(Crater Lake OR)
With my arrival in Oregon, I had reached the northwest for my summer excursions. First stop was in Klamath Falls for gas, groceries and an overnight at a Walmart. The next morning I headed for Crater Lake National Park.
Wizard Island in Crater Lake
My visit was in late May, and on the first day that they opened the West Rim road. The intense deep blue water and Wizard Island were the main attractions. The nation’s deepest lake at 1,943 ft is an impressive sight. Other features like The Pinnacles, Phantom Ship, and Vidae Falls were not yet accessible.
South Rim of Crater Lake
Annie Creek Canyon
Snow was still piled 20 ft high along the roadside. And so, there were few places to pull over for taking photos. No trails were open for hiking; nor the East Rim Drive. Later in the year would have been a better time to visit. I missed seeing many of the best parts.
Snowbank by West Rim Drive
I took the West Rim Drive and then out the north exit. Plans were to boondock in the Winema NF somewhere north of the park. However, I decided on camping at LaPine State Park for one night to get electric and a dump station. It was in the pines and near the Deschutes River.
Camp: LaPine SP
Scene: Lake, mountains, river, forest
Great photos – looks like an interesting area.
I was way too early to see enough of it.
Wow, that is a lot of snow!!
Yeah. Reminded me of when I was a kid in northern NY state.
Personally I think Crater Lake is much more beautiful with the snowbanks, although when I’ve been there before the snow melted they had cleared spaces to park and view the lake.
There were only a couple of spots to pull over. You may be right about the snow enhancing the views. A little sunshine would have been nice.