August 2019

Crater Lake, on this clear summer day, was so intensely blue it looked like ink, ringed by sheer cliffs towering up to 2,ooo feet. I am not sure that I have ever seen water so blue! This “gem of the cascades” is set in a dormant volcano, in the chain of volcanos including Mount St. Helens. The lake is 1,900 feed deep, the deepest lake in the United States. The park boasts some of the cleanest air in the nation, providing visibility of over 100 miles.

We visited the park with our friends, Barb and Rick, and their dog Molly, planning to drive the 33 mile Rim Drive, providing over 25 scenic overlooks and multiple hiking trails of all lengths. Rick drove us in his truck with Molly as his co-pilot.

After entering the park we decided to take the Rim Drive counter-clockwise and start the day with a hike to Plaikni Falls. It was an easy 2 mile out and back hike to a pretty waterfall. Richard even went with us!

After our hike we drove on to Phantom Ship Overlook. The island resembles a small ship but is actually as tall as a 16-story building! Can you believe the color of that water?

Next we stopped at Pumice Castle Overlook to see a layer of orange pumice rock that has eroded into the shape of a medieval castle.

Wizard Island, named for its resemblance to a sorcerer’s hat rising 764 feet above the lake’s surface, was in view next. Boat rides are offered to Wizard Island and there is a path that can be climbed to the top.

There is only one strenuous trail down to the lake, Cleetwood Cove, where the boat launch is. It is 1.1 miles each way with a 700 foot drop in elevation. There is also a swimming beach down there if you want to venture into the 59 degree water. Brrrrr!

 

 

We stopped at various other spots, eating our picnic lunch, and working our way around the rim to the Crater Lake Lodge.

 

I also took some pictures of the Crater Lake Lodge. We enjoyed a cold drink on the back porch overlooking the lake. So beautiful!

We certainly enjoyed a perfectly beautiful day at Crater Lake National Park!