Your suggestion either mini-van or 4x4 suv for mid Oct.

As mentioned below we are renting either a mini-van or 4x4 suv. I will be driving some of the time as well as hubby. This trip includes Crater Lake and some mountains. Which one should I rent for 10 days in Oregon. Do you think 4x4? Thank you so much!

Your suggestion either mini-van or 4x4 suv for mid Oct.

You *should* be fine in mid-October. If they close the North entrance to Crater lake it won%26#39;t make a difference if you have a van or SUV. I would recommend you find out what they have available, and make sure you can switch when you pick up the vehicle (without rate probs).

Your suggestion either mini-van or 4x4 suv for mid Oct.

Even if they close the north entrance to Crater Lake, you should be able to get up to Rim Village from the south entrance. Might add several hours of drive time to the itinerary, but at least you%26#39;d see the lake. If that%26#39;s important, rent a 4-wheel-drive. But, if the day you plan to see the lake dawns cloudy and/or overcast, don%26#39;t go out of your way. Chances are you won%26#39;t see much in any case.

With just three people not sure why you need either. a sedan could work.

Hard to guess when the snows start, but usually the difficult ones are well into Nov, though Crater Lake. can get early snow. I would not pay a lot extra for 4WD though. Other places you mentioned in other post won%26#39;t require 4WD.

Welcome to Oregon! As always, Crater Lake is a harsh mistress whose favor shifts winds as sure as the unforgiving tide. No matter what vehicle you choose, please be aware that you can offset the carbon dioxide emissions you%26#39;ll produce in travelling here by donating a fraction of your travel costs to betterworldclub dot com or other similar sites.

Overall, a 4x4 suv would be the better choice. Even in windy weather it handles so much better. If there is some snow in Oregon around October, it is generally just a skiff or so. You probably don%26#39;t really need the 4x4 part on the suv. Vans have such a low wheel base, even a heavy rain tends to be problemmatic with them! Have fun in Oregon...we love being residents of this great state!

October I agree either should be fine. If you do want to do a ton of MT stuff, I would get an SUV with 4x4. Make sure to take corners easy though ;).

Unless you want to sleep in the back ;).. then a Van would be a bit roomier. I have a Honda Odyessy and the do make them nice now, mine has a DVD player built in, and heated SEATS :).

Make sure with either if the weather looks snowy to get some chains just in case.

Like all the other posts state, you probably won%26#39;t have any problem with snow in October. You are required to carry chains when it is posted by ODOT(dept of transportation). If it does happen to snow/ice and you still want to do some mountain-y driving, you may want to stop by a ';Les Schwab Tire Center'; store(its an institution in the NW) and get some chains. Last I checked, they have a policy where you can buy chains and if you don%26#39;t use them, you can return them and get your money back.

Maybe rental cars supply chains and you dont have to worry about this? Does anyone know?

You can drive up there w/out chains, but it all depends on if/when a storm hits. I%26#39;ve driven up to Crater Lake with only 4X4 in March on fresh powder(no ice), but just check the weather before you go.

Fall/Winter is a great time at Crater Lake. If you do get snow and blue skies-it only amplifies the blue!! :)