Crater Lake
Markus stomach-deep in snow quietly admiring Crater Lake, Oregon
While driving through the state of Oregon recently, we finally had the opportunity to stop and visit one of its greatest and most beautiful parks, the Crater Lake National Park. The deepest lake in the United States, Crater Lake is exactly what its name suggests - it exists in the crater of a dormant volcano. The depth of the lake gives it a very striking blue colour, making it one of the most beautiful and well-known lakes in the world. Since it had been snowing, we were limited to what we were able to see and do with Markus at Crater Lake, but it was still an incredible experience.
A Quick Word on the Roads
When we went up to Crater Lake National Park, it had snowed recently, but the roads were cleared up very well. The snow is usually pushed up against the sides of the road and it makes for pretty clear driving conditions if it isn't snowing at that moment. One thing to keep in mind is that not all the roads are open at certain times of the year.
This was unfortunate for us since we were coming from the southeastern edge of Oregon. We were planning to enter Crater Lake National Park through the South entrance and then leave through the North entrance to get back on US-97, but since the North entrance was closed, we needed to back track through the South entrance before looping back onto US-97. This ended up adding an extra hour to our already long day, but we were prepared for it so it was okay. If you're planning to go during the winter season, be sure to check the weather and road conditions before going.
About Crater Lake National Park
Markus standing in front of Crater Lake at Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Words (and our photos) cannot fully capture the beauty of Crater Lake. There is something so calm and serene about being high up on a volcano and staring over an intense blue vastness in front of you. The quietness of the lake allows you to really soak in the visuals. The water is so clear that you can see a very vivid image of the mountains mirrored off its still and unmoving water. While we were there, there were others who had brought camping chairs and set them up in front of the lake and just sat in silent wonder.
A lot of fresh snow had fallen before we got there, so there weren't many areas for us to go. For us, the activity was to see the lake anyway and we spent quite a bit of time doing that. There was so much snow that Markus was almost stomach deep into the snow, which probably wasn't the most comfortable for him even though snow is his element. We had to walk where other people had previously walked and created a semblance of a path. Although our time here was short, being able to soak in the beauty of Crater Lake will have a lasting effect with us.
We were glad to be able to make a stop here to Crater Lake. Our world today seems to be all hustle and bustle all the time where we're always busy with something. To be able to put everything on pause to just sit and enjoy the view that nature has provided was an amazing time that we're not taking for granted.
Markus looking unimpressed because he’s so deep into the snow at Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
What we liked
The lake is absolutely beautiful!
The lake is peaceful and calm by the water.
Crater Lake is accessible enough for dog owners.
What we didn’t like
Having to drive all the way back down through the South entrance wasn't convenient, but it's important for your safety, so just prepare for it.
Our Recommendation For Reactive Dogs
Since it wasn't busy when we went, we only came across one other dog and even then, it was at the parking lot. it’s hard for me to know how busy it actually gets at its peak, but because it’s such a wide open space, you’ll be able to avoid the other dogs with no problem.
Dogs are allowed at the park, but only up to 50 feet from the paved area and around Rim Village where we were walking. Since the ground was covered up in snow, we mostly kept to the main area close to the parking lot. Even with all the snow, there were plenty of areas for dogs to find their spots. Crater Lake National Park also has hiking trails (which we weren't able to do), but dogs are only allowed on a handful of these trails. That said, none of the trails that allow dogs have a view of the lake.
Disclaimer
Markus is a reactive, but not aggressive dog. His instinct is to avoid other dogs and he may growl, bark or lunge if provoked, but will not attack. We normally do not have issues with leashed dogs when both sides are controlled, but we will be on guard when an oncoming dog is not leashed. There are varying levels to a dog’s reactivity and only you can decide if this park, trail or hotel is appropriate for your dog. Our visits generally will not include off-leash areas; most experiences shared on The Markus Project are within leashed or undefined areas.
Please remember that our past experience visiting a park, trail or hotel may not be the same as your experience at the same park, trail or hotel. We have no control of who visits the park and whether they adhere to park rules - like leashing their dogs on leash-required paths - or not. Please use your discretion with the information provided and with your personal knowledge of your dog’s reactivity when visiting these parks, trails or hotels.
