Crater Lake National Park Provides Great Photo Ops

"Mt. Hood" ©Mary Montague Sikes

Flying into Portland, Oregon en route to Crater Lake National Park provided the first of many photo ops in a lovely and scenic state. As we approached our landing, Mt. Hood appeared on the horizon. This was the best view of the iconic mountain that I had for our entire trip.

Our daughter, Allison, has been planning our Crater Lake visit for almost a year. She and her sisters, Alicia and Amy, were not disappointed in the many hiking trails that offered even more chances to take pictures in a variety of scenic locations.

En route to our destination, we stopped at Cline Falls State Park where we had a chance to see a different kind of water view. We stopped and took more pictures at the quaint town of Sisters. Our daughters enjoyed seeing the Three Sisters Mountains located not far away.

"Cline Falls State Park" ©Mary Montague Sikes

While at Crater Lake, we stayed at the Lodge which was constructed in 1915. It sits on the edge of caldera (volcanic basin) and overlooks the lake. Extensive renovations in 1995 left it with a 1920s appearance. Two mornings during our stay, I went outside onto the hotel verandah before 5 a.m. to photograph the predawn hour. The first morning was hazy from the smoke of a forest fire. The second morning was much clearer, and I marveled at the sudden appearance of the bright sun on the lake's edge at 5:45 a.m.

"Crater Lake Lodge" ©Mary Montague Sikes

    

The majestic scenery that one finds at Crater Lake National Park is glorious and well worth the drive to visit this extraordinary park. We took the Rim Drive shuttle the first day we were there. The Park Ranger volunteer was vivacious and extremely helpful on the tour around the lake that featured numerous photo stops.

For those who appreciate the National Park system the way we do, Crater Lake is a must visit. Thank you, Theodore Roosevelt and all the other far-sighted people who have made the National Parks possible. Thank you for saving our beautiful land.

"Overlooking Crater Lake" ©Mary Montague Sikes

"Crater Lake Sunrise" ©Mary Montague Sikes