2025 Jul-OR

Family Trip

This is a special trip for us. Jacob is traveling with us to Oregon, where we’re meeting up with Brit and Josh. Josh’s parents (Bill and Lura) and his grandmother (Ellen) live in Bend, and his brother (Gabe) is visiting — so we’re getting a chance to meet Brit’s soon-to-be extended family (wedding August 2026).

Kathryn, Jake, Brit, Josh, and I will be spending two days at an Airbnb in Chiloquin, just outside Crater Lake National Park, and enjoying a couple of days in the park for some great hikes. Then, three more days back in Bend exploring the area. Can’t get better than that!

Tuesday, July 08

☀ Weather: Good travel weather

🛪 Travel Day

Early flight — met Jake at the airport. Check-in and security were the busiest I’ve seen in a very long time. Made it to the gate on time, flight was on time, and we arrived in Portland around 10:30 a.m.

Jake and Kathryn shared the the three-hour drive to Bend, stopping for a quick lunch along the way — and a cherry stand! We had some nice views of Mount Hood along the way. Interestingly, much of the drive was through desert, but as we approached Bend, it got greener and the trees taller.

In the evening, Lura and Bill invited us over for a BBQ on their deck. Wow! They have a beautiful home with a great deck and patio overlooking cliffs and the Deschutes River in their backyard. (I can’t believe I didn’t take a few pictures for the blog!)

We enjoyed a tasty meal of salmon, salad, and sides out on the deck, soaking in the warm summer weather and the incredible views.

It was really nice finally meeting and getting to know Josh’s parents, his brother, and very sweet grandmother.

Wednesday, July 09

☀ Weather: 80s sunny Bend, 70s and breezy Crater Lake.

Kathryn, Jake, Brit, Josh and I packed up the car (GMC Acadia), stopped at the grocery store for supplies and a quick breakfast at the Starbucks.

The drive was beautiful, with the highway lined with Douglas firs along the way. Sadly, we passed through areas recently affected by forest fires.

Oregon Waterfalls

On our way to Crater Lake, Josh and Brittany wanted to show us a couple of their favorite waterfalls, so we made a couple short detours.

Umpqua National Forest - Watson Falls

A short hike got us to the base of the falls - pretty!

Umpqua National Forest - Toketee Falls

Another spectacular waterfall was just a 20-minute drive away. At the parking lot, we were greeted by a massive (12-foot diameter), very old (built in 1949), and extremely leaky water pipe—someone call a plumber! A short hike brought us to the falls. Awesome!

We ate a late lunch at the trailhead before beginning our scenic drive to Crater Lake. Traveling south on Highway 38, the two-lane road—lined with majestic Douglas firs—was a journey in itself. After arriving at the North Entrance Ranger Station, we continued on to West Rim Drive for our first views of the lake.

About Crater Lake National Park

Deep Water in a Sleeping Volcano

Crater Lake inspires awe. Native Americans witnessed its formation 7,700 years ago, when a violent eruption triggered the collapse of a tall peak. Scientists marvel at its purity—fed by rain and snow, it’s the deepest lake in the USA and one of the most pristine on Earth. Artists, photographers, and sightseers gaze in wonder at its blue water and stunning setting atop the Cascade Mountain Range. You can learn more here: Crater Lake NP.

How Did Crater Lake Form

First There Was a Mountain

A massive eruption occurred about 7,700 years ago. It was followed by ejections of volcanic matter through fractures, in an oval shape around the mountain. These events weakened the mountain's structure, and caused the central portion of Mount Mazama to collapse inward. The result was an 5–6 mi (8–10 km) diameter and 0.7 mi (1.2 km) deep caldera.

Before the collapse, Mount Mazama loomed at approximately 12,000 ft (3,658 m) tall. Today, the highest point along the rim is Hillman Peak at 8,151 ft (2,484 m) and the highest point in the park is Mount Scott at 8,929 ft (2722 m).

Now There is a Lake

Soon after the caldera formed, eruptions from new vents built the base of Wizard Island, and over several hundred years, rain and snow partially filled the caldera. Meanwhile, Wizard Island continued to grow and three other volcanoes formed underwater. The final eruption was on the east flank of Wizard Island about 4,800 years ago.

