PetersonFamily: Crater Lake; July 2012

This was a covered bridge we discovered along the road.

In July we had the opportunity to visit Crater Lake in Oregon. I've never been there and Phil only got a "sneak peak" one time while doing work in southern Oregon. It was beautiful beyond description. We had great weather and a great time.

This was our first view of the lake. The blue is incredible!

Some fellow observers took this pic of us. The island is called "Wizard Island"

If you bring kids - hang onto them. The drop-offs are steep.

Yes, there was still snow in the area. In fact the whole road around the lake was just opened the week before.
As you drive around the lake the views give such different perspectives.

Sun Notch

This small island is known as "Phantom Ship" because of its shape.

This yellow stuff in the water we decided was the pollen off the trees.

Pumice Castle

Used my tripod for this shot at Cloudcap. You can almost get the whole lake in one picture.

On the far side you can make out one of the tour boats at the base of the cliff. It's quite a hike down there and back (see the trail?) but it is the only access to the lake. The boats will tour the lake as well as the islands therein. There is even a swimming beach if you dare.

This is Crater Lake Lodge. Nice place, not elegant like Timberline on Mt. Hood but I guess they think the view makes up for that.

View from Lodge

Then we visited a trail through "Pinnacles". They are formed from steam vents in the ground which eroded away leave these hardened, hollow shapes. The volcano blew up 7,700 years ago.