Crater Lake

We finally made it to Oregon and Crater Lake.  I've heard such amazing things about Crater Lake and was really looking forward to it.

We got reservations at some cabins that are in the park (the lodge was full).  Worked out great!  As soon as we got there, we decided to take one quick hike to see Pirate Ship.  First thing you will notice in the pictures is probably the snow!! It was about 50 degrees in the day but the park stlil has tons of snow. In the morning, it was in the low 30s.  Most of the roads were closed so actually, there wasn't a lot of hiking you could do.  On this hike, you couldn't see the trail because you were just walking across snow. However, it was pretty easy to see where to go.

Pirate Ship!

Caitlin and I at the top

A small waterfall we passed on our drive

 The one bad thing about Crater Lake was the mosquitoes!! They would just swarm you if you were standing still, especially that first night. At least in the morning they weren't out as much. Those are one thing I just cannot stand!

The next day, we got up and had breakfast at the lodge and walked around the rim.  We learned some interesting facts about how Crater Lake was created.  Then, we drove around the rim, stopping at various points to get some pictures before finally leaving and heading to Portland. 

That's the lodge in the background

One of my favs!