Six Weeks/14 Parks
2008
We don’t care what gas costs!
The Rim Drive
The Mt. Scott Trail
Crater Lake Boat Tour
CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK
Conditions were smoky but the lake was still so blue. The wind had shifted overnight and the forest fires down south that were still burning had sent their hazy skies up to us. The ranger at last might’s campfire had made a point of saying that the best time to see the lake was early, before 10:00, from the east side. That was how to see the lake at it’s most reflective. He wasn’t kidding.
7/17/08
Did I mention there was snow on the ground everywhere here? Yes, it was quite cool at night and the snow was packed in some places, so there were still many patches of it. There were some large piles at the start of the Mt. Scott trail, which we began to hike at about 10:30. Mt. Scott is the highest elevation around the lake, over 8,900’, with a 1,300’ ascent.
This is the best time of year for wildflowers. They are blooming everywhere with such bright yellows, reds, oranges and purples. We saw loads of them going up the mountain, along with incredible trees growing right out of the rock!
ALthough it was very hazy, the view from the top of the mountain was still breathtaking. We could see the lake, but some of the surrounding peaks were obscured. Still in all, a nice little roadside spot for lunch.
Final event of the day was the boat tour of the lake. To get to the dock, you have to hike down the Cleetwood Coveh Trail, a 700’ descent on a 1 mile trail. Not too bad going down, but oh, coming back up! Anyway, we had been hiking all day, so it felt really good to put our feet in the 58º water of Crater Lake. The boat ride was great, with some awesome views of the towering cliff faces around the lake. And that blue water, so incredible!
This rock formation is called the Phantom Ships, perhaps because from the rim, it does look a little like a sailing ship. Up close, it just looks unbelievable.
This red colored rock formation is the Pumice Palace. Believe me, I’ve learned more about geology and rock formations on this trip than I ever thought I’d know. This formation is made of heat-fused pumice, which is harder than the rock that surrounded it. The erosion of that softer outer rock left us with this cool looking structure.
Our last treat of the day was the sighting of this bald eagle (white head on tree) and it’s nesting eaglet nearby. Wish you could see them moving. It was quite a sight.
