The trip from Winnemucca to Crater Lake took us through desert expanses, rolling hills, and forested areas. The roads were mostly empty, with Cookie and Joy navigating the winding paths together. However, our journey was peppered with constant notifications about the trailer wiring being disconnected, which proved to be quite a distraction.
Our stay was at the Crater Lake RV Park.
The campsite was bustling with activity, with fellow campers coming and going throughout the day. The facilities were top-notch, including clean laundry areas and friendly staff who made us feel right at home. We discovered several trails in the woods around the campsite. One led us to the Rogue River Dam, while another took us on a thrilling downhill trek to the river itself.
After setup and pawsome walks, we decided on a local restaurant for dinner. Beckie's Restaurant, located near Crater Lake in Union Creek, Oregon, is a charming and beloved spot for both locals and visitors. Known for its hearty meals and famous homemade pies, Beckie's offers a cozy atmosphere that's perfect for refueling.
History of Beckie's
Beckie's Restaurant was founded in 1926 in Union Creek, Oregon, near Crater Lake National Park. It was part of a larger complex of rustic cabins and a lodge built to accommodate visitors to the park. The restaurant was named after Rebecca "Beckie" Kirtland, the wife of a local businessman, who played a significant role in its early operation and popularity. The restaurant and the surrounding Union Creek Historic District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, highlighting their significance and preservation efforts.
Next, we headed to Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park
Located in southern Oregon, it is renowned for its deep blue color and stunning clarity. Formed around 7,700 years ago by the collapse of the volcano Mount Mazama, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States, with a depth of 1,943 feet. This natural wonder is the centerpiece of Crater Lake National Park, which offers visitors breathtaking views, numerous hiking trails, and opportunities for boating and fishing. The lake’s caldera is surrounded by cliffs reaching up to 2,000 feet high, and the park is home to diverse wildlife and unique geological features.
Crater Lake roads were only open up to Discovery Point during our visit, and the facilities were still buried under 14 feet of snow. The snow was so densely packed that it looked blue when exposed. Naturally, we couldn't resist the chance for a snowball fight, followed by some hilarious slipping and sliding around. Who knew we'd stumble upon a winter wonderland in the middle of our summer adventure?
At Discovery Point, we marveled at the sight of Wizard Island, a cinder cone rising out of the water like a magical hat. Legend has it that if you squint just right, you might see wizards casting spells or maybe just a couple of hikers pretending to be Gandalf. Our imaginations ran wild as we joked about taking a boat over to enroll in wizard school.
Day two was laundry day. While Chuck and I worked, Debbie and Diana handled the laundry, Diana, Debbie, Denny, and Jennae went grocery shopping and picked up supplies to fix our beeping problem. During the trip, Debbie had a hilarious mix-up—she saw "tied pies" instead of "tied flies"! We couldn't stop laughing about it all day.
After finishing up our tasks, Chuck and I joined the group, and we embarked on a hike to the natural bridge. The trail led us through picturesque scenery, with towering trees and babbling streams along the way. As we approached the natural bridge, we were in awe of its majestic beauty. This fascinating geological formation is a testament to the power of nature, carved over centuries by the flowing waters of the Rogue River. It was the perfect way to unwind and reconnect with nature after a busy day.
On day three, we kicked off the morning with a big family breakfast, fueling up for another adventure day. Eager to explore more of Crater Lake, we headed back for another round. However, we soon discovered that much of the park was still closed off due to the ongoing efforts to remove spring snow. Undeterred, we made the most of our time. Even with some areas off-limits, our Crater Lake adventure was nothing short of unforgettable.
Venturing to Flounce Rock, or what felt like the top of the world, we stumbled upon a scene straight out of a Stephen King novel—a sprawling pet cemetery. Despite the breathtaking views, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease, especially as the dusty roads made driving a nerve-wracking experience. The swirling dust obscured our view, turning our black truck a shade of tan. From Flounce Rock you can see Cascade Range, Siskiyou Mountains, Rogue River, Mount McLoughlin, Mount Shasta, a bit of the caldera around Crater Lake, and Klamath Mountains.
Upon returning to Crater Lake RV Park, Chuck dove right into troubleshooting our persistent beeping issue. Following research into the trailer wiring warning, he honed in on a potential battery grounding problem. Crawling under Cookie, he examined the grounding wire and uncovered a rusted connection. Chuck replaced the faulty parts with the tools and supplies gathered the previous day. However, the true test of this fix would only come during our tow to the next RV park.
On day four, the weather decided to play spoilsport, with rain dampening plans for outdoor adventures. I decided to stay back at camp, nursing a small cold while the rest of the group braved the elements for a hike to National Creek Falls. Despite the slippery conditions, they pressed on, with Chuck experiencing a minor slip and slide along the trail. Meanwhile, Diana had her sights set on Hershberger Mountain and Rabbit Ears but ended up seven miles south instead—a humorous detour that added an unexpected twist to their day. Despite the rain and the unexpected turns, it was a day filled with laughter and memorable moments.
As fate would have it, their misadventure led them right near Beckie's Restaurant once more. Poor Chuck missed out on breakfast yet again, but they all made up for it with a hearty lunch at Beckie's instead. Eager to salvage the day with a sweet treat, they attempted to satisfy their cravings for huckleberry ice cream at a nearby shop, only to find it closed. Despite the disappointment, their impromptu lunch at Beckie's was a delicious consolation prize.
Leaving Crater Lake feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, we travel to Mt. Lassen in California. Excited to explore its volcanic landscapes and experience its geothermal activities, we look forward to immersing ourselves in the natural wonders that await us.
Links
Crater Lake RV Park: https://craterlakerv.com/newsite/
Beckie's Cafe: https://www.unioncreekoregon.com/dining/beckies-cafe/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=places&utm_campaign=google_places
Crater Lake National Park: https://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm
Natural Bridge: https://www.travelmedford.org/natural-bridge-trail-
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