Leg 3 of our Road Trip: Crater Lake

Have you ever found yourself daydreaming about a journey to the deepest, most pristine lake in the United States? If so, Crater Lake might be the adventure you've been longing for.

For me, Crater Lake National Park was a destination I'd always yearned to explore, and it absolutely lived up to the anticipation. Leaving behind California's sun-drenched landscapes for the lush embrace of Oregon, I finally grasped why adventurers rave about Crater Lake. 

It's more than just a postcard-perfect scene with its enchanting deep blue waters; it's an eerie experience amidst craggy cliffs and the embrace of misty fog.

Did You Know?

1. It's the deepest lake in the U.S. at about 1,943 feet.
2. Its remarkable clarity is due in part to the absence of incoming streams.
3. It was born from the collapse of Mount Mazama after a volcanic eruption, creating the caldera that later filled with water.
4. The intense blue hue comes from its sediment-free depth and light-absorbing qualities.
5. Wizard Island, a volcanic cinder cone, sits within the lake, making it one of the world's two freshwater caldera lake islands.
6. The Mazama newt is a unique fish species native to Crater Lake and found nowhere else in the world.
7. Crater Lake is Oregon's only national park, established in 1902 and drawing over 700,000 visitors annually.

Living Like Locals for Five Nights in Prospect, Oregon

Of all the stops on our epic three-week road trip, Crater Lake RV Park held us captive the longest. This cozy campground gave us a pocket-friendly stay at just $38 per night. 

Not only did it spoil us with full hookups, but it also surprised us with a fantastic laundry room and more treats - live music and hot dogs on Saturday nights. 

The sites were comfy and level, but we gave it a solid 4 out of 5 stars, mainly because of its distance from Crater Lake and the lack of amenities in town.

The 226-mile journey from Lassen Volcanic National Park turned out to be quite an adventure for us. 

First, a tire emergency in Redding led us to America's Tires to get a fresh one since we were running on our spare. 

Next, a pit stop at Camping World was in order to replace a malfunctioning jack…and toilet. You know how they say bad things happen in threes, right?


Tip: Never use a toilet pumice stone on an RV toilet!

Must- Experience Activities

1. The Obvious, Crater Lake National Park.

​Tip: To kickstart your adventure, prep a hearty lunch, load up on water, grab sunscreen, your swimsuit, and a towel the evening before your excursion. Rise and shine bright and early, aiming to hit the road by 8:00 AM to outsmart those entrance crowds.

Experiencing the Lake

We made a beeline for Cleetwood Cove Trail, knowing it's the sole path in the park that leads you to the lake and, unsurprisingly, it's a hot commodity.

We all agreed, the trail was a bit of a challenge with its steep 11% grade, but the effort was so worth it! 

Descending felt like a breeze, even though I tried not to think about every step down being a step back up.

Once we reached the bottom, there were rocky spots leading to the lake. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even take a leap off the 'jumping rock' into the crystal-clear waters.

 We weren't prepared with swimsuits, but that didn’t stop the boys!

As it turned out, the chilly plunge actually energized them for the hike back up. My brother-in-law, Tyler, carried his youngest on his back, Scott had their oldest on his shoulders (along with a hefty 30-pound vest), and Brody lightened his TT’s load by carrying the snack-filled backpack.

Thanks to the chaos of our last unprepared hike, we'd learned what to bring and how to time it just right to keep the little ones content. Our hike was a resounding success.

Plan to Picnic

 

Following the hike, we were absolutely starving and headed to a lovely picnic spot with a captivating lake view. It began as a tranquil and picturesque picnic, but nature had other plans for us…

It turns out, birds in Oregon can be surprisingly fierce. 

They swooped down towards us and our food. My son, in a moment of curiosity, actually managed to catch one of the birds in mid flight – that was the tipping point.


Once he released it, the other birds turned aggressive, dive-bombing our faces.

It may sound comical, but we had to arm ourselves with sticks to fend them off. 

After our rather unexpected avian encounter, we were thoroughly drained, yet we still managed to soak in the beautiful scenery on our way back 'home'.

2. Take time to explore Barr and Mill Creek Falls

Fear not, this is an easy and short hike near the campground. This trail treats you to the sight of two stunning waterfalls surrounded by towering trees and moss-covered boulders, showcasing the beauty of Oregon's interior.

Summing Up Our Adventure

This stop provided a perfect blend of adventure at Crater Lake and rest during rainy days. After an unforgettable day at the lake, an unexpected twist occurred. Scott, who never gets sick or tired, woke up with flu-like symptoms. 

He spent the day in bed, while I managed laundry and the kids' schoolwork. The rainy day became a cozy refuge, and we chose to stay in. Remarkably, Scott felt better the next morning.

We laughed about our family's running joke: Scott's knack for overdoing things. 

We realized his challenging hike carrying his nephew and a heavy vest landed him in bed. Ultimately, we were reminded of a valuable lesson- take it easy. 

Admittedly, God has to teach us this lesson over and over again, but we all felt rejuvenated and ready to head for the coast.

 

Bible Verse 

As I was reminiscing about finding rest and serenity in Crater Lake, this verse instantly came to mind. I encourage you to consider the peace and renewal found in faith and trust. In the midst of life's challenges and uncertainties, these verses have the power to provide direction. 

Remember, as we journey through our own unique adventures, we can always find God in the most unexpected of places.

Matthew 11:28- 30 AMP

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation].  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.”

My Understanding

1. We often discuss the overwhelming nature of the Mosaic Law, and honestly, it’s a complex set of rules that I can’t keep straight by just reading them.

• If you haven't read the Mosaic Law, (first five books of the bible) I encourage you do to so- if nothing more than gratitude that you don't have to do all that to have a relationship with God. 

• After packing weight down to Crater Lake, the boys were instantly refreshed and renewed for their journey ahead- I love how God renews us in our lives- He may not take the struggle away, but He gives us what we need to conquer it.

2. These verses often come to mind, reminding me of God’s grace as I navigate life as a thinker and worrier. Though I’ve grown, I know I’ll never reach perfection this side of heaven—and that’s okay because it keeps me dependent on Him.

• Have you ever stood at the crossroads of faith and trust? I believed God could answer my prayers but doubted His willingness. I felt the need to control everything and strive for perfection to earn His approval, feeding my anxiety and pride.

• I once carried the weight of providing everything for my kids—clothes, meals, playdates, academics—and tied my self-worth to their success. As a stay-at-home mom, I felt pressured to keep a perfect home, manage finances, and plan meals, blaming myself whenever things fell short.

• But when I let go of control and fully trusted God, I found peace. It felt like shedding a heavy burden. His gentle guidance became my anchor, calming life’s storms. If anxiety weighs you down, surrender to Him and discover the freedom of letting go.

• Letting go of societal expectations has been life-changing. Now, when people question our unconventional lifestyle, I confidently say, “God’s got this—we have all we need.” 

• Are you living to please others, yourself, or God?

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for being a God who loves us enough to take our burdens from us. You offer us a simple deliverance. You don't complicate things, you simplify them. Help us not to get in our own way, but instead to have faith and trust in you. Help us to not become apathetic, but to do your will and your work on this earth by teaching who you are and being of service to others. We want your love to shine through us.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Have you been to Crater Lake or plan to visit? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!


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