A day spent in Crater Lake National Park is best explained in photos and few words. Anyone can research the way to spend a day at Crater Lake but this is how we spent ours. These photos will tell the tale of our day and the beauty of this place, a beauty that is almost too much for the eyes to behold and accept as real. It’s magical!
Entering the park from the North Entrance of route 138.There is still plenty of snow at 6,000 feet!The first views of the Lake and Wizard Island, afforded at an overlook where the entrance road hits Rim Drive.More from the overlook. Still plenty of snow.The cinder cone Wizard Island rising out of the lake water. Remnants of the eruption from 7,700 years ago.Chipmunks at Crater Lake are outgoing and apparently quite contemplative.Views emerging from the pine trees along our first hike stop; Cleetwood Cove Trail. This trail provides the only legal access to the Lake. It’s short but steep; about 700 feet in elevation over 1 mile.We made it down to the lake fairly quickly and found the boat dock for ranger-led boat tours to Wizard island. They sell out fast and take a minimum of two hours so we were unable to partake.The views at Lake level were gorgeous though! And when we hit trail’s end at the bath houses, we found a crew of young men celebrating the 4th of July by jumping into the icy cold waters (55F) of Crater Lake. Entirely legally at that! Park Rangers gave permission. They immediately tried to sway me to take a dive too. I was reluctant but my mom and aunt wanted to live vicariously through me…and you only live once, right?!One of the nice gentlemen allowed me to borrow his American Flag swimming trunks so I didn’t have to jump in my pants or just my underwear. I had already brought the American Flag for photo ops so naturally the two went together for my jump!My guess is 15 feet. I have jumped 25ish before so I wasn’t afraid of the height, but the temperature had me nervous! I also didn’t want to lose my flag on impact!But no fear, on the cameraman’s word I spread my wings and leapt. Check out the video below! Hitting that cold water literally took my breath away. The short swim to the rocks had me gasping. All clothing and flag were still intact at the end though 🙂
4th of July Crater Lake Jump
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We finished our hike with a few breaks for photos and water on the 700 foot climb up. Then back into the car and around the rim for more views. Like my mom and aunt have here, I recommend alpine poles if you have knee or ankle problems, especially with the loose dirt and dust surface.At 6,000 feet the views opposite the lake go on forever!Right before parking at the Discovery Point trail we spotted this little lady. The park is full of wildlife!We parked at the Discovery Point Trailhead to trek around the rim 1 mile to Rim Village and the Crater Lake lodge. Here is a close up of Wizard Island.Taking in the blue beauty looking Southeast. We have Mount Mazama to thank for creating this pristine vista.Can you see the birds in the trees? These guys were the most prominent birds in the pines close to the rim.After reaching the lodge and re-filling on water we hiked back to the car. Here is Wizard island looking Northwest.
This is my final photo for the post. After getting back to the car we drove further around to the Visitor Center for souvenirs, bathroom breaks, and my mom’s NPS stamp. The Visitor Center also offers Ranger Talks but we had to pass due to the 2 hour drive to Bend ahead of us. Due to snow, we were unable to access about 30% of Rim Drive which included Mount Scott and some popular trails and sites, like the Phantom Ship Rock. I will definitely go back in later July or early August to be able to make it to that side of the Lake. But for my first time at Crater Lake, I was mesmerized! I hope you enjoy these photos and are inspired to visit one day too!
