Crater Lake

We left Washington and head to Crater Lake National Park. We arrived at our campground early–about 3:00 so we set up camp and then headed over to the Park. The park was about 37 miles or one hour. Small roads, slow going–you know how it is. There is no expressway out here. We arrived at the visitor center just in time for closing but we were able to get my National Parks Passport stamped and pick up a map. We then headed up to see the lake. It did not disappoint. We took a ton of pictures and headed back to camp. The plan was to go over the map and pick a hike or two and then do the rim drive.

The next morning we woke up to a lot of smoke. We were able to get to Crater Lake but really glad we got our pictures the night before. The first hike was supposed to be Annie Creek but we couldn’t find it. One person told us it was right behind the gift shop–but that was a big parking lot with another store and a gas station–no sign of the trail. According to the map it was behind the campground at the amphitheater. We drove through the campground–twice and still could not find the amphitheater nor the trailhead sign. So we headed to our next trail which was to a waterfall.

After that we did the rim drive as far as we could and headed back. There is no way to predict the weather nor fire hazards when planning so you just have to make do. But this is a beautiful park.