Crater Lake

Ahh... Crater Lake. What can I possibly say about the saphire blue water and stunning vistas that hasn't already been said countless times?

Well, it was one of those perfect days up at the lake. For late September, it felt more like July... as warm and sunny a trip as any I've ever had. (My last adventure up there was a ranger-led snowshoeing trip last winter in the driving wind and snow...needless to say we didn't see the lake that day!)
With family in tow, we explored the main lodge area, enjoyed a drive around the lake with frequent stops and photo opportunities, and checked out the Pinacles... a perfect day with great company and a delicious lakeside lunch.

On the return drive home to Ashland we also checked out a few other "must see" sights. The Rogue River Gorge and Natural Bridge waysides. For as many times as I've stopped to snap a few photos, I can't seem to get enough of these two places. The sun was setting and the light was amazing as it filtered through the trees...a truly perfect end to an already great day. Of course we were all looking froward to the buffalo roast which was waiting for us at home...delicious!