wheels78

I was thinking about Riding from Sumas to Ashland, Ore starting sometime in early Oct.
Any thoughts on this regarding the weather?

Thanks,
Bob

indyfabz

Just did the Crater Lake Rim Road (climbed up from Fort Klamath) a few weeks ago as part of Cycle Oregon. Came down from the rim and stayed in Prospect then rode through Butte Falls to Ashland. (The descent into Ashland is iconic.) Services in Crater Lake are close to shutting down (if they haven't already) for the season according to the park's web site. Prospect was literally close to freezing the night we were there. I would expect a good chance of snow at Crater Lake in late October.

wheels78

Thanks,
Yeah I guess it's probably a crap shoot at this time of year. I know there's part of that ride that can get very hot in the summer so I was thinking that this might actually be a good time of the year to do it. However I guess more then likely there will be a lot of frosty mornings.

Cheers,
Bob

mtnbud

I'd agree - I'd assume the night time temperatures will be below freezing at the high elevations in California. They will be cold in Oregon. We've already had below freezing nights off and on. I suffered through a 28 degree night in my 45 degree summer bag off Century Drive this August. If you do go, bring your warm sleeping bag. I've backpacked in October with my warm gear. I've also woken up to snow - you might end up with an epic trip.

The weather will be a crap shoot, but it is often dry through the first part of October. Southern Oregon is notoriously dry. Fall weather can be gorgeous with cold, crisp clear days. If you go, be sure to write up a trip report. The pictures would be awesome.

https://www.nps.gov/crla/planyourvisi...nt1web-312.pdf

indyfabz

Hot, indeed. It was around 90 in Ashland when we were there on 9/12 and 9/13. But it's a dry heat. Definitely bring a warm bag. Five years ago in La Pine it got down to 28 in early September.

BTW...I suspect the ACA route from Butte Falls to Ashland is the same as what we did on CO. I don't remember seeing anything in the way of food between those two points. I do remember at least one campground (an equestrian one) that had a water pump near the entrance. The cafe in Butte Falls has great pie. Here is a link to the map for the day from Prospect to Ashland (you can click on it and enlarge):

https://www.cycleoregon.com/week-ride/route/day4/

Check your brakes before the descent starts on Dead Indian Memorial. It's at least nine miles and includes some moderate switchbacks. There is also at least one cattle guard. But it's really fun with nice views. Just be glad you don't have to ride back up it like we did when we left town.

I wouldn't feel compelled to go around Crater Lake. Plus is damn hard. There are some nice views from the viewing area right where you hit the rim road after you climb up from Rte. 138. There are couple of other viewing areas as you ride counterclockwise towards the lodge before heading south out of the park. The views from the lodge area are great, too. If the ACA route goes to Prospect the same way we did, the descent is terrific. Thirty miles to one degree or another:

https://www.cycleoregon.com/week-ride/route/day3/

Don't miss the gorge where Rte. 62 turns left at Rte. 240.