Wizard Island

July 16, Crater Lake, part 2.

My nose peeked out from under the sleeping bag, “Brrr”, I thought, “Where am I?”  I awoke every morning of the trip in a clammy sleeping bag.  I really enjoy camping when it is 30-60F outside.  Call me weird, but I sleep best in many layers, so the more snuggling with my outfit, the better. 

We planned extra time to explore West Rim Drive on our way to Cleetwood Cove and the boat tour.  Our plan was to hike The Watchman and take in the view from the fire lookout perched atop the mountain.  However, the trail was closed, citing icy snow patches and cliffs directly below them.  We decided to hike on an unmarked trail that left from the opposite part of the parking area.  It was probably similarly dangerous, but it didn’t include blatant signs that told us to go away. 

The small trail quickly met up with a snow field.  Most of our hiking experience has been on trail-free routes, so we didn’t have any qualms about blazing our own path through the snow.  Views of Wizard Island were spectacular.  We were positioned in just the right spot that we could look into the crater within the volcano within Crater Lake. 

Just before we turned back, we spotted our first interesting wildlife (those pesky squirrels and chipmunks don’t count!), a Yellow Bellied Marmot.  It was clear that he hasn’t seen many hikers.  He hesitated to come from his hiding spot, but as I stood quietly long enough, he inched out more and more to get a better look at us.  This is what I love best about national parks.  The wild animals in out of the way places are still wild.  And even though it is sad, I’m glad the visitors don’t spend much time outside of their cars when they do visit, because they would eventually grow accustomed to seeing people.

That yellow swirl in the water is pollen, runoff from the trees on the cliffs above.

Our boat tour around Crater Lake included a three hour stop at Wizard Island, the volcano responsible for sealing up the cracks in the lake.   

We climbed over many different igneous rocks and across soft cascading slopes of pumice.  My day was half over by the time we were midway up the crater.  I had to stop a lot and take a break.  Usually I stop and take photos to catch my breath, rarely admitting how exhausted I was.  When we reached the crater’s rim, we descended into the snow-filled hole a little to get away from the wind.  After a snack, my energy returned.   

Matt and I took turns sliding down the snowy hill.  We didn’t set the best example for the kids that also made the hike.  Suddenly, they were begging their parents to let them slide too.  So the mom gave it a try, then proclaiming loudly from the bottom, “It’s not too fast, sure come on down!” Everybody seemed to have a good time in the crater. 

The second half of the boat tour took us around a jagged rock formation in the lake called Phantom Ship.  Matt and I always joke how national parks have every. little. thing. named.  We looked at each other and smiled as they pointed out the name of each cove and inlet in the lake.  I enjoyed hearing about all the history this area has.  The geology of the area is particularly fascinating. 

This rock is called the Pumice Castle.

This is a green mustache.

Just a few moments before we reached the dock, a rain cloud parked itself overhead.  As if by instinct, my weatherman hubby pulls out his raincoat and puts it on.  Always prepared, he is.  He looked over at me, “Didn’t you bring yours?”

That night we decided to splurge on a dinner out, and apparently everyone else in our campground did too because there was quite a wait.  By the time we finished dinner, the rain stopped and we were ready for bed.  Perfect timing.