Crater Lake, OR

I caught myself getting really bummed this afternoon pulling into a private RV park after figuring out last night that (despite what I swear I read somewhere online) both Mazama Campground at Crater Lake and the ones at Diamond Lake convenient to the park were closed for the season, as were most of the state and county parks along the Rogue River. So we stopped at the closest private RV park we could find that was open, and I proceeded to sulk. This wasn't miles from the rim of Crater Lake. This wasn't boondocking off a forest road. This wasn't on the edge of a gorge with the Rogue crashing on the rocks below. This sucked. And then I actually looked around and it sunk in. We knew we were traveling in the off season. We knew we'd have to be flexible, although we'd imagined it might be because of relentless Northwest rain or even snow. Instead, it was 70 degrees outside, and we were camped in the pines under an hour from a stunning National Park we'd been excited to visit for a long time. In fact, the campground *did* have a walking path down to the Rogue River, and with some attitude adjustment, we made a plan to hitch up the bike trailer to explore overlooks for several waterfalls just across the Crater Lake Highway from our spot. Tomorrow, we'll tow the trailer up to the rim of Crater Lake and then continue north to see if we can scrounge up some open camping up near Tokatee Falls along the Umpqua Scenic Byway, something we likely would have missed if we had just hit Mazama Campground and then made a beeline for Bend. Good lessons in flexibility and remembering that even when things don't work out as planned, I need to take a look around and I might just find that things are still pretty good. There's a new and even better plan in there somewhere.  #airstream #liveriveted   #airstreamwithkids

@advodna_ann took this picture of Gorilla lounging happily in the front seat a few days ago, but I only just now noticed it was an unintentional #airstreamintherearview. #airstream #liveriveted #airstreamwithdogs #dogslife

After a bit of indecision and lack of options today, we ended up a bit farther from Crater Lake than we had wanted. After settling in we decided to make the most of the rest of the day with a bike ride and hike. I'd say it all ended up ok ❤️ #patagoniapoofpatrol  #sisters #childhoodunplugged   #airstreamwithkids   @patagonia

A two mile ride from the campground with the kids in our new bike trailer, then a half mile hike, brought us down to two waterfall overlooks, 173' Mill Creek Falls (check out an adorable pic @advodna_ann just posted from there) and 242' Barr Creek Falls where we got a great family shot. @traveloregon #fulltimefamilies #advodnaxmascard

Another shot from Mill Creek Drive just across the highway from the campground with 9500' Mt. McLoughlin rising in the distance. #traveloregon #rogueriver

Crater Lake! Unfortunately, the rim roads are closed for winter making some of the classic viewpoints inaccessible, but we had fun tromping around in the snow taking in the views we could on a bluebird day. #airstream #liveriveted #airstreaminthesnow #craterlake #traveloregon

Wizard Island emerging from the perfectly smooth lake and Watchman Peak above. #craterlake #traveloregon

Found ourselves a nice little spot on the North Umpqua River at the Toketee Lake Campground. @advodna_dave prides himself on finding the best place for the hammock at each campground. Mae approves. #peekaboo #enostyle #airstreamwithkids

For not having a plan this morning, I think we did pretty well. Hammock is strung over the North Umpqua River just down stream from the hot springs (though my calves would never have guessed it wading out for this picture) and just upstream from Toketee Falls along the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway. We may just have to spend a couple days here to take it all in. (Plus an unexpected 4 bars of Verizon LTE!) #airstream #liveriveted #airstreamwithkids #eno #enostyle #enolife #childhoodunplugged #childhoodsuspendedoverariver

According to the sign, Toketee is a Chinook word for "pretty." Its two drops totaling 120 ft seem to have carved their way right through a wall, emerging halfway down and plunging into a deep blue pool, and it certainly fits the name. The 1/2 mile hike from the parking area along a beautiful stretch of the North Umpqua River ends at a dizzying platform in the trees above the pool. Definitely one of the most impressive falls I've seen. #traveloregon #toketeefalls #rogueumpquascenicbyway

These pots just above the falls are formed when rocks sink to the bottom of an eddy and the swirling acts as a giant bit drilling its way down into the rock below. #traveloregon #toketeefalls

Umpqua Hot Springs is set on the hillside above the river with several natural tubs including one with a shelter. It's a short but steep 1/4 mile hike from the parking lot. If you lose the trail, look for a pink G-string hanging from the branch of a Western Hemlock. On the way down, enjoy shushing your three year old who keeps saying in a loud voice "Why dat guy got no clothes?" #oregonfamilyfun #umpquahotsprings #traveloregon

I think I have the makings of a series. #imayhavesetthisup #feelfreetounfollowifyoucanthandlethecuteness #sisters #airstreamwithkids

That's more like it, Oregon. All that sunshine and dryness was starting to creep me out. Enroute to Bend! #airstream #liveriveted