May 8th ~ Southern Oregon
Crater Lake in early May
There is only one National Park in the entire state of Oregon, and it certainly deserves this ranking.
Bare trees and a bit of ground showing here and there
Crater Lake was formed when Mount Mazama erupted, collapsed into itself and eventually filled up with a combination of rain water and melted snow. Wizard Island is a main focal point.
“Wizard Island is a volcanic cinder cone which forms an island at the west end of Crater Lake. The top of the island reaches 6,933 feet (2,113 m) above sea level, about 755 feet (230 m) above the average surface of the lake. The cone is capped by a volcanic crater about 500 feet (150 m) wide and 100 feet (30 m) deep. The crater was named the “Witches Cauldron” by William Gladstone Steel in 1885, who also gave Wizard Island its name at the same time.” ~ Wikipedia
The crater rim stands high above the water
“Native Americans witnessed its formation 7,700 years ago, when a violent eruption triggered the collapse of a tall peak. Scientists marvel at its purity: fed by rain and snow, it’s the deepest lake in the USA and perhaps the most pristine on earth.” ~ NPS.gov
Another angle
This was the first time I have visited the park this early in the season and there was still quite a bit of snow. Most of the road including the rim drive around the lake was still closed, along with the lodge. But, we were able to get to a couple of view spots to take a few pictures. This map shows which roads were open.
Only the roads in red and gray were open.
It still takes my breath away each time I see it
They had a small cafe open where we were able to get a warm lunch. In the gift shop both Laura and I found Crater Lake souvenir shirts we liked. After a quick change in the public restroom, we had to have our pictures taken together to show them off. Kind of reminded us of “Besties” from high school days, lol.
Four friends on the rim of Crater Lake with Wizard Island in the background
As is my norm, I took way to many pictures, but such happy memories…
The surrounding forest and meadows still had a deep coat of white.
The cloud formations were as beautiful as the snow
The lodge was still closed
Rogue Gorge
The Rogue Gorge
We got to see both ends of the Rogue River. The headwater is just below Crater Lake and runs all the way to the Pacific Ocean, terminating at Gold Beach. In case you missed that post where we took Jerry’s Rogue Jet boats, you can find it by clicking here.
Not far downstream from Crater Lake is a natural gorge where the river narrows and is forced through and over the remains of old lava tubes.
Michael shot a short video of the falls which demonstrates the power.
If you are curious to see what Crater Lake and the Rogue Gorge looks like without all the snow, here is a link to when we last visited here in the fall of 2015.
Almost right next door to the gorge, is the small Beckie’s Restaurant which is a very popular stopping off point for many travelers going to/from Crater Lake. We were a little too early in the season for their famous huckleberry pie. I had to settle for a slice of “Very Berry” pie à la mode, and Laura selected a root beer float that comes with an extra glass of root beer to keep topping it off.
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful that we got to see Crater Lake surrounded in snow. Before I was born, my father taught snow skiing here one year, so I felt like I got a tiny glimpse into what he witnessed so many years ago. Treasured moments…
A Note From Abroad 
Crater Lake in the snow was magnificent! Hopefully we can all revisit it and drive around the rim. The Gorge was an added bonus. Loving our trip and appreciate the time it took to arrange these special moments ❤️
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Even though the snow prevented us from doing the rim drive, it provided a beautiful setting for our photography. ❤️
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I visited in the summer about ten years ago, but from your pics it is even more beautiful in the snow.
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The coat of snow added another layer of beauty, however when the roads are finally clear and you can drive the rim loop, the added views are well worth it.
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Lovely images. Crater Lake was one of my all time favourite places when I visited the USA. I have picture I took overlooking Wizard Island in prime position above the fireplace in the sitting room.
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I’ll bet the picture of that view brings back special memories. So happy you got to experience seeing it while in the USA. Curious to know where you call home and what other sites were favorites.
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It certainly does. My home is the UK. The Giant Redwoods, Bryce Canyon, Dead Horse Point, and the North Pacific coast are my favourites.
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Oh, you got to see some great spots! If you have any plans for another visit, I would highly recommend Yellowstone, Jasper and Glacier National Parks for natural beauty if you have not already seen them. Yellowstone is my favorite, but the other two are right up there.
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I would love to visit again while I’m still able, and certainly those destinations would be on my list, Yellowstone No 1.
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On my bucket list to visit this National park someday. Thank you for sharing your adventure!
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Definitely worthy of being on that list! 😃
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My family visited Crater Lake when I was much too young to remember. I’d love to get there again one day and it’s certainly gorgeous in the snow.
janet
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Janet, it is beautiful both with and without snow. I enjoyed seeing it this time with the snow, but think I prefer summer when we can drive the entire loop around the lake. Really can’t go wrong either way!
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Beautiful!! I love pie a la mode.
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Special treats!
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On my list for a return visit to get my passport stamped. I haven’t been there since 1967 when I was 12. MIght drive through on m y drive north in July.
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It is such fun adding stamps to our National Park passports. Looking forward to adding several more very soon!
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I’m going to be bad and if I can find them for Banff and Jasper I’ll add them. Unless I can find a passport type book for Canada’s Parks.
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I have never looked to see if Canada has a NP passport book. Got me curious now 🤔
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I’ll let you know in a few months.
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Great Pictures. thanks for sharing
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Thank you! Glad you enjoyed them.
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Great post. Lovely photos. I have started to go and visit that park a million times and have never made it because I am always trying to get somewhere or trying to get home. One of these days…thanks for taking me there in the meantime.
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Crater Lake is well worth taking the side trip to see. I’m pretty confident you would not be disappointed.
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Crater Lake is a major bucket list item for me and I would love to see it in the snow! Such beautiful pictures!
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The snow added a completely different element to this already gorgeous place.
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I am sure, but of course I must see it when the rim drive is open as well! 😀
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I’m sure that either (preferably both) options would be winners.
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