Honeymoon Day Six - From Ice Storms to Hot Spings

We started the day trying to find breakfast and gas in La Pine. After attempting to pump our own gas and finding out that it's the law in Oregon for an attendant to pump it for you, we grabbed some breakfast at the La Pine Inn Restaurant. We then headed south on 197 towards Crater Lake.

(Click image for our day journey or click here for the interactive version.)

The initial road we had intended to take to Crater Lake was located on the north side of the Lake. As we approached the road, all we could see in front of us was a long shute of snow, a closed gate, and another group of travelers next to their car pondering what to do next. We knew there was another entrance to the Lake area, but it was 45 miles away. Crater Lake was our goal and Crater Lake we would see. After driving up through the mountains to the south entrance, we were greeted by a long line of vehicles full of anxious travelers, looking to see this natural wonder.

We paid the entrance fee and drove 7 miles up to the rim of the crater (the rest of the park roads are still closed for winter.) Snow was piled on both sides of the narrow road and when we reached the top, there was nothing but snow covering the ground. The weather there varied from sunny, to rainy to icy (video below). The lake is the deepest lake in the US and one of the deepest in the world. A gorgeous view in all directions, we walked through the snow to various viewing points to marvel at the size of the lake and the surrounding peaks. We stopped by the 100 year old lodge at the edge of Crater Lake for a pint and a bit of history about the lake and the lodge's construction. The drive back down the hill was much quicker and we left the lake with awe and wonderment.

After all the snow, we stopped by McCredie Hot Springs for a warm soak on our way to Eugene. The guidebook said it was a usually a party at McCredie and it was correct. There was a group of high school students and a handful of other visitors soaking in the various pools that were situated along the river. Lots of colorful conversations around us. Each pool had differing temperatures and we floated between the hottest one and the comfortable one, allowing water from the two to mix. After a nice bath in the mineral spring, we continued to Eugene where we found a cheap, yet quaint hotel in the downtown area. Dinner at a Mexican restaurant and a movie in the room followed.

Tomorrow we will explore downtown Eugene for a bit. Jed spotted a famous building downtown that we plan on looking at and hopefully some of the local shops will be open on Memorial Day. Then we shall head for the coast to check out the dunes!

Snowball Fight



Slip and Slide in the Snow



Ice Storm at Crater Lake



Walking in the Snow



Crater Lake Panorama



Foggy Drive



McCredie Hot Springs



Visit from a local Ground Squirrel



Big Ole Mountain



Denied Entrace at Crater Lake