beazor

We will be driving from Northern California to Boise via Nevada and returning thru Burns Oregon and Crater Lake then a stop in Ashland and back home.

We leave mid May and have 9 days to make the drive.

Any thoughts on things to see and do, weather and routes? I know it's an odd mix of towns, it's a family visit trip.

Thanks.

rm_mn

Check ahead before you make firm plans to visit Crater Lake. There has been an enormous amount of snow this winter in the western states and the road to Crater Lake isn't likely to be open until June.

beazor

That's disappointing. I appreciate your advice. We will come up with another plan.

spirobulldog

Don't know about the road conditions for this area. But, check out Oregon Caves National Monument and Lodge.

travelinandgolfin

There's a webcam at Crater Lake Lodge and I see cars there all the time in spite of the snow and gloomy weather. How are they getting there if the roads are closed? Just curious....

Fodorite018

The road from the south is open year round, but the road from the north is only open in the summer. The lodge is not open year round, but people go there and park, and then head off to cross country ski or to snowshoe. So that is probably what you are seeing on the webcam.

travelinandgolfin

Thanks.

beazor

So we could drive up for the day and look around? I'm guessing it might be really beautiful with snow.
We'll look at the southern route in.

Thanks.

LucieV

I've only been once to Crater Lake, but I think it is one of the most beautiful spots on earth. It's also not a madhouse, like so many national parks can be. If you can only spend an hour there, it's worth it, imo...

And as a frequent visitor to Ashland, I think your itinerary is perfect! Ashland is delightful this time of year. Beautiful setting, fun shopping, nice hiking. Good restaurants, too (not fancy-shmancy, just good.)

sunbum1944

Crater Lake is beautiful in the winter - I was there about a month ago and you just cant believe the amount of snow!! Of course there was a blizzard one day and you couldnt see the lake at all but the next day was crystal blue skies and lots of new snow - we went snowshoeing partway around the rim with the ranger- very fun and informative

beazor

I checked on Crater Lake Lodge and it seems they will be open the time we will be there, so we'll get to spend more than a day.
The pics on thier site are beautiful. Really looking forward to this.
Coming in from the south makes for a much longer drive, but sure looks worth it.
Thanks for the help.

bbqboy

hmmm. Crater Lake is always open. the RIM road doesn't open till mid June usually. Snowed last night. Snowed in Ashland for that matter. Hwy 62 is always open too.Stop at Union Creek for the Gorge. Don't worry.
Ashland is happening by mid May, along with the rest of the Rogue Valley.

anna_roz

O.K. Just a quick tip here--do bring super-duper srong mosquito spray. I have never seen bigger or meaner bugs than at Crater Lake.

Anna Roz

bbqboy

If there are skeeters in the snow then they are truly super-duper.

spirobulldog

Hiked on a a snow covered glacier (pretty high altitude) this past summer in Alaska. Was amazed to find mosquitoes all along the glacier. So they can definately be in snow.

bbqboy

I learn something new every day

beazor

Update

We made our trip. We arrived at Crater Lake on May 21 in heavy snow and fog. Only the lodge and gift store parking lots were open. There was no sign of the lake.

We spent the night in a 'unique' cabin in Union Creek. Highly recommend Becky's, across the street,for any meal and pie. The gorge area also across the street is very pretty also.
Went down 12 miles to Prospect and took a hike to Mill Creek Falls http://www.waterfallsnorthwest.com/w...p?num=1585&p=0
Nice hike, very pretty falls. Great pizza joint as you enter town.

The next morning it was raining and snowing a little higher up. we took the chance and drove up to Crater again. Thank goodness we did. The clouds parted as we arrived and we were treated to amazing views of the lake. Blue skies and water, snow on the trees surrounding the lake and on the island. It was magical.

Scarlett

Fantastic! So glad it all worked out for you and thanks for posting.. how great that the clouds parted

ellen_griswold

Glad you got to see it! I still think its one of the most stunning, jaw dropping nat'l parks in america.

BTW, when you were in Prospect, did you happen to notice if their one and only historic 'motel' was still there? One year we stayed there before seeing CL - the park lodging was full - and it was an interesting experience!

sunbum1944

The Historic Prospect Hotel is still there and open for business
I think its a nice place to stay - stayed there in March