I’ve been so focused on traveling internationally to destinations all around the world, that as an American I often forget how beautiful the United States is. I recently went on a coastal road trip through California and Oregon and stopped at one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, possibly in both the States and internationally. Crater Lake in Oregon is full of saturation and beauty, you get everything from lush green forests to the deep blue lake. In this post, I’ll share why you should visit Crater Lake and why you should jump in.
ABOUT CRATER LAKE, OREGON
Crater Lake was formed by a volcanic explosion leaving a massive caldera filled with snow and rain. This produced a crater that is now home to the most piercing blue water that you have ever seen. It is the deepest lake in the United States at 1,943 feet, at its very deepest point.
My first glimpses of the lake literally took my breath away. I guess I didn’t expect how vast and gigantic the lake is and how vivid the colors would be. There are so many things to do while visiting Crater Lake National Park. You can take the 33-mile long Rim Drive that circles the circumference of the lake. With over 30 overlooks, there are plenty of place to stop to get the most scenic pictures and countless hikes you can take around the Lake and surrounding areas. If you’re planning an overnight visit, you can even stay right on the rim at Crater Lake Lodge.
THE CLEETWOOD TRAIL
The Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only safe and legal route to get to the lake where you can swim and cliff jump.. The hike down to the lake is only about a mile long, but is full of switchbacks and can get steep. Not the most challenging, but if hiking isn’t your thing, allow some time to reach the destination. The best time to do this is early in the morning before it becomes crowded. We went at 7am and had the entire lake to ourselves without another soul in sight. The lake was virtually untouched and was ever so still, until we jumped!
JUMPING IN
On the far right just in front of the restrooms, is the prime spot for cliff jumping. It’s about a 35-foot jump down to the water. It really isn’t that far, but can look a little daunting as you peer over the edge. The water is so clear that you can see straight through until it gets so deep all that is visible is a deep blue color. Don’t get spooked though, to jump off that cliff is completely exhilarating.
Getting the courage may be hard, but you’ll be able to say you cliff jumped into Crater Lake! Hold your pencil jump position though – trust me on that one!
Have you visited Crater Lake? Or another great spot to cliff jump? Share your own tips with our readers in the comments below.
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We Are Travel Girls Contributor Shannon Guerrero of ShannonDidWhat.com
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Amber says
That looks like so much fun! What a stunning place <3
We Are Travel Girls says
Thanks for reading and commenting Amber – we agree it looks super fun!
neil says
Is it by permission or you need to sneak up and do the deed ? :P
We Are Travel Girls says
I think its open to public Neil! There is a link to the trail and you can follow from there and jump in! XO, Becky
James says
I did this before AND after my boat tour of crater lake haha. What an experience, the water was freezing but it was so worth it!