Portland to Reno Road Trip Guide

Once you are back on the road, a two-and-a-half hour drive will take you to the Lassen Historical Museum, located in Susanville, California. The museum offers a window into the history of Susanville and is home to 160 years of items that are related to the history of the area. View rare photos, and see unique items from the area, beginning in the days of the gold rush.

Next to the museum is Roop’s Fort, which is the town’s oldest structure, having been built in 1854 as a trading post and ranch. The fort is also known as Fort Defiance, due to its role in the Sagebrush War of 1863, which was a conflict of three days where residents of Susanville protected themselves using it. Lassen Historical Museum is a great way to learn about the area’s history while taking a break from the road.

Less than a two-hour drive from Portland is Eugene, a city in Oregon that has a variety of things to offer. As you make your way through Eugene, consider stopping at Hendricks Park. The oldest city park in Eugene, the park includes 78 acres and is located on the south side of the city and features a rhododendron garden with 6,000 varieties of the plant.

In addition, the park has a number of Douglas fir trees that are 200 plus years old; something you would expect to see in the wilderness, not within the limits of a city. Also found in the park is the northern trailhead for the Ridgeline Trail, from which you can enjoy a 12-mile hike through the area south of Eugene. The park can be visited year-round.

After leaving Eugene, continue heading southwest for about 50 miles until you reach McCredie Hot Springs, which is located near Oakridge, Oregon. McCredie Hot Springs, located within the boundaries of the Willamette National Forest, includes several pools that are fed by a hot spring and are next to the Willamette Pass Highway on each side of Salt Creek.

You will usually find two to four pools that have walls of rock with silt in the bottom. The size and number of pools will vary by the season and the follow of Salt Creek. The temperatures of the pools fluctuate, so be sure to test the water out before jumping in. Visiting McCredie Hot Springs is free and can be used during daytime hours only. A small paved parking lot and a bathroom are available next to the Springs.

Oregon's crown jewel features the deepest lake in the United States, formed by a collapsed volcano and surrounded by dramatic cliffs rising up to 2,000 feet above the pristine blue waters.

Crater Lake's incredible depth of 1,943 feet and intense blue color create one of America's most photographed natural wonders. The 33-mile Rim Drive (typically open July-October) provides numerous viewpoints showcasing the lake from different perspectives, while boat tours offer close-up exploration of Wizard Island during summer months.

Less than an hour and a half from McCredie Hot Springs is your next stop: Crater Lake National Park. Located in southern Oregon, the park is the fifth oldest National Park in the United States and focuses on the caldera of Crater Lake and its surrounding area. Its incredible depth of 1,943 feet and intense blue color create one of America's most photographed natural wonders. The 33-mile Rim Drive (typically open July-October) provides numerous viewpoints showcasing the lake from different perspectives, while boat tours offer close-up exploration of Wizard Island during summer months.

Mazama Campground accommodates RVs up to 40 feet with over 200 sites available through reservations. For those seeking additional amenities and a more resort-like experience, Crater Lake Resort offers a charming alternative surrounded by forests and Cascade Mountain views, with Fort Creek flowing through the property and numerous recreational activities. The park's elevation of 6,000-8,000 feet provides cool summer weather perfect for hiking and stargazing. Winter visitors can access the South Rim year-round, though Rim Drive closes due to heavy snowfall. The park requires advance planning but offers unparalleled natural beauty.

As you continue on your way to Reno, after about an hour and twenty minutes on the road you can visit the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Located in northern California (close to its border with Oregon), the Refuge includes 39,000 acres of land within the Tule Lake Basin. The Refuge was created in order to preserve the habitat for birds and other wildlife and the water within its confines is home to endangered species of fish.

There is a visitor center at the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters, a wildlife trail, an auto tour route that is ten miles long, a canoe trail that can be explored during July through September and a Discovery March, which is a wetland that offers three habitats that attract a number of different species of wildlife. Keep your eyes out and you may encounter mule deer, pheasants, greater yellowlegs, ducks, geese and more!

