Crater Lake & Umpqua River, 30 June 2011

Mt Shasta from Southern Oregon

We left fairly early (for being on vacation) since we planned many stops on the route to Cottage Grove. We headed north along Klamath Lake and then turned west toward Crater Lake. We had a last view of Mt Shasta from the north.

About then, we could also see the remains of Mt Mazama, which holds Crater Lake. From that perspective one cannot really tell the geology, but can see peaks which are on the rim of the lake.

typical sign along rim

As we entered the park and drove up toward the rim of the lake, the snow became deeper and more consistently covering the ground. At the rim, there were still drifts and snowbanks as much as 10 or 12 feet high. (We didn't measure them, but are estimating.) Only the road to the south rim and around the west side to the north entrance were open. All else is still buried in snow. 

The water of Crater Lake is an incredible blue. The day was clear, and the sky and water contrasted beautifully with the snow. We had not been here to Crater Lake for a long time (like Yosemite) and very much enjoyed visiting this wonderful place. And it was very interesting to see it in almost winter conditions. We took advantage of all the views we could along the south and west rims.

West Rim and Wizard Island

Phantom Ship along East Rim

Wizard Island and East Rim

Dear crossing snow field near Crater Lake Lodge

It was hard to leave this place, too. Seeing it with all the snow, contrasting the white and intense blue, made it even more magical.  

Mt Thielson

We drove through the Pumice Desert to the North Entrance. Leaving the Park, we headed toward Diamond Lake and the Umpqua River. We didn't drive down to Diamond Lake, but stopped at a park area at the base of Mt Thielson.

Then we continued on Hiway 138 along the North Umpqua River to find several waterfalls on the river and tributary creeks. Dick's brother, Terry, had first told us about many of these falls. It is a beautiful collection of falls and cascades. We stopped at several along the way. (I hope a got them all labeled correctly.)

Whitehorse Falls

Clearwater Falls

Watson Falls

Little Falls with Steelhead jumping (right center)

Toketee Falls

After we came out of the mountains and reached the freeway (back on I-5), we headed north to Cottage Grove. We will stay there at the Village Green the next two nights.