Crater Lake in Spring

On our way to Bend, we took a side trip to the Crater Lake National Park in Central Oregon. Crater Lake National Park was just transitioning from deep winter to the summer season. The resorts and motels were opening, the road to Rim Village was plowed but not Rim Drive, and snow was still on the ground at higher elevations (52 feet of snow was recorded this year). It was off season, with fewer crowds and cool temperature – just the way we like it!

Mill Creek Falls

 Mill Creek Gorge

We approached the park on Highway 62 from Medford, Oregon, and checked into our rustic cabin in the historic Union Creek Resort (opened in 1922 to serve visitors to the park). We explored the area, visiting Mill Creek Falls and Barr Creek Falls. The weather was beautiful and warm, and the Douglas Fir forest and understory provided wonderful shade. The Rogue River and its tributaries meander through the area, providing many waterfalls. Some require a hike, but many are accessible after a short walk. We ended the day with a delicious dinner at Beckie's Café (they are known for their hospitality and their pies), and then retired to our cozy cabin.

Union Creek

Union Creek Resort

The next day was also beautiful and warm. We drove the 20 miles to the Crater Lake Visitor Center on clear roads, but quickly got into snow country as we ascended to 6,000 feet. We stopped at the Visitor Center at Park Headquarters for the introductory film about the park and its origins, and marveled at the snow banks. It was fun to see so much snow after our years in the San Francisco Bay Area, and I observed more than a few adults ball up a handful of snow and toss it playfully.

Crater Lake Visitor Center in June

Wizard Island from Discovery Point

Crater Lake

We stopped at several overlooks to view the lake, but ended up at Discovery Point for the best views of Wizard Island and the lake. It was surprisingly busy, with a continual stream of visitors. Several chipmunks and birds entertained the visitors. After exploring and picture taking, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at the beautiful Crater Lake Lodge and then headed back to our rustic cabin at Union Creek Resort for the night.

Crater Lake Lodge

Crate Lake Lodge Lobby

The following morning, we packed up and checked out of the hotel, and lingered over a final breakfast at Beckie's Café. We stopped at the nearby Rogue River Gorge for a look at the falls, and a walk through the forest. We saw the Living Stump (its roots are grafted to the roots of living trees, so could heal the wound where it was sawed, and continues to live). The walk by the falls is fenced, with several outcrops provide better viewing (you could feel secure hiking with a young child). We left the area and headed to Beautiful Bend by way of Highway 138 (with a quick stop at Diamond Lake), and Highway 97.

Rogue River Gorge

Predictions are that the Rim Drive won't be completely plowed until mid-July because of the heavy snowfall this year. We still enjoyed the beautiful vistas of the lake, and the chance to see part of the park, even if access was limited by the snow. The visit brought back good memories of when my sister, young son, and I camped at Crater Lake many years ago. We pitched a tent, explored the area, and enjoyed being together!