Rim Drive is a scenic 33-mile road around Crater Lake in Oregon
Usa, north-america
53 km
1,981 m
moderate
Year-round
Hey fellow adventurers! Ever dreamt of circling a volcanic caldera with views that'll knock your socks off? Then you NEED to experience Rim Drive in Oregon's Crater Lake National Park.
This 33-mile loop is paved, but don't let that fool you - it's an adventure! You'll climb from 6,500 feet to a dizzying 7,877 feet at Cloudcap, one of Oregon's highest roads!
Carved into the landscape between 1926 and 1941, this road is a true engineering marvel. But be warned: it's only open during the summer months (usually July to October) because winter brings insane amounts of snow - think drifts up to 60 feet deep! Always check conditions before you go because things can change fast.
Rim Drive is packed with about 50 turnouts, each offering a unique perspective of Crater Lake. But heads up, if you're not a fan of heights, this might test you. The road can be narrow and winding, and often lacks guardrails with some pretty steep drop-offs. Keep an eye out for fallen rocks too! Big rigs and buses are allowed, but be prepared for some tight squeezes, especially when it's crowded.
Trust me, the views are worth it. Crater Lake is seriously stunning, and the drive around it is unforgettable. Take your time, soak it all in, and snap a million photos! You'll find tons of info plaques to learn about the area too.
The speed limit is a chill 35 mph or less, and you'll be sharing the road with cyclists, so keep an eye out. Plan for at least 1.5 hours without stops. You'll be treated to incredible lake vistas, panoramic views, forests, and meadows. Crater Lake itself is not only gorgeous but also one of the deepest lakes in the USA! With 8 main viewpoints and 15 vista points, each stop offers a fresh and breathtaking perspective.
Bonus: Rim Drive is a highlight of the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, a 500-mile route that links Crater Lake with Lassen Volcanic National Park. But honestly, the Rim Drive loop might just be the most dramatic and stunning part of the whole journey! Don't miss it!
Where is it?
Rim Drive is a scenic 33-mile road around Crater Lake in Oregon is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 43.4475, -100.1280
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 53 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,981 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 43.4475, -100.1280
Related Roads in north-america
extremeHow to drive the Hidalgo State Route 53 to San Clemente?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving a truly wild ride, you NEED to experience Hidalgo State Route 53, aka the Road to San Clemente, deep in the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains of Mexico. This isn't just a drive; it's a full-on immersion into the heart of the Sierra OtomÃ-Tepehua, connecting the heights of La Victoria with the plunging depths of the RÃo Pantepec canyons. Think drastic elevation shifts, hairpin turns that'll test your skills (and maybe your stomach!), and a landscape that morphs before your eyes. Be warned: this route is a beast. Prepare for steep inclines, unbanked curves that demand respect, and road conditions that can change in a heartbeat, especially when the rains come. Landslides are a real possibility, so keep your eyes peeled! The reward? Absolutely breathtaking views as you climb from high-altitude pine forests at over 7,200 feet and descend into a tropical paradise near the canyon floor. Heads up! When you hit Tenango de Doria, the road gets a little… quirky. You'll need to wind your way through the town's streets to pick up the descent again towards the Rio Pantepec canyon. Trust your instincts, and you'll find your way. Get ready for the ride of your life!
hardWhen was the Wabash Cannonball Bridge built?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you HAVE to check out the Wabash Cannonball Bridge! This insane single-lane bridge straddles the Illinois/Indiana border and it is NARROW. We're talking about one of the coolest bridges EVER. Built way back in 1897 by the King Bridge Company, it spans the mighty Wabash River. Word is, this thing's also known as the "Purple Head Bridge Haunted". Legend says it's cursed, and crossing it brings bad luck. Haunted vibes or not, it's definitely an unforgettable drive near St. Francisville!
hardThe road to KHIW-FM Essex is not for the faint of heart
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, California dreamers, listen up! Deep in the Mojave Desert of San Bernardino County, there’s this gnarly, unpaved road leading up to the KHIW-FM Essex radio station. Forget your Prius – you're gonna need a 4x4 beast to tackle this rocky climb. It's a steep service road, not for the faint of heart! Starting from Mountain Springs Road, it's a short but intense 2.1 kilometers (1.3 miles) to the top. But hold on tight, because you'll be gaining 251 meters in elevation. That’s an average gradient of almost 12%! The views along the way? Totally worth the white knuckles. Just be prepared for a bumpy, challenging ride!
hardDriving the lonely Skalkaho Highway in Montana
🇺🇸 Usa
# Skalkaho Highway: Montana's Hidden Mountain Gem Ready for a proper adventure? The Skalkaho Highway—aka Montana Highway 38—is a stunning 54-mile (87 km) ride that cuts through the remote Sapphire Mountains, connecting the charming towns of Hamilton and Philipsburg. It's basically the only direct route linking these two agricultural valleys, and honestly, it's worth the detour. This mostly unpaved mountain road climbs to Skalkaho Pass at 7,258 feet (2,212m), treating you to some seriously gorgeous scenery along the way. You'll wind past lush meadows, dense forests, and the impressive Skalkaho Falls, all while potentially spotting wildlife like elk, mule deer, black bears, coyotes, and badgers. The vibe is beautifully isolated and rugged. **Fair warning though:** this isn't your typical highway. The road features plenty of sweeping curves, narrow stretches, and some genuinely twisty segments—part gravel, part dirt, part pavement. There are steep grades, no guardrails in places, and blind corners that'll keep you on your toes. Trailers aren't recommended here due to the tight turns and limited pull-outs. If heights make you nervous, consider driving westbound (Philipsburg to Hamilton) so you're hugging the mountainside rather than staring down sheer drop-offs. **Plan ahead:** Once you leave Hamilton, there are basically zero services until you reach Philipsburg, so gas up and grab supplies beforehand. The road closes seasonally due to heavy winter snow, so check conditions before heading out. This is one of Montana's least-traveled mountain roads—perfect if you're after genuine solitude and dramatic landscapes. Just take it slow, stay alert, and bring a full camera battery!