Evaporation and seepage are equal forces which keep Crater Lake from filling beyond an average depth of 1,943 ft (592 m) or 4.9 trillion gal (18.6 trillion L) of water. About 34 billion gal (128 billion L) are gained and lost each year. The yearly average snowfall on Crater Lake, as of 2020, is 42 ft (13 m) with an average yearly precipitation (rain and melted snow) of 67 in (2 m). Average snowfall has been decreasing since the 1930's when it was recorded at 51 ft (16 m).

Widely known for its rich blue color and extreme clarity, which averages 102 ft (31m) deep, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States. It is one of the top ten deepest in the world. Unlike other Cascade Mountain lakes, Crater Lake rarely freezes over in the winter due to the heat content of the enormous water volume. To learn about lake ecology, current research, and the Long-term Limnological Monitoring Program, visit Crater Lake Research. You can learn more here: Crater Lake NP Formation.

Crater Lake National Park - First Views from the Rim

North Junction Overlook

Watchman Overlook

We had planned to hike Watchman’s Peak, but—like most peak trails in the park—it was still closed due to lingering snow. The views from the overlook, however, were mesmerizing.

Discovery Point Hike

Our final hike of the day was an easy trail along the rim with more great views!

Our Airbnb was a giant three-bedroom log cabin on a ranch in the little town of Chiloquin, about an hour south of the park. We rolled in late, hungry, and everyone jumped in to whip up a fast dinner of burgers and sides. Then came the twist: the third bedroom (Jake’s) was technically off the garage—which had no doors. Yep, just an open-air garage. To make things a bit difficult, his room had no bathroom and two separate locked doors to reach the main house. Thanks for taking one for the team, Jake. You basically camped… indoors.

Thursday, July 10

☀ Weather: 70, sunny

Set on a quiet 23-acre ranch, the Airbnb gave us plenty of room to breathe. We enjoyed the morning with coffee and breakfast out on the deck before our bit of late start back to Crater Lake.

Morning Views From the Rim

Some more stunning views from the rim, the water has a different blue than yesterday.

Sun Notch Hike

Our first hike we all did together. Great views of the lake and the small - phantom ship - island.

Cleetwood Cove Hike

From Sun Notch at the southern end of the park, we drove West Rim Drive all the way to the opposite, northern side of the lake to the Cleetwood Cove Trailhead. (Fun fact: portions of East Rim Drive were still closed due to snow—in mid-July!) Cleetwood Cove is a strenuous hike—610 feet of elevation in just 1.1 miles—that takes you from the crater’s rim all the way down to the lake in a steep descent (and steep ascent on the way back!). This, by the way, is also where you’d catch the ferry if you wanted to tour the lake by boat or visit Wizard Island. This particular hike was for Jake, Josh, and Brit. They packed their lunches and headed down the path, while Kathryn and I opted out—for a more casual lunch instead!

Lunch Back at Watchman's Peak

Kathryn and I went back to Watchman's Peak for our lunch and had fun watching some little kids sledding on the snow field before we headed back to pick up our the hikers.

Annie Creek Hike

Our last hike of the day was Annie Creek, located south of the lake and right along our route back toward Chiloquin. It was a pretty wooded trail that led us down to the creek and then back up through the forest. Very scenic—but a little buggy. For some reason, all the bugs seemed to prefer Brit! And, as we exited the park, I finally got my Crater Lake Park Sign picture!

We returned to the Airbnb late and hungry. Dinner was a quick and satisfying meal of spaghetti and garlic bread. The big ranch even had a ping pong table, so Jake and Brit faced off in a post-dinner match—fun!

Friday, July 11

☀ Weather: 80, sunny!

After another relaxing morning on the porch, we said goodbye to our ranch house, packed up, and began the scenic two-plus hour drive back to Bend. Along the way, we stopped for lunch at The Loft—one of Brit and Josh’s favorite food truck spots. Tasty!

