Dave admiring the view from The Glamping Pod

It is the last few days of August and I refuse to believe summer is slipping away (like a bottle of wine, Dave reminds me) as we half hazardly throw together some items for an overnight trip. I have gotten so used to short notice packing I don’t even bat an eye. Most of all my essentials are already in bags and ready to go. It’s always just a matter of figuring out the right layers for the current season here in Oregon.

Destination: Klamath County- a place that can be so hot in summer but so quickly turn to deep snow. A forecast of 50 degrees and cloudy did seem like a nice break from the 90 plus days we’ve had in Central Oregon. A long awaited thunderstorm graced us the night before and so the day’s adventure felt brand new. Chilly, saturated, slower…

Dave and I headed South on 97 from Sunriver. Food was on our mind and so we decided to follow a long standing ritual, one started in our late 20’s when we’d stop in La Pine before heading down 31 to the hot springs; supplies at Rays and lunch at Cinco De Mayo. These are strongholds of time, I swear- there have been slight improvements over the decades but I still know what to expect- a good deli case full of road snacks from Ray’s and homemade tortillas and the sweetest ladies at Cinco. La Pine- stay golden.

Further South through Gilchrist and Crescent I try to take photos of the roadsigns I hope will never be torn down. A giant bear holding a fish next to a massive ice cream cone, across from the Bigfoot Tavern. Nostalgia at it’s finest.

The drive from our house to Crater Lake Resort is only 90 minutes which makes for the perfect getaway! It’s also a very easy drive to a world away from Central Oregon. I’ve been to the resort once before in Spring of 2023. It was then that I discovered all the options for this as homebase-

First and foremost this Camping/ Glamping/ Rv resort is on the road to Crater Lake National Park! We slept in, leisurely packed our bags the next morning, went for a walk and still got up to Crater Lake early enough to skip the crowds and be first in line for lunch.

Fort Klamath is right across the street- an important site as it where wars between The US Calvalry and the Indigenous population took place, there are graves there of four Native warriors- more on that later. This is now a place of peace, a treaty was signed in the expansive field.

Collier State Park Logging Museum is on the way…

Lake of The Woods is also just a hop skip and jump away.

As is the Wood River- one of the clearest and most brilliant turquoise rivers in the State.

The reason the resort had us here was to shakedown their brand new “Glamping Pod” as I so lovingly call it- one of the gals at the resort called it “the thing that looks like a fridge” and truly- it is a little space pod, gorgeously set upon a beautiful creek side. 65 in late afternoon the outside air was perfect to sit on the deck and enjoy the views.

Enjoying the deck on a cool late August afternoon

I’d previously stayed in a Park Model just down the creek (also at the resort) which has all the amenities to hunker down in any weather- a kitchenette, bedroom, heater, bathroom, and living room.

The pod is a bit more laid back- perfect for backpackers, solo travelers, or a couple. The pod has a full size bed, dining table, coffee maker, microwave, sink, and attached bathroom/shower combo. The best part of the pod is its gigantic windows that look out over the creek. As night settled in and the temperature dropped we cozied up in blankets and watched the evening fade into darkness.

At this time the pod doesn’t have heat but we stayed warm enough for glampers in oversized hoodies and beanies. It was actually great fun- there is a fire pit and BBQ grill for outdoor life on max. We wandered around the walking trail and watched families try out the kayak that is free to use. Next time the paddle boards WILL be with us!

The next morning we were up and ready to go, grabbing coffee at the convenience store attached. I bought a foam hat with lyrics from my best karaoke song “Blame it all on my roots” emblazoned across the front. I love this store- it has little treasures and all the basics for road trip life. Goodbye Crater Lakes Resort- til next time (and there will be a next time).

What an august day- Wizard's Island at Crater Lake National Park

Then it was up to Crater Lake National Park. Truly, this is a gem of Oregon- the deepest lake in the United States.Established in 1902, it is the fifth-oldest national park in the United States. The park’s centerpiece is Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the U.S., formed by the collapse of a volcano approximately 7,700 years ago. Its strikingly blue waters, set against the backdrop of rugged cliffs and ancient volcanic formations, create one of the most picturesque landscapes in the country.

The North Entrance is currently closed due to Fire Activity so South Entrance is expecting delays- luckily because we were only 30 minutes away we got in early and only had to wait about 10 minutes, not so when we left- the line was miles long. So- yes- it’s worth it to get an early start.

If you have not been- it is the best “true blue” you have ever seen. The park itself is a massive place to discover with hiking trails, campgrounds, gift shops, etc. The historic lodge is another stay for another post entirely…

This day however was just as I’d expect for late August- BLUE and CLEAR (thank goodness- check the cams before you go), most of the snow is now gone off the trails. It’s the perfect time to sneak in and see the view. Trolley tours are two hours long and go around the rim. Boat tours (bucket list!) go out three times a day and require a 30-40 minute hike to the boat dock. Lunch was served in the lodge and because of that early start- we got the perfect seat, lakeside.

Bucket list- take the Crater Lake boat tour

Coming home was a breeze. Down the crater and past Fort Klamath, where we stopped to soak in the valley and take a look inside the museum which is free. I did not realize the history of this one fort- most of the buildings were scrapped but replicas take their place. Many artifacts, uniforms, and articles are housed within the museum.

Established in 1863, during the tumult of the American Indian Wars, the fort was originally built to protect settlers and maintain order in the region following the Rogue River Wars. Its strategic position near the confluence of the Klamath and Link Rivers made it a crucial military outpost.

The fort's history is closely tied to the Modoc War of 1872-1873. The Modoc people, led by Captain Jack, resisted relocation to a reservation and fought against U.S. forces, leading to a series of conflicts that are among the most notable in the Indian Wars. The fort served as a base for military operations during this war, and the Modoc resistance is a significant part of its legacy.

A deep lake so blue, the memory of war and peace, clear creeks with natural springs….you have to see this part of Oregon to even believe it.

Crater Lake Resort “Glamping Pod”

Ashland Springs Historic Hotel

Tranquility Rocks-Seal Rock