Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

We bid the Pacific Ocean farewell in Northern California and headed inland. We had cruised along the coast during a previous trip and although we loved coastal Oregon and Washington, summer crowds and a lack of reservations made the inland route preferable. We headed to Crater Lake National Park in central Oregon. We were certainly not the only ones with this idea, as hoards of tourists descended upon this state treasure. The crater is the result of ages old volcanic activity in the area and boat trips are offered around the iconic island offshore. The lake is a stunning marine blue and when the sun strikes it just so, the water is enchanting.

Lakes of Mesmerizing Blue

Iconic Mount Hood in the distance