Day 2 at Crater Lake was bright and sunny, the opposite of Day 1. Today we finally got to see the intense blue of the lake. We drove the Rim Drive in the opposite direction as yesterday, going down the east side first and back up the west side. The first thing we did was stop at Cleetwood Cove, where folks can hike down to the water and board the tour boat for a 2 hour ride. We decided against the boat tour, but we did hike down to the water. Oy! The hike down was great... but hiking up was not fun. We didn't have enough water, and we had not eaten lunch, and that is one steep climb! Took us over an hour to get back up top, hearts pounding and panting, but we did it! How fast could we get to the truck and our water and lunch! Whew!
Then we drove around the lake and enjoyed seeing the same sights as yesterday, only in bright sun and brilliant colors. We stopped at a few more places on the south side of the crater, and had a lovely lunch at the Mazama Campground headquarters.
We ended the day with the ranger-guided sunset hike up Watchman Overlook. We got there late so hiked up by ourselves, and loitered at the top (8013 ft.) watching the sun going down. Eventually the ranger led us all up to the outdoor walkway around the fire station and we enjoyed the final colors of the evening. What a wonderful way to end our visit to Crater Lake!
p.s. These posts come to you courtesy of my sister, who is allowing me to use her wifi. Thanks, Roofie!
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| Here is the Official Park Sign picture... |
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| These colors are not modified - that lake is an amazing shade of blue. |
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Snow poles in place around the roads & parking areas - notice the reflectors are way up at the top.
This place gets a LOT of snow.... |
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| This is an elevation marker. (pant-pant) |
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| Our first hike of the day; 700 ft. elevation change. WHAT were we thinking? |
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| Downhill was great.... |
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| Protecting my head from falling rocks! |
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| Lakeside. |
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| Another group prepares to board the tour boat. |
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| On top of Watchman Overlook; parking lot is waaaay down there. |
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| Fire Tower on top of Watchman Overlook. |
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| Sunset over the Cascade Range. |
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| Crater Lake at sunset. |
You're welcome! :)
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