Crater Lake is the only National Park in Oregon and the lake is known to be the purest and deepest lake in US. The water in Crater Lake is so pure because there is no inlet or outlet to the lake. All the water came from the rain and the melted snow from the winter. The Crater Lake National Park itself is not very large and it mostly covers the surrounding area of the lake. The drive time from Portland to Crater Lake is about 4.5 hours. During the winter season, majority of the road is closed at the National Park and only the road to Crater Lake Lodge is still accessible.
We were lucky to be able to make 2 nights reservation at Crater Lake Lodge. We left early on Friday morning around 6:30 AM and got to Crater Lake National Park around 11AM. We first stopped by Watchmans Peak to have an awesome view of Crater Lake. On Crater Lake National Park website, it indicated that the trail has been closed due to lingering snow, but we still did it any way and it was well worth it!
We then drove to Rim Village to check out the gift shop. However, the wait line at the gift ship was so long that we gave up. Thus we went driving along East Rim drive and went to Mount Scott. The Mount Scott Trail is another popular trail. We love to view things from the top, thus this was a must do for us to see Crater Lake from the top!
After coming back down from the mountain, we drove back to Crater Lake Lodge to check in. We got the room on the first floor. The furnace in the room was so noisy and we were unable to turn it off. That was a bummer.
At night, we drove to the East side of Crater Lake to find a good spot to view NEOWISE comet. We somehow spot a place where everyone was at and that turned out to be the best spot to view comet. We got to Pumic Castle view point where everyone was taking photos. The NEOWISE comet under the Big Dipper was amazing. We could even see the reflection of stars on the surface of the lake! Then we turned around and also saw extremely clear Milkyway right above us on the East side.
On the second day, we woke up early at 5AM to see the sunrise from Rim Village. It was so amazing. Then we went to climb Garfield Peak to have a panoramic view over the entire Crater Lake National Park.
We then drove towards West Rim drive and visited all the view points. Eventually we got to the North of Crater Lake and took Cleetwood Cove Trail to get down to the shore of Crater Lake. It felt good to feel the water of the purest lake in US.
At night, we went to Watchman Peak viewpoint again just to see the Milkyway. The Milkyway was right above the lake. The view was breathtaking! While we were taking photos, we saw a group of people there having hot pot. We were so shocked. Then the park ranger came and ask them to pack up the food so that bears don't get attracted. The park ranger also asked whether we heard of any firework due to some firework report to the rangers.
When we headed back Crater Lake Lodge, as we parked the car, a deer was right in front of us! That was a crazy surprise. As we got out of the car, the deer zoomed by us so fast and we were stunned!
Overall, this was a lovely trip to Crater Lake. Crater Lake was still so beautiful and pure with deep blue colour. We would definitely visit this place again!
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