Crater lake is a far drive from Bend where we were staying. It is well worth it especially if you…read moredrive down early and get there before the parking lot fills up. When we were leaving at 2 pm it was packed so 10 am is perfect for getting parking. There is only two bathrooms at the parking lot, and supposedly one at the bottom of the hike but I didn't see it. We hiked down with kids, my 4 and 8 year old were able to do it. The 4 year old needed some carrying at the end but I was able to carry her up. I am not sure where people see "easy" for this hike. I would consider it medium because it's gradual and not straight up. Yes it's a gravel sand mixture but not slippery, especially on a dry day. The dusty trail got us all covered by a layer by the end. There is some points where you are in full sun and others with full shade. We jumped in the water and it was 61 degrees according to the Apple Watch. It helped the bottom up was in sun and helped keep me warm and drier. When we got to the shade it was a bit cold. The water is rocky so there isn't an easy place to get in but the kids were able to do it. They have boat rides on to the lake at the bottom but we didn't partake in it. The walk up was not difficult because of the switch backs. Had it been stairs straight down I would say that would be difficult. The path allows for people to rest and is wide enough for 3 people wide. They also have benches on the trail which is lovely. The view from the trail is much better than the lookouts from the road.

2.2 mi, 604 elevation gain, 1 hr to complete…read more Trail is well maintained though it appears there is high risk for rock slides. It is very highly traveled and probably one of the busiest trails in the park. There were several people swimming at the bottom. Heading back up there are many benches along the way to take a breather and have a sip of water. It was pretty smokey today so it was difficult to see Wizard island and the other side of the lake from the trail. Though, looking down you can see the bright blue water and boats anchored waiting to take passengers to wizard island and on tours of the lake.

This stop definitely deserved an updated review on my part! My first visit here was in February…read moresnow, but this weekend my experience here was so much better. Rushing wide falls, but it was the setting that I found particularly stunning. Crystal clear waters above the falls, and a simply gorgeous forest surround. Really a serene stop. There's a decent amount of parking only steps from the falls (with vault toilet) and a tiny campground as well.

Cool waterfall, very short east accessible hike. East access off the main road. Definitely easy to…read moreadd to your list of waterfalls

August 31, 2025 - Prospect, Oregon…read more This is a "must-see" stop when in the Crater Lake Area. There is an easy pathway that offers stunning views of the Rogue River and four overlook points for capturing great photos. Find the Rogue Gorge Day-Use Area and parking lot on the west side of OR 62, just north of Union Creek Resort. It is a quick, easy stop, well worth your time.

I really hate reviewing this low for a place that had some amazing views of starting point of the…read moreRogue in the Gorge. First, this was kind of an add on stop after grabbing a bite to eat just around the corner. First thing we did was explore the path. I should add that the path is relatively flat and easy to navigate for anyone that has a hard time with hikes. This is a paved path and is pretty flat from one end to the other. There are a few spots you can go down steps for a closer vantage point, but the most steps you will encounter is about 10 at any one point. Great shots of the Rogue can be captured all along the pathway as you walk to the upper point of the viewing area. Just guessing, but round trip I'd say that the total walk distance is approx. 1/2 mile. Now to go into details as to why only three stars. I can't go without saying, the bathrooms here are absolutely disgusting. My gf turned and walked away after the initial door opening/smell that escaped when the door was opened. For this reason alone I had to deduct 1 - 2 stars. If you are just here for the views and don't use the restroom facilities then I'd highly recommend. Really cool all in all minus the bathroom experience.