The Loft Food Truck Stop

Deschutes River Class 3 Float

Kathryn and I dropped the kids off at Josh’s parents’ house so they could share one of their favorite Bend activities with Jake—a float down the Deschutes River! From the house, you can hike straight down to the river, drop in, and after the float, hike right back. This isn’t your typical lazy river float—it’s a pretty aggressive ride, with sections of Class III tubing. (Not quite the same as Class III rafting, but still... you’re in a tube that doesn’t steer all that well!) Lura joined them for the float too. Unfortunately, no photos from their adventure.

Tumalo Falls Hike

While they were tubing, Kathryn and I went for a hike at Tumalo Falls—another of the many beautiful waterfalls near Bend that Josh and Brittany love to explore. The falls were stunning, and the hike along the river was easy and peaceful.

Tacos at Lura and Bill's

Lura and Bill once again invited us for dinner on their deck. We all enjoyed the company and the tranquil view as we shared stories from the past couple of days. Thank you again! And—once again—I forgot to take any pictures. I guess we’ll just have to come back!

The tacos were delicious, and the conversation was even better.

Saturday, July 12

☀ Weather: 90s, Sunny, Hot!

Jake, Kathryn, and I enjoyed a lazy morning out on the deck of our Airbnb in downtown Bend. Jake still managed to squeeze in a bike ride and a workout at the local gym—dedication!

In the early afternoon, we picked up Josh and Brit and headed north to the Metolius River and Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery, stopping along the way for lunch in Tumalo at another one of their favorite food truck spots—The Bite. The place was buzzing with a group of bikers from the Combat Vets Association and a crew of cyclists on a Backroads tour. Fortunately, we snagged a shady table. The food was excellent!

Lunch at The Bite

Metolius River

Probably the prettiest river I have ever seen. It looks like a river within a river (Josh's words) and the water is crystal clear. In parts of the central channel the water is the color of glacier blue, Oregon delivers again, we couldn't take enough pictures.

Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery and Bridge Pics

We walked around the fish hatchery, bought some fish food and fed the fish. Just a couple of pictures, then back to more pics on the brige over the river!

Camp Sherman Hike Along the River

We fit in a short hike along the river just a few minutes farther north, starting at the Camp Sherman campground, before heading back to Bend to get ready for our Saturday night dinner on the town!

Dinner at Trattoria Sbandati

Lura and Bill invited everyone over for dinner at Trattoria Sbandati on our last evening together. Lura asked a thoughtful question: *What has happened in the past year that made a meaningful impact on you?* Everyone shared a heartfelt story, and we all got to know each other a little better. The meal was fantastic—and finally, we got a group picture!

Sunday, July 13

☀ Weather: 90s, sunny.

Lazy Sunday. Brit was flying home, so we spent a quiet, relaxing day on the patio at the Airbnb. Jake went for a bike ride and got in a workout—discipline! Later in the afternoon, we had lunch and visited the High Desert Museum. Really nice.

High Dessert Museum

After the museum, we had planned to visit the Lava Cave—an immense lava tube you can walk nearly a mile into—but unfortunately, it was closed on Sundays and required a pre-booked parking pass. Oh well.

Dinner - Pine Tavern

In the evening, once it had cooled down, we walked downtown and had dinner at The Pine Tavern. The food was excellent.

Monday, July 14

☀ Weather: 80s, Sunny!

🛪 Travel Day

We packed up our things, said goodbye to Bend and made the three hour scenic drive back to Portland to catch our 12:40 flight - on time and uneventful.

Home Sweet Home.

Summary

• ✅Bend- great town, bike friendly, excellent food and the Deschutes River flowing through it.
• ✅Crater Lake- mesmerizing crystal clear blue water, great hikes, fascinating geologic history.
• ✅Oregon- beautiful with countless waterfalls, rivers, mountains and majestic trees.
• ✅Meeting Josh's Family- was great. We are very happy Brit will be joining their family.
• ✅Overall- We loved our time with Jake and Brit, Josh and his family, the town of Bend, the fantastic waterfalls, rivers, moutains and trees of Oregon and Crater Lake National Park! Can't beat that!!
• ✅Special Thanks- to Josh for being such a great tour guide during our trip and Bill and Lura for welcoming us into their home and family.