Crater Lake, where water and sky compete to see which is more beautiful and blue –Belinda Joy
Imagine the bluest blue you’ve ever seen. Bluer and deeper than the sky. The water so deep and so still, as if it’s commanding your attention. You can’t help but just sit there and take it in. When you first arrive to Crater Lake National Park, it doesn’t feel all that impressive. But then when you see it…..The Lake, it takes your breath away. You can’t take your eyes off of it.
We had the opportunity to visit Carter Lake National Park over Labor Day after our National Park Tour to Utah’s Mighty 5 and then California’s Joshua Tree National Park, Sequoia National Park and the famous Yosemite National Park. (add links) When travel is safe again, we hope you can add some of these to your list. Due to Covid, the national parks are only admitting half the capacity during this time.
Crater Lake formed over 7,000 years ago from the volcanic eruption that then resulted in a collapse of the mountain. This formed a Caldera or Crater that is over 1900 feet deep. Therefore, the water is very deep and very blue which gives it such a sapphire blue tint. Crater lake is recorded as the 9th deepest in the world and is known as one of the World’s Natural Wonders. Even the pictures don’t do it justice. When you see it with your own eyes then you will see just how blue it is.
THE HISTORIC CRATER LAKE LODGE. STEP BACK IN TIME.
The Historic Crater Lake Lodge has a rustic wood and stone setting to view Crater lake. The lodge was built back in 1915. Make reservations as far in advance as you can. There are only 71 guest rooms. Usually, you have to reserve a room a year ahead but due to COVID, we were able to get a room last minute due to many canceling. It’s worth saving up for. The path around the lake behind the hotel is lined with rocking chairs, so guests can sit and enjoy the view. It has this old charm with views worth the higher price for accommodation and you gain access to the hotel porch (with their own chairs), the lobby with a view, and most of all, bathroom access. Sometimes you have to pay a little more for the best seat! only guests of the hotel are allowed in the lodge due to COVID. Also, food around Crater Lake is hard to find. So if you are a guest of the hotel you will have access to their restaurant for dinner. It too is pricey but convenient so you can get out and enjoy the lake! Save your pennies. You will be glad you stayed!
tips for the lodge:
Although they don’t offer lunch in their restaurant, you can call ahead and ask them to make you a box lunch. They offer HUGE Sandwiches, Chips, cookies, fruit, and Water. You could spilt these sandwiches between two people. This is a great option for a picnic at one of its many views. The lines at the other eating places around Crater Lake get very long lines due to very few places to eat so consider doing this. You won’t be sorry!
They don’t have a water filling station in the lodge but they will get you a pitcher of water to refill your bottles with.
The dinner at the restaurant is an All You Can Eat Buffet. Prime Rib, Salmon, chicken, Pasta, Potatoes, Salad Bar, Soup, several Desserts. Also, the Mac and Cheese on the kids buffet was a winner. You can ask to eat outside but this is open seating – first come first serve. You must make a reservation for the dinner. $$$
Get a rocking chair down by the water early. They fill up around Sunset.
There isn’t a TV, Wifi is not the greatest but this is a place you don’t want to stay in…you want to be out exploring.
THE RIM SCENIC DRIVE AND IT’S OVERLOOKS
Before you hike the trails you may want to do The Rim Drive, a 33 mile drive around Crater Lake. This gives you the highlights and views for some amazing pictures and memories. There are more than 30 places to stop and enjoy the view. Here are some of the favorite spots not to miss:
Discovery Point-this is a great spot for Sunrise. Get there early to get a good spot.
Watchman Overlook -Great view of Wizard Island
Cloudcap Overlook –Notice the white bark trees that have to withstand the powerful winds.
Pumice Castle Overlook-Orange Pumice rock in the shape of a castle. Keep you eye out for this stop for it isn’t marked.
Phantom Ship Overlook-this is the oldest exposed lava as high as a 16 story building over 400,000 years old that looks like a ship.
Pinnacles Overlook-This is a 6 mile detour from the Rim Drive so keep and eye out for the signs. The pinnacles are fossils where volcanic gas rose up through the layer of volcanic ash and turned the ash into rock.
The Cleetwood Cove– is the spot you don’t want to miss if you want a cold jump into the lake!
Take a Hike-
Sun Notch- EASY. Views of the Phantom Ship
The Pinnacles- EASY. Walk along the rim of the Pinnacle Valley
The Plaikni Falls-EASY. Short walk to the waterfall.
Discovery Point-MODERATE. Beautiful spot for Sunrise.
Watchman Peak- MODERATE. Great place for Sunset.
Cleatwood Cove- STRENUOUS. Great place to swim. Warning-COLD
Garfield Peak- STRENUOUS. Tougher hike than expected but well worth the view. Take lots of water. Go early. Take it slow.
Mount Scott-STRENUOUS. Great views in all directions. Best in the morning for best lake views.
STARGAZING-This is a great place if you are into night photography or stargazing. We have never been able to see so many stars with our own eyes. Also, great views of the Milky Way. I’m so glad we didn’t rush inside after dinner. Take a warm blanket and sit out and enjoy the view. It was one I will never forget.
WHAT TO BRING TO CRATER LAKE
- Clothes to layer. It gets hot and It gets COLD. Check the temps before you head there.
- Warm blanket for hanging out in the rocking chair
- Swimsuit and towel in case you want to jump in at Cleetwood Cove
- Sunscreen and Bug Spray
- A bag to put your dusty hiking shoes in when you are done. That dirt gets on everything.
- Cooler, food, and lots of water. There are no fridges there. But there are Bears so don’t leave your cooler in the car!
- Camera and Tripod for nighttime photography
- Flashlight
We had such a memorable time at Crater Lake. The views are unlike any I have seen before. Just sit by the lake and take in the views. It is so peaceful and relaxing. We hope you will be able to experience it for yourself in the days ahead. Let us know if you do. Next Stop, we are heading out to the McKenzie River Valley to chase some waterfalls and do a little Fly Fishing! We hope you will join us on our next journey. If you are interested in more National Parks check out our other blog listed below on The Badlands, Chimney Rock, Mt.Rushmore, Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Teton, Craters of the Moon, and more.
Joys On A Journey
Such a great time of year to go! Lake is beautiful ❤️❤️❤️