| If every there was a beautiful state, it is Oregon. | | | | try to see the lake on a clear night. |
| Hitting the trails in Oregon is a great way to get | | | | Rim Drive is a 33 mile road that encircles Crater |
| out and experience the beauty of this green, | | | | Lake. It offers access to many trails and 20 |
| rainy state. | | | | scenic outlook points along the way. Rim Drive is |
| Backpacker's Delight - Oregon | | | | only open in the summer (closed during the rest |
| Oregon offers hikers some of the most | | | | of the year due to snow and ice buildup) and can |
| challenging and beautiful trips in the Pacific | | | | lead you to trails such as those going up to Mount |
| Northwest. With many different trails and terrains | | | | Scott and Crater Peak. The Cleetwood Cove Trail |
| to choose from, Oregon holds wonders to | | | | is also located off of Rim Drive, and this trail |
| explore in the forms of mountains, forests and | | | | offers hikers the only direct access to Crater |
| sand dunes. A portion of the Pacific Crest National | | | | Lake. |
| Trail (this trail covers a total of 2,655 miles!) runs | | | | The five mile round trip hike up Mount Scott, |
| right through the middle of Oregon and covers | | | | which has an elevation of 8,929 feet, can show |
| the Rogue River National Forest, Crater Lake | | | | you some of the best views in the area. This hike |
| National Park, and Mount Hood National Park, all of | | | | can be one of the most strenuous you'll find in |
| which have their own spectacular trails and | | | | Oregon, but you will be rewarded by the relative |
| formations. | | | | solitude and the view once you reach the summit. |
| Crater Lake National Park plays host to over | | | | The view of Crater Lake is especially nice in the |
| 500,000 visitors annually, many of whom come to | | | | early morning, so getting up at dawn to hike this |
| marvel at the beauty of the blue waters of the | | | | trail may be worth it! |
| lake. Known as "the Gem of the Cascades", | | | | Hiking the trails and roads of Crater Lake National |
| Crater Lake was originally created when a | | | | Park in Oregon can offer all backpackers an |
| volcanic eruption occurred 7,700 years ago. Mount | | | | excellent trip - just be sure to obey the rules of |
| Mazama erupted and then caved in, creating the | | | | the National Park system. Biking, hiking, skiing and |
| crater which gives Crater Lake its name. Many | | | | snowshoeing are all allowed in this park, but be |
| visitors only take the time to see the lake from | | | | careful not to disturb the wildlife or foliage - |
| their cars on Rim Drive, but this National Park | | | | protected national parks have a finely balanced |
| offers those who are backpacking in Oregon | | | | ecosystem and must be taken care of in order |
| much more than just a pretty view. If you are | | | | to thrive. There are many places to go trekking in |
| trekking in Oregon, this is not a spot to be | | | | Oregon, but this is definitely a good place to start. |
| missed. We give it a huge thumbs up. If possible, | | | | |