Crater Lake takes my breath away. I’ve been to many places and this one is in the top tier of picturesque settings if it’s not closed due to weather. I’ve been up the mountain four times: twice I got to the lodge only, twice I’ve made it along the west rim, never have I driven the full perimeter. Even in the worst of situations I’ve seen been stunned but what I’ve seen. Enjoy these pictures!
Crater Lake
It just takes your breath away! Enjoy these pictures!
Just south are Lava Beds National Monument and Tule Lake Wildlife Refuge.
Gosh I had great fun last time I visited the lava tube caves. There are something like 22 caves that were totally accessible to visitors. Not only are you given unrestricted access to the caves but the park rangers even set you up to explore safely. You can check out safety helmets and lanterns then head out for a day underground. It’s really fun. The caves come in all levels of difficulty and most are open for exploring (the one above being the only exception I found).
My first time through these parts I had little interest in the wildlife refuge. Only if I had lots of time (which I never do) would I stop and take interest. Thank goodness I paused out of curiosity! Birds, lots of birds, and birds of all types could be easily approached and photographed. I’d never done much bird shooting because I found it frustrating … too few birds moving too fast at too great a distance for me to get good shots. Not at a refuge. It’s like shooting fish in a barrel. Easy! This second time back I knew better but it was late in the day and light was fading quickly. I got what I got and that’s what I got. There’s always next time!
Lava Beds National Monument and Tule Lake Refuge
These two parks don’t go together except geographically and in this photo album. They seem worlds apart but they’re side-by-side just south of the Oregon border, removed from everything.
Though I didn’t revisit this time, the Tule Relocation Camp is here too.
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