Oregon has but one National Park: Crater Lake. You may have seen pictures, or license plates, or the occasional OPB special, but these representations do not do justice to this natural wonder. After miles and miles of driving, we arrived at the crater’s rim and were rewarded with a wonderfully untouched view of what was once the largest mountain in Oregon. Of course, more than 7,000 years ago that mountain/volcano blew its top and rain/snow and subsequent volcano eruptions created the seventh deepest lake in the world. It's a location worth the trip!
Here are some of the highlights from our visit:
Here are some of the highlights from our visit:
Lodging at the park is limited. Either; plan a short visit and drive in-and-out in one day (I DO NOT recommend being on the roads in the dark because of the steep cliffs near the rim); or reserve camping, cabins or lodge rooms within the park - far in advance. Our family splurged on a lodge room and loved the opportunity to sit on the rim-perched veranda each night and watch darkness descend on the lake.
While hiking abounds at the park, only one trail actually leads to the water’s edge. The Cleetwood Cove Trail is steep and one mile in length (one way). However, the trail is wide, has several benches along the way and fine for kids; as long as you give yourself the needed time. At the water’s edge you’ll find a boat dock, fishing spots, and a great swimming hole for the brave of heart.
Ranger-led boat tours vary in length and can be reserved in advance. We opted for the tour that drops families at Wizard Island for a three hour stay. I was nervous about such an adventure with our four year-old, but he was a trooper and we enjoyed lunch and hiking on the island. The hike to the top of Wizard Island is extremely steep, but worth the efforts, as the summit provides a magnificent view from within the great caldera. Bring more water than you think you’ll need for this outing. Once back at the dock, we actually purchased more water, as the return hike to the rim (the equivalent of 70 flights of stairs) can be a slow-go with kids after a full-day on the lake.
The visitor’s centers, trails, and viewpoints provide a variety of things to see and do:
- Earn a badge (Children 6-12) through the Jr. Ranger program.
- Check out the animal footprints in the sidewalk pavement
by Annie’s Creek Restaurant at Mazama Village.
-Visit the Rim Village Café for ready-made sandwiches to stock
your picnic basket.
- Enjoy the friendly chipmunks and ground squirrels (but
please do not feed them).
-Marvel at mother nature and her awesome power and
creation.
- Earn a badge (Children 6-12) through the Jr. Ranger program.
- Check out the animal footprints in the sidewalk pavement
by Annie’s Creek Restaurant at Mazama Village.
-Visit the Rim Village Café for ready-made sandwiches to stock
your picnic basket.
- Enjoy the friendly chipmunks and ground squirrels (but
please do not feed them).
-Marvel at mother nature and her awesome power and
creation.