Exploring Oregon in a RV Rental

Crater Lake National Park has inspired awe since Native Americans witnessed its formation over seven thousand years ago. When a massive eruption occurred, the central portion of Mount Mazama collapsed inward, and several years later it became a lake. This national park is the deepest lake in North America, the top 10 deepest in the world, and its purity is fueled by rain and snow. When visiting this beautiful blue lake you can go fishing, go birding, or take the Rim Village Walking Tour. There are several campgrounds to choose from when visiting the park, just make sure you check the weather and road conditions before trekking there! 

On your journey to the Painted Hills in Wheeler County, Oregon, you can see millions of years of history being revealed through the layers in the mountains one color at a time. These hills get their name from the unique, delicate color stratifications of yellows, golds, reds and blacks. Because the claytones differ with light and moisture levels, the tones and hues of the hills may change from one visit to the next. These hills are just one of three units that comprise the John Day Fossil Beds. Check out the Sheep Rock Unit which is home to the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center where there are several displays of fossils from animals, like saber-tooth tigers, and plants. The third unit is the Clarno Unit which has Mars-like pillars formed by waterfalls and volcanic sludge.

The Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular river canyon that stretches 80 miles long and is up to 4,000 feet deep. It passes by cliffs, spires and ridges that are set against the nearby peaks of the Pacific Northwest’s Cascade Mountain Range. Explore the beautiful trails and visit Multnomah Falls, a 611-foot-tall roaring cascade of icy water. For a better view of the falls walk up to Benson Bridge which spans the first tier of the waterfall. While at the falls, visit Multnomah Falls Lodge for their restaurant, gift shop and available hiking information. If you love to go rock climbing or enjoy a scenic view of deep river canyons, then check out Smith Rock State Park. Here you will find several thousand climbs and over a thousand of them are bolted routes. There are also miles and miles of hiking and biking trails for you to explore. While traveling through the canyon you might see mule deer, river otters,
beavers and golden eagles. There are picnic areas with tables for you to enjoy your lunch with your family and friends as well as areas to go fishing.