This spectacular river canyon, just 30 minutes east of Portland, features the iconic 620-foot Multnomah Falls and serves as the perfect introduction to Oregon's natural grandeur.

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area offers some of the most accessible and dramatic waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest. Multnomah Falls, Oregon's most visited natural recreation site, provides easy viewing from the historic lodge and more adventurous hiking to the upper falls viewpoint. The area features over 90 waterfalls within a relatively small area.

The Historic Columbia River Highway provides scenic access to numerous viewpoints and trailheads, while the modern I-84 offers efficient RV travel with periodic scenic stops. Popular activities include hiking the Multnomah Falls Trail, exploring Latourell Falls, and visiting the Vista House at Crown Point for panoramic gorge views. Several RV-friendly parking areas make this an ideal first stop for families.

Oregon's iconic 11,240-foot volcanic peak offers year-round recreation, scenic drives, and numerous RV-friendly campgrounds in pristine mountain wilderness just 60 miles from Portland.

Mount Hood serves as Oregon's signature landmark, visible from Portland on clear days and offering endless recreation opportunities. The Mount Hood Scenic Byway provides access to historic Timberline Lodge, Government Camp, and numerous trailheads. Summer activities include hiking, fishing, and exploring alpine lakes, while the area transforms into a winter sports paradise.

Popular stops include Mirror Lake for easy family hiking, Trillium Lake for iconic Mount Hood photography, and the historic Timberline Lodge featured in "The Shining." For those seeking a more immersive mountain experience, Little Crater Lake Campground offers one of the most scenic spots in Mount Hood National Forest, located near the crystal-clear, spring-fed Little Crater Lake and Timothy Lake. Multiple campgrounds accommodate RVs, from primitive forest service sites to full-hookup private resorts. The area serves as an excellent base camp for mountain recreation before continuing toward central Oregon.

This outdoor recreation mecca in Oregon's high desert offers world-class hiking, craft breweries, and sophisticated amenities while serving as the gateway to the region's volcanic wonders.

Bend combines small-town charm with sophisticated outdoor culture, featuring excellent dining, craft breweries, and easy access to wilderness areas. The Deschutes River runs through downtown, providing urban water recreation, while nearby attractions include Smith Rock State Park for rock climbing and the High Desert Museum for regional natural history.

The city serves as a perfect midpoint stop with full RV services, excellent restaurants, and numerous outdoor gear shops. Popular activities include floating the Deschutes River, hiking in the Cascade Lakes area, and exploring the numerous volcanic features, including lava tubes and cinder cones. Several RV parks offer full amenities, while the city's compact downtown provides walkable exploration.

This vast, often-overlooked landscape showcases endless horizons, unique geological formations, and authentic Western ranch country that captures the spirit of the American frontier.

Oregon's high desert region between Bend and the Nevada border provides a dramatic contrast to the state's better-known forests and coastline. The area features wide-open spaces, distinctive geological formations, and wildlife viewing opportunities, including pronghorn antelope and numerous bird species.

Lakeview, known as "Oregon's Tallest Town" at 4,800 feet elevation, serves as a service stop with fuel, food, and basic RV amenities. The area offers access to numerous hot springs, including natural soaking pools and developed resorts. This section provides a peaceful transition between Oregon's mountains and Nevada's basin and range landscape.

Nevada's "Biggest Little City" offers urban entertainment, outdoor recreation access, and serves as the gateway to Lake Tahoe's alpine beauty just 30 minutes away.

Reno provides the perfect conclusion to your cross-state journey with its combination of entertainment, dining, and immediate access to Sierra Nevada recreation. The city's location at 4,500 feet elevation in a high desert valley provides comfortable year-round temperatures and stunning mountain backdrops.

Consider extending your trip with a visit to nearby Lake Tahoe for alpine scenery and recreation, or explore the Virginia City historic mining district. Numerous RV parks provide full amenities for extended stays, while the city's revitalized downtown offers walkable entertainment, dining, and cultural attractions. The nearby Sierra Nevada provides endless outdoor recreation opportunities.

For Lake Tahoe exploration planning, check out our comprehensive Lake Tahoe Basin guide for camping and activity recommendations.