Crater Lake NP was one of the places that I was most looking forward to visiting again. We were here 15 years ago when we did Rhian’s birthday trip camping our way to the west coast, and I was so stunned by the beauty of the lake that I cried. This time was somewhat different, as the views of the lake were obscured by smoke from the Oregon wildfires. But we made the most of it anyway.

The first day we walked along the rim and had a nice bike ride along forest roads. The smoke was thick that day so the views of the lake were limited. On day 2 we hiked to the highest point on the rim, Watchman Tower, and we also hiked down to the lake which was the lowest point in the park. I got to check off a bucket list item there – and I actually swam in the lake. I hadn’t been prepared to do that, so I’m grateful for sports bras and quick dry shorts. The trail down was a mile of very steep slopes and between the two hikes that day I really got my exercise!

Crater Lake is a place that we both enjoyed so much. I can see spending a season here as a camp host and exploring all it has to offer.