Crater Lake National Park is just breathtaking. The north entrance and all the hiking trails were still closed because of snow, but we wanted to see it anyways. We left the wineries of the Willamette Valley and headed for mountains.
Crater Lake National Park
The drive in and out was smokey because of a fire started by lightning and a prescribed burn. We were happy the smoke did not effect the vistas of Crater lake.
Crater Lake is Oregon’s only National Park. It was established in 1902 and is a remnant of the destroyed Mount Mazama. Crater Lake is 1,949 feet deep creating amazing blue water.
The rim of the caldera is at around 8000 feet.
On the way back from Crater Lake to Crescent City Oregon, we came across a couple of Bald Eagles dining on a road kill deer.
We stayed at the Big Pines RV Park in Crescent, Oregon. Full service and private, we even got satellite between the trees. However, the mosquitos were enormous and extremely hungry. Glad we only stayed two nights. We did enjoy two amazing sunsets.
Down the road was the Mohawk Restaurant and Lounge with an incredible amount of memorabilia and stuffed wildlife. Their burgers weren’t bad either.
Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Definitely a treasure. The park was created in 1990 and has over 54,000 acres of lakes, hiking trails, spectacular geologic features and lava flows.
Loved all the black obsidian glass in the lava flow. Unfortunately, the drive to Paulina Peak was still closed because of snow.
We hiked the Lava River Cave. The walk in was absolutely peaceful and silent. Unfortunately the walk out was not because we encountered families that for some reason feel the need to talk constantly.
It’s a 2 mile roundtrip hike in a lava tube that was formed 80,000 years ago.
The lava tube was pitch black. Thankfully, the forest service rents powerful lights for only $5. Outside it was 85 degrees F. In the cave it was 42 degrees. A few bats lived here. Otherwise, just a very long pitch black lava tube.
We also enjoyed a nice hike along a river with a small waterfall, Benham Falls.
Bend, Oregon
What a beautiful area. Snowcapped mountains, waterfalls, hiking trails, and a city that has just about everything.
Even though the Mt. Bachelor ski area was closed for the season, there was still a lot of snow on it.
There were an incredible number of boutique shops, wine bars, breweries, and restaurants, and of course Costco.
We stayed at the CrownVilla RV Resort in Bend. The sites were on pavers and huge. They had full service, ok wifi, and too many trees for satellite. They allowed vehicle washing, so the Jeep got a bath.
The Tumalo Falls are about 20 miles from Bend. The 89 foot falls are an easy hike from the parking lot, but the trail goes on for four miles to Happy Valley. Jake loved the chance to stretch his legs.
Northwest of Bend is the City of Sisters. It’s a smaller western themed town compared to Bend. Stunning snowcapped Cascade mountains in the background and high desert to the east. It’s an outdoor enthusiasts dream. We enjoyed a fig and olive tapenade with grilled vegetables flatbread at Cork Cellars. Delicious and the owner was extremely nice.
Crater Lake and Bend were beautful. It was easy to see why people have flocked to live here. They get 300 days of sunshine a year.
