit - photographer's name and/or location. Deadline for entering is September 30, 2023. You will be notified if your photo is selected. If selected, you retain ownership of your photo, but you grant the government permission to reproduce it for the purposes of the annual pass. Your photo credit name or location will appear on the front of the pass. All submissions that are not selected will not be used for any purpose and will be deleted once a selection is made.

Pictured is the winning photo for the 2023 annual park pass.

13/09/2023

Lassen Volcanic National Park feels like California’s version of Yellowstone, with steaming fumaroles, wildflowers, lakes and volcanoes. Jagged peaks tell the story of its eruptive past while hot water continues to shape the land. From Bumpass Hell to Kings Creek Falls and Manzanita Lake, Lassen Volcanic National Park offers opportunities to discover the wonder and mysteries of volcanoes and hot water for visitors willing to explore the undiscovered. It also features more than 150 miles of trails to explore.

12/09/2023

Fall’s Most Beautiful Scenic Drive
Love great scenic beauty and a good story? Enjoy a fall trip on the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway All American Road starting at Crater Lake National Park. It’s called the Volcanic Legacy because it's punctuated with volcanoes- or remnants of volcanoes like Mount Mazama that created Crater Lake. The mountain erupted about 7,700 years ago, leaving behind a caldera, the deepest lake in the United States. Marvel at the deep blue water as you enjoy Rim Drive around the lake!

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Discover Klamath
Crater Lake National Park

07/09/2023

The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway travels through a land of contrasts that’s breathtakingly beautiful, cherished and protected. Highlights along the route include two National Parks at both Lassen and Crater Lake, as well as the Lava Beds National Monument and Mount Shasta.

01/09/2023

Psst... parents & teachers of 4th graders. It's September 1st, so it's time to get your kids their Every Kid in a Park (Every Kid Outdoors Pass) NOW! The pass guarantees them & everyone in their vehicle FREE entry into every single National Park in the country and any other federal recreation area from the USFS, BLM, USFWS, USACE, etc., that charges an entry or day-use fee. It is valid through August 31, 2024.
Go to everykidoutdoors.gov to get started.

29/08/2023

Keep a close eye out for adventure while journeying through the Hat Creek Rim region along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway!

At several points along the Byway you can visit the banks of Hat Creek, a hot spot for fishing and wildlife viewing. Stop by the Old Station Visitor Information Center to ask about exploring Subway Cave, walking the Spattercone Trail, where to find camping and more:
https://buff.ly/3sg4mWZ

24/08/2023

Labor Day is just around the corner and what better way to spend the long weekend than taking a journey along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway!

Purchase a guide today to get your trip planning started ☺️

Breathtaking Drive Along the Rims and Foothills of Cascade Volcanoes

18/08/2023

Lava Beds Ranger Programs
August 19-20

Golden Dome Cave Tour
Saturday, August 19, 1-2 pm
Join a ranger for a guided tour of Golden Dome. Learn about the volcanic story of Lava Beds, as well as how caves form dynamic ecosystems that support unique life. Meet at the visitor center. Attendance is limited and given on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are free at the visitor center on the day of the tour. This tour is moderately strenuous, and a helmet is strongly recommended.

Night Sky Program
Sunday, August 20, 9-10 pm
Join a ranger at the campground amphitheater for a 60 minute exploration of Lava Bed’s pristine night skies. Learn more about the stories we tell about the stars, the scale and wonder of the Universe, and why half the park experience is after dark!

NPS Photo by K. Woodbury: The cave walls of Golden Dome glittering with patterns of hydrophobic bacteria

15/08/2023

Just south of the California – Oregon state boundary, Highway 161 leads east on a side trip of remarkable wonder. Along Highway 161, also known as Stateline Road, you’ll follow the states border, where fertile farmlands provide a window on the importance of the agricultural community alongside the natural wonders of the region as the road passes the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge and Tule Lake Wildlife refuge areas – both of which provide excellent car access and bird and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Fun Fact: Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge holds the honor of being America’s first waterfowl refuge, established by Theodore Roosevelt in 1908.

https://buff.ly/3OKRd4y

09/08/2023

EXPLORE VOLCANIC LEGACY, WIN PRIZES!
Our much loved VLSB Passport program is back and even better this year! You can now do it all from your smartphone by signing up for our free mobile pass, earning points by visiting over 42 locations including scenic outdoor areas, restaurants, and shops giving you a chance to enter our grand prize giveaway including two night stays in each county!

Read on for more details or to download:

Sign up for our free mobile pass, earn points by visiting over 45 locations including scenic outdoor areas, restaurants, and shops giving you a chance to enter our grand prize giveaway including two night stays in each county!

07/08/2023

If you are planning to visit Crater Lake National Park this Saturday August 12th, 𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙧𝙪𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙣𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙡 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘 𝙛𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙛 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮 due to the 46th annual Crater Lake Rim Runs (www.craterlakerimruns.com) .

As runners make their start at Watchman Overlook on West Rim Drive and run clockwise around the lake, sections of Rim Drive will return to regular flow as the runners progress towards their ending points.

Please view this map and note the sections of the Rim Drive and corresponding times that they will be closed or open for one-way traffic to allow for safe runner passage.

Full normal traffic flow should return around 1:30pm

And just a reminder that a 4 mile section of East Rim Road from just east of Cleetwood Cove trail to Grotto Cove will remain closed to all traffic post-race.

2023 NPS map

[Image of a map of Rim Drive at Crater Lake and corresponding closures for the Rim Runs day]

02/08/2023

The Lassen Peak Region is home to smoking fumaroles, meadows freckled with wildflowers, clear mountain lakes and a dormant volcano, and Lassen Volcanic National Park. Visitors to the Park in the late spring and summer can travel by the main park road and a network of trails.

Visitors can find services outside the Park in Susanville and Chester or within the Park at the Manzanita Lake Campers Store. Several campgrounds and the Drakesbad Guest Ranch offer the lodging within the Park.

01/08/2023

Would you take a dip in the deepest lake in the country?

Crater Lake National Park In Oregon, USA!!!

29/07/2023

Thinking about a trip to the Medicine Lake Loop on the VLSB - Here's what to expect:
Accessible from either McCloud or the Lava Beds National Monument, the popular Medicine Lake Recreation Area and adjacent Medicine Lake are located in the Medicine Lake Highlands in northeastern California and sit at an elevation of 6,770 feet. Medicine Lake is the caldera of the Medicine Lake Volcano – and is actually the largest volcano by volume in the entire Cascade Range!

The Medicine Recreation Area offers camping, boating, fishing and swimming. The adjacent Day Use Areas accommodate boating with a concrete boat ramp and dock. Swimming is available in a designated swimming spots and mountain biking are available on trails originating in the Recreation Area. The longest of these trails is the trail up Little Mt Hoffman. It is also close to Glass Mountain, a spectacular, nearly treeless flow that’s worth a visit.