Itineraries - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 56

camp, there are endless opportunities along the Oregon coast. Just south of Florence is
the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area ( Click here ) , the largest expanse of
coastal sand dunes in the US.
Heading inland, you'll soon hit Eugene ( Click here ) , a liberal and fun-loving city fam-
ous for founding Nike and putting out track-and-field champions. Drive further south on
mountainous Rte 58 to Crater Lake ( Click here ) , Oregon's only national park, offering
supreme views of an old volcanic caldera; the water here - fed only by rain and snow - is
some of the clearest and purest in the world. Going north on Rte 97 will bring you to
Bend ( Click here ) , a city tailor-made for outdoor lovers. Nearby you can go hiking, ski-
ing, fishing, golfing, biking, kayaking, rafting and rock climbing.
Driving north you'll branch off onto Rte 26, ending at Mt Hood ( Click here ) , the
state's highest peak at 11,240ft. While summiting the volcanic cone is only for hardy
mountaineers, there are countless beautiful hikes on Mt Hood's flanks, along with plenty
of campsites. Be sure to stop in for a drink (or meal) at the historic Timberline Lodge.
Now head north again on Rte 35 and you'll come to the Columbia River Gorge ( Click
here ) . Cruise through this amazing geologic feature, stopping for lovely waterfalls and
hikes along the way, and you'll eventually finish your loop back where you started -
Portland.