This is a general route map. There are some stops that are not included in the general route, and provided bellow.
Also you may consider splitting this trip into several trips.
Day 1
We started at 3 pm on Friday to get to a Florence Hotel for overnight. There were no stops on the way as it takes ~ 6 hours to get to the point.
Day 2
Oregon Dunes
The Oregon Dunes extend for ~40 miles along the coast from Florence to Coos Bay. There is a lot of fun not just walking on the sand dunes, but taking a ride. During summer this place may be crowded and it is better to have a reservation and plan ahead. There are several providers where you can rent an ATB and have fun. We spent our morning time here option 1. You may also choose option 2 and option 3.
Thor’s Well
The timing for this spot should be planned as visibility depends on the tide level. The best time is around high tide, and you may choose to go to Sea Lion Cave first.
Scenic must-stop place for watching Sea Lions. They may be in the Ocean, in the cave, or just resting below the viewpoints. Sometimes you may hear them first before you spot them. If you find them in the cave, it may be very noisy there.
You will need tickets to enter the cave. Check Schedule and Price before you go.
This 80-year-old attraction has an elevator that takes visitors down and up. Sea Lion Cave is America’s largest known sea cave.
To be prepared for the next day we decided to drive and stay at a hotel in Grants Pass. It is about 3 hours drive.
Day 3
Oregon Caves National Monument
Plan ahead and reserve tickets and tour time. You may enjoy a 90 minute ,6 miles, and 500 steps tour . The average cave temperature is 44 degrees (7 Celsius) year-round, and it is better to have warm clothing and close toed shoes with good traction. Children must be a minimum height of 42 inches (107 cm) and accompanied by an adult to participate.
Deep Lake with blue water. Sleeping volcano. Despite the snow around it, it may be hot due to elevation and the sun. Crater Lake has no streams flowing into or out of it. The easiest and the shortest trail is The Plaikni Falls trail. There are other trails available in this area.
For overnight we decided to stay at Bend hotels,the closest place to Painted Hills.
Day 4
This spot is hard to fit in the route. It is far away from everything and you have to drive a long way to get there. There is no visitor center or water.
Check fuel tank and get water supply. Best lit for photography is in the late afternoon.
There are five trails available in the area ranging in length from 0.25 miles to 1.3 miles.
