RACE HOST

Date: October 23-24, 2026

Race Location: Central Oregon

Host RD: Bend Racing

Host Resort: Diamond Lake Resort

Built as a humble fishing lodge in the 1920s, Diamond Lake Resort has blossomed into a family-friendly getaway for year-round recreation. Offering hiking, biking, skiing, fishing, and more, this “gem of the Cascades” is surrounded by Umpqua National Forest and just 25 minutes from Crater Lake. The opportunities for sightseeing and recreation before and after the race are endless, and spectators will appreciate the many opportunities to cheer their teams on from the course, as well.

GETTING THERE

Diamond Lake Resort is located at 350 Resort Drive, Diamond Lake, OR 97731. The resort is just 5 miles north of Crater Lake National Park (25 minutes from Crater Lake); 85 miles north of Medford via Highways 62 and 230; and 100 miles south of Bend via Highway 97 south and 138 west. The closest airport is in Medford (MFR - 85 miles - see shuttle information below). The next nearest airports are in Redmond (RDM - 114 miles; 2:00) and Klamath Falls (LMT - 92 miles; 1:40).

AIRPORT SHUTTLE

Rogue Valley International Medford Airport in Medford, Oregon, is the nearest airport and also the most economical from the several major east coast and midwest airports we checked. Most of the flights we checked land between 11:30 am and 1 pm local time. We will have a shuttle service from the Medford Airport to Diamond Lake Resort with runs on Wednesday and Thursday at 2 p.m. local time. Airport return shuttles will run on Sunday and Monday mornings. The shuttle will accommodate passengers with luggage and bike/gear boxes. Cost per passenger will depend on the number of passengers utilizing the shuttle, but it will be a more economical option than car rental. Please click on the button below and fill out the form to let us know your interest in using the airport shuttle, so we can plan accordingly.

Please note this is not a regular shuttle. It will only run if reservations are made, so please be sure to let us know ASAP if you intend to use the shuttle, by clicking the button below and filling out the reservation form.

SHUTTLE RESERVATION

LODGING

CABINS - MANY OPTIONS

MOTEL ROOMS & STUDIOS - MOST ECONOMICAL

RV PARK

Racers enjoy a discounted rate on all cabins and motel and studio rooms. Call the resort directly - 541-793-3333 - and reference “USARA Nationals” to make your reservation at the discounted rate. There is also an RV park on site with electric. Reservations for the RV park can be made online or by calling 541-793-3318. We are discussing availability of camping near Diamond Lake Resort over race weekend with the USFS and hope to provide an update on this option by Spring.

THINGS TO DO

OREGON OUTBACK - DARK SKY COUNTRY

There are many dark sky places that offer ideal stargazing, including Crater Lake, Oregon Caves National Monument, and Cascade Siskiyou National Monument. You can also visit the Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary for a breathtaking night sky viewing experience in a pristine high desert location.

OREGON WINE COUNTRY

The first pinot noir vines in Oregon were planted at Hillcrest Vineyard in the Umpqua Valley near Roseburg in 1961. The Umpqua River valley was recognized as an American Viticultural Area in 1984, due to the proliferation of successful vineyards in the region. Other recognized wine regions nearby include the Rogue Valley, Klamath Basin, and Illinois Valley.

CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK

Plan to come early and visit Crater Lake before the race, to minimize risk of road closures due to snow. Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the U.S., known for its rich blue color and amazing clarity. It was formed by the eruption of Mount Mazama 7,700 years ago, resulting in a deep caldera that filled with precipitation. It’s a bucket list destination, for sure.

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