Crater Lake and Beyond

Yesterday, the heat wave was predicted to continue, so we took a drive to Crater Lake and to explore the waterfalls along the Umpqua Scenic byway. At over 6,000 ft the air was a little cooler at 80 degrees and the scenery was spectacular. On the trip to Crater Lake you pass the Rogue River gorge where you are able to walk the gorge and view the river as it cuts a path through the granite and lava beds. There are beautiful waterfalls and swirling pools of water.







We continued on to Crater Lake and once we got there we were in awe. There are no pictures or words to explain the magnitude of the lake. It is theorized that the lake was formed from a volcano that collapsed and after seeing the size and sheer cliffs that go to the water I have to believe that this is probably true. I have attached two pictures of the lake.

Crater Lake in all its beauty



Sassy Enjoying Crater Lake



We tried to see some waterfalls in "Thunder Valley" along the Umpqua Scenic Byway, but I guess that in Oregon, they just expect you to know where to go and how far you have to travel off the main highway to see them. The Waterfall hunt was a bust, but the trip was relaxing and beautiful - so much green and so much water. Here they almost have too much water, to bad it can't be shipped down to us.

We have been staying at the Moon Mountain RV Park in Grants Pass, Oregon. This is a great little park that really caters to the traveler. Although they couldn't do anything about the heat, they were great at suggesting things to do in the area. This is a picture of our view in the morning - notice the thermometer only reads 67 degrees, which was at least refreshing in the early morning before it hit 100 degrees!



We have moved north to Eugene (Go Ducks!) and are planning on staying here for two days to do laundry and perhaps finally relax a little. There is still more to come... DD