Outside the Crater

Crater Lake NP extends well beyond the crater itself.  Depending on the season, various outdoor activities are available.  Being there in July was a great time to do some of the trails, check out waterfalls and some Mt. Mazama volcanic formations several miles from the crater.

Having proven to ourselves that we could do the strenuous Cleetwood trail into the crater, we opted for some other “destination” trails.

Near the Steel Visitor Center was a nature walk through meadows, at times following a wandering stream, and a hillside.  This was a great introduction to springtime in this high elevation terrain (yes, springtime in July).  Wildflowers were blooming and it was really a wonderful introduction to this ecosystem’s natural plants. 

While we were there, several others equipped with cameras were also enjoying the nature walk.  Unfortunately, the mosquito population was also present (biggest ones I have ever seen!).  But we didn’t let the insects interfere (too much) with our afternoon among the blooms.

Besides the waterfalls we saw in the crater, snowmelt also supported other waterfalls.  And, being there in July when the snowmelt was still in progress, meant the falls were spectacular.

We particularly enjoyed the Plaikni Trail which wound through some beautiful old growth woodlands towards the small valley with the Plaikni Waterfalls.

Along the way, were some benches for breaks – note these were crafted using large downed tree trunks.  Great use of local materials, huh?!

Once we reached the falls we were astounded by nature’s display.  

Not only were the falls cascading into this little valley, wildflowers were blooming up the sides of the streams, small butterflies were everywhere sipping water from the dampened soils created by the water spray and the airspace was filled of dozens of dragonflies. 

Unfortunately, we were unable to capture images of the dragonflies; but they were there.

Looking up toward the falls, however, there was a creature big enough to easily see. 

And, she/he was also very curious about us, but stayed a safe distance from these visitors into it’s valley. 

It was a yellow-bellied marmot.  Not quite as big as a groundhog, but much larger a squirrel.   We spent several minutes observing one another as the marmot munched on decaying materials in an old log.

Another trail led us to the Pinnacles formations.  Standing like spires on a castle, these formations were along a gorge about 6 miles outside of the crater loop road.  Originally these structures served as flumes with volcanic gases rising through a layer of ash, cementing the ash into solid rock.  Erosion over the millennia uncovered these outstanding pinnacles, often hollow on the inside.

After three days emerging ourselves into Crater Lake NP and all its wonders, we spent a quiet July 4^th at our RV Park, enjoying an ice cream social provided by the park and preparing for the next leg of our trip.  On the 5^th we headed south getting on Highway 395 in California, moving towards our next stopover – Mammoth Lakes, CA.