Last month, my family took a trip to Crater Lake, Oregon, and Redwood National and State Parks, California. Along the way, we discovered many scenic views -- and that most highways don't have cellphone service.
Our itinerary included several national and state sites. In Southern Oregon, we visited the iconic Crater Lake in Klamath County. Our time traveling in the Golden State covered parts of Humboldt, Del Norte, Shasta, Alameda, and Santa Clara Counties. Here are a few of my favorite experiences.
Access our itinerary here.
Viewing Mount Shasta
On our way to Crater Lake, we saw some awe-inducing views of the enviable Mt. Shasta. According to USGS.gov, the mountain formed on the remnants of an older volcano that collapsed around half a million years ago. We also viewed a mountain I don't know the name of.
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| Mt. Shasta as seen from one point on US-97 |
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| We think this mountain is called Black Butte, but we're not sure. |
First Impressions Of The Beaver State
A few minutes before 9:30 am on June 27, 2022, we crossed a border to see farmland, farmland, farmland. That's what I first saw in Ramona Quimby's home state. But I'm sure you can't blame me. It's true! We did see a lot of fields!
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| The sign in this image says, 'Oregon Welcomes You!' |
Exploring Oregon -- Crater Lake and the Rogue River
Crater Lake National Park, in Klamath County, Oregon, was named after Crater Lake, in the crater of Mt. Mazama, Oregon. There we:
- hiked partway around the rim of the lake
- picked up a Junior Ranger booklet
- fell down in the snow
- drove the Scenic Rim Drive
- hiked the Cleetwood Cove Trail
- [I] became a Junior Ranger
- bought a mug at the gift shop
When you become a junior ranger, an official park ranger asks you questions. I, too, had to partake in this activity. One of the questions I was asked: 'What did I learn from my visit to Crater Lake National Park?' What I answered was, "I learned that you can fall down in snow." The ranger just laughed. But I really learned about Secchi disks.
A secchi disk is a black-and-white disk used to measure the clarity of the water in a lake. According to the official park website, the lake has an average reading of 102 feet. How a secchi disk works: it is attached to the end of a pole or line, which is then lowered into the water body in question. The depth at which the user loses sight of the disk is known as the Secchi depth.
We went to Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest after that. It was just a couple of short strolls overlooking the river - not as taxing as the Cleetwood Cove Trail.
We didn't stay overnight in Oregon. After Mt. Mazama, we drove to Crescent City, California, to stay the night. In the morning, we drove to Redwood National and State Parks.
Hiking the (Tiring) James Irvine Trail
Fern Canyon is a [mostly] pristine canyon whose walls are covered with five-fingered ferns. Unfortunately, when we went, there was a parking permit for Fern Canyon that we hadn't been informed of. So we ended up doing the James Irvine Trail, which is a strenuous [for kids] alternative hike to get to Fern Canyon. We picked up a to-go lunch at Subway. Then, we did the three-hour hike to Fern Canyon, and, after picnicking at Gold Bluffs Beach, hiked back to Prairie Creek Visitor Center. If you are planning to go to Fern Canyon, be prepared to get your shoes wet. We suggest that you wear Crocs, sandals, or flip-flops. Just know that the creek is COLD even in the summer! Also, on the return trip of another three hours, be prepared for tiredness.
'I saw an elk!'
At the Prairie Creek Visitor Center, when I became a 'Redwood Ranger,' the ranger asked me several questions. One was, "Did you see any wildlife?" Well, as a matter of fact, we did! While accessing the Miner's Ridge Trail, we spotted a mother elk! Afraid of being pummeled, we quietly retraced our steps. Unfortunately, we didn't get a photo.
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