MJ Destinations: Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

In all of our travels, all over the country, we try and stop and “smell the roses” as you would say. We don’t always get a chance to but when it arises we take full blown advantage of it. I really haven’t been much of anywhere outside of Oklahoma, for many reasons, not that I’ve never wanted to, but because I simply couldn’t. Life of a single mom can be pretty boring but rewarding. Now for the last 7 years I’ve gotten to do some traveling, but the last 4 years has been the most exciting times of my life! With that intro comes the real reason why I have to tell you about some of the “stop and smell the roses” part of this story. 

Traveling to our ModernJeeper Adventures destination in Tillamook, OR from So-Cal we went a different route this year. I love the west coast going up to Oregon, but Corey said we are taking a different route this time. At first I didn’t like that thought until we made our way to some of the Volcanic Byways to visit some. This was all new to me and I kind of started to get a little excited to head up toward the Cascades and the history of it all. 

The one that stood out to me was Crater Lake.

Crater Lake National Park continues to inspire visitors from all around the world. 7,700 years ago, a violent eruption collapsed an ancient volcano forming what we know as of today; Crater Lake. Today, visitors marvel at the panoramic views and natural formations of Wizard Island and Phantom Ship. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, want to immerse yourself in nature, or simply relax and take in the views, Crater Lake awaits you.

A hike down to the water reveals new wonders. The water is so blue, so deep, it’s no surprise it’s the deepest lake in America, and one of the deepest on earth. That’s why it’s one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon.

Surrounded by cliffs almost 2,000 feet high and boasting a picturesque island a violent volcanic past, Crater Lake is also home to hikes in old-growth forest and cross-country ski trips in the winter months. Many of the roads and facilities close during the winter, but the park is open and accessible all year long.

Crater Lake is located in Southern Oregon, which is also home to the world-renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the stunning Rogue River, the Oregon Caves and vineyards, chocolatiers and cheesemakers galore.

Most visitors come to Crater Lake National Park during the months of July through mid-September, when the weather is generally mild with little precipitation. Due to the elevation of the park (6,500 ft. at Park Headquarters and 7,100 ft. at Rim Village), weather conditions may change quickly and a warm jacket and wool sweater are always recommended items to carry. During the winter months, from October through June, weather conditions make preparing for extreme winter conditions necessary. Blizzards, high winds, extreme cold and low visibility dominate the weather patterns. Visitors should come with cold weather gear.

A good place to begin your visit to Crater Lake is at one of the two visitor centers. The Steel Information Center lies south of Rim Drive next to park headquarters and is open year-round. In the summer, the Rim Village Visitor Center is open along Rim Drive on the southern side of the caldera. After gathering information on the park and its facilities visitors can make educated decisions about what recreation opportunities to pursue. Hiking, backpacking, camping, picnicking and sight seeing are popular pursuits within the park. Boating and scenic driving around Rim Drive can be enjoyed by visitors during the summer months. In winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing provide solitude and a little-known view of the park.

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