National Parks
Discover National Parks in Southern Oregon
Southern Oregon is home to some of the most awe-inspiring national and state parks in the Pacific Northwest. From the iconic Crater Lake National Park to the diverse landscapes of Lava Beds National Monument and the forested beauty of Oregon Caves National Monument, the region offers endless opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, and outdoor exploration. Whether you’re seeking dramatic volcanic scenery, ancient lava tubes, or tranquil high-mountain lakes, the national parks near Running Y Resort provide unforgettable adventures for every kind of traveler.
Crater Lake National Park
Discover one of Oregon’s most iconic natural wonders just a scenic hour’s drive from Running Y Resort. Crater Lake National Park, home to the deepest lake in the U.S., was formed over 7,700 years ago when Mount Mazama collapsed, creating a breathtaking caldera filled only by snow and rain.
Drive the 33-mile Rim Drive and stop at over 30 overlooks, including Watchman Peak, Cloudcap, and Discovery Point—ideal for sunrises, sunsets, and stargazing. Enjoy summer boat tours to Wizard Island, hikes to Garfield Peak or Mount Scott, and glacier-blue swimming at Cleetwood Cove. In winter, snowshoe through a quiet, snow-covered landscape.
Other highlights include the mysterious Old Man of the Lake, scenic Plaikni Falls, and historic Rim Village with its panoramic views and interpretive exhibits. Crater Lake offers year-round adventure for nature lovers and explorers alike.
Tule Lake National Monument
Located just under an hour from Running Y Resort, Tule Lake National Monument offers a powerful and thought-provoking look at American history. This site preserves the largest and most controversial of the World War II Japanese American incarceration camps. Visitors can tour the Tule Lake Segregation Center and learn about the lives of those unjustly imprisoned there during the war. The monument also includes the Tule Lake Civilian Conservation Corps Camp and the volcanic landscape of Captain Jack’s Stronghold, where Modoc warriors made their final stand in the 1870s.
Rich in history and cultural significance, Tule Lake National Monument offers a compelling stop for travelers interested in social justice, indigenous history, and the enduring resilience of the human spirit.
Lava Beds National Monument
Just over an hour south of Running Y Resort, Lava Beds National Monument is a hidden gem in Northern California, showcasing a rugged volcanic landscape shaped by over 30 eruptions. This unique park features more than 800 lava tube caves, many of which are open for self-guided exploration, making it a dream destination for geology lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Visitors can hike through fields of hardened lava, explore lava tubes with flashlights and helmets, and learn about the region’s deep cultural history, including Modoc War sites and ancient Native American petroglyphs at Petroglyph Point. Whether you’re crawling through cooled lava tunnels or standing atop views of Medicine Lake Volcano, Lava Beds offers an unforgettable blend of natural wonder and historical significance.
