We can’t wait to finally see the lake since we didn’t get to see it last year due to fog. It is supposed to take your breath away! The lake was formed from the collapse of Mount Mazama after a major eruption about 5700 B.C. It is the deepest lake in the US and it is only fed by rain and snow (no rivers or streams). The lake is considered the cleanest large body of water in the world.
So off we go! As we drive up the mountain we begin to see that there is LOTS of haze. But surely not enough to obscure the lake! The stop at the first viewpoint dashes our hopes; there is a faint blue under the haze but that’s all. We later find out that the haze is actually smoke from 2 fires. It appears there is no hope for us to see Crater Lake.
The couple at the Lava Beds campground told me to not miss The Pinnacles. It’s about a 7 mile drive off the main road. Maybe that will save the day! The road was just recently paved but it is already a mess! I have to drive slowly and look ahead for big dips and huge potholes. In the end it IS worth it. What a sight! There are lots of 100 foot “spires” on the sides of the gorge. They are “fossil fumaroles” where volcanic gases rose up through a layer of volcanic ash, cementing the ash into solid rock.
We arrive back at camp in time for a light lunch. We will relax and watch the couple across from us pack and repack their truck like busy little bees.
Dinner will be a one-skillet meal from leftovers a la Howard. Tomorrow we arrive in Ashland!