Travel Itinerary: La Grande to Lebanon & National Parks (06/07/25 - 06/12/25)

Day 1: Arrival in La Grande

Morning: Arrive in La Grande, OR and settle into your accommodation. Take some time to rest after your trip.

Afternoon: Explore downtown La Grande, visiting local shops and grabbing lunch at a cozy café.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant and prepare for an early start to the trip.

Day 2: Drive to Lebanon, OR - Family Dinner

Morning: Depart from La Grande to Lebanon, OR (approx. 4.5 hours). Make a brief stop for coffee or snacks along the way.

Afternoon: Arrive in Lebanon and spend time at the family home or nearby parks, catching up with relatives before dinner.

Evening: Enjoy a memorable family dinner in Lebanon.

Day 3: Travel to Crater Lake National Park

Morning: Depart early from Lebanon and drive toward Crater Lake National Park (approx. 3.5 hours).

Afternoon: Explore Crater Lake National Park – take a rim drive, visit lookout points, and capture stunning photos of the lake.

Evening: Stay overnight near the park; enjoy dinner and relax surrounded by forest scenery.

Day 4: Crater Lake to Bend, OR and Smith Rock State Park

Morning: Early morning at Crater Lake for sunrise views or a short hike around the park.

Afternoon: Drive to Bend, OR (approx. 2 hours) and visit Smith Rock State Park for scenic hikes and rock formations.

Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Bend, enjoying the vibrant local dining scene.

Day 5: Explore the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Morning: Depart from Bend for the Columbia River Gorge (approx. 2.5 hours). Visit iconic waterfalls like Multnomah Falls.

Afternoon: Enjoy hiking or a picnic in the gorge, taking in lush landscapes and dramatic river views.

Evening: Drive towards Portland or nearby area for a comfortable overnight stay.

Day 6: Return to La Grande

Morning: Leisurely breakfast near Portland and begin the drive back to La Grande (approx. 4 hours).

Afternoon: Arrive back in La Grande, relax or explore any remaining local sites.

Evening: Farewell dinner and final packing.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Driving (La Grande - Lebanon - Crater Lake - Bend - Columbia River Gorge - La Grande): 20 hours total, cost approx. $150 in gas
• Crater Lake National Park: 6 hours, $30 per vehicle entrance fee
• Smith Rock State Park: 3 hours, free
• Columbia River Gorge (including Multnomah Falls): 5 hours, free
• Meals (6 days): Approx. $300 total
• Accommodation (5 nights): Approx. $600
• Miscellaneous (snacks, parking, etc.): $50

Total Estimated Cost: $1130

Tips

• To extend the trip, consider adding overnight stays inside Crater Lake National Park or exploring additional Oregon parks such as Mount Hood National Forest or Wallowa Mountains near La Grande.
• To shorten the trip, skip the Columbia River Gorge visit and spend more time relaxing in Lebanon or La Grande, reducing your driving time significantly.
• If you prefer fewer driving hours, focus on nearby attractions around La Grande and Lebanon and save Crater Lake or Bend trips for a future visit.