Father's Day Weekend at Crater Lake
Spend Father's Day Weekend at Crater Lake
By early June, the snow has started to melt at Crater Lake, making it a great destination for a Father's Day weekend getaway. If you live in Oregon, it isn't very far of a trip! My dad is a huge fan of the beauty of nature. When I was young, I didn't understand why he wanted to stand and look at a river or a lake, but I've grown to appreciate it. That makes a Father's Day picnic at a special location the perfect way to celebrate the day!
There are several places to stay in and around the park that would be perfect for one or two nights. However, National Park lodges and campsites do book early. If you want to spend more than a day at the park, make sure you plan ahead. However, if you live close enough, Crater Lake even makes a good day trip idea for Father's Day.
Featured Image: Wizard Island at Crater Lake
Image taken and owned by BlueObsidian
Ideas for a Father's Day Weekend at Crater Lake
- Is your Dad an outdoorsy guy? Check out one of the many hiking trails that run through the park! There are several climbs which provide a beautiful view of the lake.
- Or just take a drive around the rim. By Father's Day, the Rim Drive is starting to clear thanks to plows and other visitors. Yes, it still can be snowy at the park into early July! Although the entire Drive might not be open to automobiles, at least a segment will be.
- Go to a lodge talk. On the weekends, park rangers give short talks in the Crater Lake Lodge about different aspects of the park. They may be speaking about the history, the plants and animals, or one of any other topics that weekend.
- Bring your bicycles, but be careful of the ride. The Rim Drive is a 33-mile loop that is very challenging for most cyclists. But that doesn't mean you can't bike just part of the trail. Take a picnic lunch, bike a few miles around the rim and find a great place to stop and eat.
Crater Lake in the Snow
Crater Lake, OR by Tracy Vierra via Flickr
Reproduced under Creative Commons 2.0
Crater Lake Guides
Are you interested in learning more about Crater Lake before planning a Father's Day weekend trip? Check out some of these great guidebooks and histories. They will help you appreciate what a special place Crater Lake National Park really is and help plan out a trip (the trail guide is especially useful).
Places to Stay in and Near Crater Lake
Have you decided that a Father's Day weekend trip to Crater Lake sounds like a great idea? The next step is to plan where you will stay! There are good options in the park and in nearby areas. Luckily, this means that there is a price and room available for anyone. These selections are a few of the nearby options.
Keep in mind that some places are harder to book than others. For example, Crater Lake Lodge and Mazama Village start taking reservations up to 13 months in advance - they open reservations on the first of the month for the entire month the following year. That means, that you can reserve your room as early as June 1 for Father's Day weekend the following year. While rooms do sometimes open up later, weekends are tough so the earlier you plan your trip, the better.
- Crater Lake National Park Lodge, Oregon
Crater Lake Lodge was originally opened in 1915 (although it was extensively remodeled in the 1990s) and has great charm and the best views. It overlooks the lake and typically opens for the season in late May. - The Cabins at Mazama Village
These forty guestrooms are seven miles away from the Lake, but they are more affordable and still offer convenience of being in the park. - Diamond Lake Resort
Diamond Lake Resort is about 20 miles north of Crater Lake. It is more reasonably priced than staying in the park. As a bonus, if your dad loves to fish this is a great place for that! It is right on the water of Diamond Lake.
Crater Lake Lodge in Rim Valley by Andy Melton via Flickr
Image reproduced under Creative Commons 2.0
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