After the Women’s Marathon concluded, we packed up and headed three hours southeast of Eugene to Crater Lake National Park via the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. We drove for hours through evergreen forests before we caught our first glimpse of the infamous Crater Lake blue. The lake sits inside a caldera formed 7,700 years ago when a 12,000 foot volcano (Mount Mazama) collapsed after a major eruption. We stopped at the first few overlooks on the west side of the Rim Drive to take it all in before heading on to check-in at Crater Lake Lodge. We were in awe of the enormity of the caldera and the clarity of the blue water.
The amenities inside the park are somewhat limited. Thankfully, I had the foresight to save some leftover pizza from our lunch on the way to the park, so we were able to enjoy dinner with a world class view that evening. Then, we headed back over to the Watchman Overlook to hike up to Watchman Peak for sunset. A historic fire lookout remains at the peak overlooking Wizard Island, which erupted out of Crater Lake approximately 7,300 years ago.
The Watchman trail had been closed for the season until yesterday afternoon, so we got lucky with the opportunity to do this hike (1.6 miles roundtrip, 420 feet elevation gain). Despite a section of lingering snow on the lower trail, we were able to hike up to the peak (8,013 feet) to take in panoramic views of the changing colors at sunset. Watching the sun rise and set in the park offers a unique experience.
We awoke early on Tuesday morning (but not early enough to catch sunrise) in order to hike to the peak of Mount Scott, the park’s highest point at 8,929 feet (4.4 miles roundtrip, 1,250 feet elevation gain). The trail initially ascended through the forest before it opened up to views of the lake. The trail wasn’t technical, and our (okay, my) main challenge was ascending at altitude (as always, the views were worth it though!). It was also good prep for hiking Mont Blanc next month.
In hindsight, we wish that we had taken advantage of pre-ordering a packed lunch from the Lodge for today. So, rather than continue along the East Rim Drive once we finished our hike, we had to head back to the Lodge for lunch with a pit stop for a hike to see the Pinnacles at the southeastern boundary of the park, as well as see some of the park’s more unique features (Pumice Castle and Phantom Ship).
Pumice Castle Overlook
A layer of orange pumice rock has been eroded into the shape of a castle.
Phantom Ship Overlook
Dwarfed by Wizard Island in comparison, the lake’s “other island” resembles a small sailboat, and it is made of 400,000 year old lava.
Once we refueled with lunch back at Rim Village Café, we drove to the north side of the lake to Cleetwood Cove, which is the only legal access to the shore. Boat tours depart from this point, but tours were delayed from opening for another two weeks or so. Nevertheless, we still got to hike down to the water via a steep, non-technical trail (2.2 miles roundtrip, 700 feet elevation gain).
Upon arrival at the shoreline, we saw some people jumping into the water from a high rocky outcropping. I think I surprised Kurt with my interest in jumping in, but the unevenness of the rocks gave me pause. So, we backtracked to where people were sitting on rocks in the water, and we came to the boat dock. Now, this I could jump from!
One of us enjoyed jumping in more than the other (I jumped in twice!)! The water is take your breath away cold – around 50 degrees. It was quite refreshing though on such a warm day (and, it cooled me down for the hike back up to the rim). Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the U.S. and 9th deepest in the world at 1,943 feet, so no concerns about jumping in!
It was a cool experience to hike to the highest point in the park in the morning (the far peak behind us) and down to the lake itself in the afternoon! Highly recommend!
We had covered nearly all of the park at that point. We enjoyed a nice dinner back at The Lodge that evening (dinner is limited to reservation by hotel guests only). And, Kurt got out for one last sunset and sunrise from The Lodge before we left.
Absolutely beautiful views. National Park is definitely on my list!