Bend to Crater Lake NP - Sunday, Sep. 26 2010



Deschutes River rapids
Crater Lake with Wizard Island on right
While yesterday was very warm it was a different story as we departed from Bend this morning. We were going to visit some more volcanic places of interest but while waiting for one to open we noticed a sign which indicated four miles to a Benham Falls so we decided to investigate and were glad we did. The Deschutes River, which flows through Bend, began in one of the small lakes we saw yesterday. We followed its course for a short distance while it was a narrow twisting but very attractive stream and it was this same river where we found the waterfall today. It was a very different river however as it raged over rapids and through a narrow rocky ravine.
The area around Bend is hugely popular for a variety of activities – miles and miles of trails and tracks wind through the parks and forests and there are picnic spots everywhere...
Yesterday we came across a group of people doing a 50km run through the forest; another group doing a long distance shuttle relay; a group of people mountain biking along forest trails. Today while we were walking along the river a number of people were going for a run. I’d love to have the recreational opportunities around here, back in Wollongong.
After the exercise involved in walking along the river and enjoying the scenery we decided that lava fields would be rather boring so continued on our way towards Crater Lake, today’s destination.
The first view of Crater Lake is rather like the first view of places like the Grand Canyon and Uluru. You know it’s going to be big but you’re still in awe when you actually see it.
As the name suggests the lake is located in the caldera of a Mt Mazama which collapsed 7700 years ago following a large eruption. The resulting crater was filled with water from rainfall and snowfall. The average snowfall is 13.5m per year – the snow-poles along the road are the tallest I’ve ever seen. The lake is almost 600m deep and is the most brilliant blue colour. It is about 8km in diameter and surrounded by steep rock walls which rise up to 600m above the lake’s surface. Very, very impressive.
Our accommodation is in Crater Lake Lodge and our room on the third floor is high up in the roof line. As a result we have a couple of head-banger spots where the sloping roof meets the ceiling. Think I might visit the toilet on hands and knees during the night just to be safe.