Watson Falls is a fantastic looking 293 foot waterfall located in the Umpqua National Forest of…read moreSouthwest Oregon. It sits just 54 miles north of Crater Lake National Park. Watson Falls can be combined together among a trifecta of landmarks all within short distances of each other for a full days worth of basking among the great outdoors. First, start out here at Watson Falls. Next, head 3 miles down the road to Toketee Falls and then finish up 4.5 miles away at Umpqua Hot Springs. But, back to here at Watson Falls and what to expect... To arrive at Watson Falls, it's an easy one mile roundtrip pathway loop gaining 370 feet in elevation. Leave your car in the parking lot, then cross the street and into the forest. You'll pass over a footbridge and continue on the trail which veers towards the left. Finally, approach a Bench Viewpoint of Watson Falls, but that's not nearly a good enough perspective. Climb the rocks and head straight to the base of the falls. Then you'll confront waterfall bliss. What's terrific about standing at the bottom of Watson Falls is that you have the entire waterfall and backdrop to yourself. There's no blemishes or disturbances. In essence, the setting is a waterfall enthusiasts' dream come true. During my visit in early September around 10am, I had unlimited time to admire this stunning natural wonder. Best of all, Watson Falls is one sheer 293 foot drop. There's no cascading down a cliffside or being broken up into different sections or tiers. It truly shines outright. You can continue onward to the Upper Viewpoint which is a short little walk uphill, but the views from high up don't nearly do it justice. The Upper Viewpoint can be skipped altogether but it won't hurt to take in a different glance of Watson Falls if your curiosity gets the best of you. Finally, it's time to return back on the trail to the parking lot. In total, you can take an hour or so to appreciate experiencing Watson Falls. Next up will be Toketee Falls, which is similar to Watson Falls in that it'll take about 1 mile to reach all while hiking through the pristine Umpqua Forest. Overall, Watson Falls is a magical little roadside stop as you make your way through Southwestern Oregon. It may be under the radar, but deserves a place on your To-Do List.

This review is for Watson Falls which was a ~0.8 miles round trip that took ~45 mins to complete…read more One of my favorite waterfalls from this road trip! Amazing views of the waterfall and surroundings! Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/NrmjRxGXTUo

Just looking at wizard island is a five-star experience. Imagine the geology. This enormous volcano…read moreerupted. Then thousands of years later wizard island, a smaller volcano was born from the original. Wizard island is reachable by tour boat at certain times of the year. But most importantly, it is always visible and well worth a whole collection of photos. And be sure to read up on the geologic history of wizard Island and some of its cultural significance.

How about hiking the highest peak in Crater Lake National Park?…read more We drove 15 miles from Rim Village around the East Rim, open July-September, of the park to Scotts Peak. Parking for about two dozen vehicles, at 9am. Both the wife and I were equipped with hiking boots, hiking poles, hats, sun block, 40 ounces of water, and multiple fruit cups with utensils. No need for mosquito repellent, as temperatures too cold at night. Lots of people wearing only running shoes, which can be painful if you hit your toes on rocks embedded in the trail. Ladies, you don't want blackened toes to ruin your pedicures! The trailhead is right on the Rim Drive, at 7680' elevation. The first part of the trail is an open expanse through grassland, with a gradual rise in elevation. In and out of forests of mountain hemlock, west and southwest on the backside of the mountain, with Crater Lake hidden from view. Very little level areas, only unremitting climbing. The trail becomes a series of switchbacks, with glimpses of Crater Lake as a sliver of dark blue, with reflections from the eastern walls of the volcano on the waters of the Lake visible 10 miles away. Up we go, with the switchbacks ending and the trail leveling off onto a ridge leading to a fire lookout tower. The forests recede, and we are left with whitebark pines windblown and twisted in the difficult climate. Marmots and pikas hunt for food, while birds of prey circle overhead. It take us 2 hours to reach the top, and another 90 minutes to reach the bottom, 4.4 miles overall, with a 1250 foot elevation gain. 8934' Scott's Peak. 84 degrees today, September 28. One week from now, rain and snow with temperatures in the 30s. The wife beats me down by a good 25 minutes, with me taking pictures, and she making a beeline for the only restrooms in the area, at a picnic ground 500 feet down the road!

1.7 mi, 289 ft elevation gain, 40 minutes to complete…read more Holy mosquito. Don't attempt this one without mosquito spray- for real! This hike is outstandingly gorgeous. We were already camped at Mazama Village so we just hoped onto the trail right behind where we were set up! It is about 15 degrees cooler down in the canyon than anywhere else. You get some of the same views here as with Godfrey Glen but from the bottom. There is an abundance of wildflowers surrounding you and you can hear the creek trickle along beside you. Would be a great place to relax and read a book if it weren't for the mosquitos. This hike also comes with an informational pamphlet at the trailhead.

"The Lightning Rod of the Cascades"!…read more This is the steep needle visible from Crater Lake National Park. It looks unclimbable. It's quite doable though! The summit requires a couple hundred feet of 4th class climbing. Most people don't use a rope. Some people *do* take a rope to rappel back down, and avoid down-climbing. The summit contains melted-then-reformed rock from being struck by lighting so many times. So, if the forecast is sketchy, DO NOT go up! It's one of the only summits that you can see crater lake from. Fun Fact: I have no idea how this mountain's name is pronounced. I've heard it with the "th" as in "the" and also just a hard-T. You tell me!