Crater Lake is a beautiful and unique destination, but there are many other amazing places to explore in the surrounding area. Here are five places to visit near Crater Lake that you won’t want to miss⁚
Umpqua National Forest
Just west of Crater Lake, Umpqua National Forest is a vast and diverse wilderness area with something to offer everyone. From towering mountains and pristine lakes to old-growth forests and wild rivers, there’s something to explore around every corner.
Hikers will find a network of trails to choose from, ranging from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day backpacking trips. The Pacific Crest Trail also passes through the forest, so you can hike a section of this iconic trail if you’re feeling ambitious.
For those who prefer to stay closer to the water, there are plenty of lakes and rivers to enjoy. You can go swimming, fishing, boating, or simply relax on the shore and take in the scenery.
And if you’re looking for a more unique experience, you can visit the Umpqua Hot Springs. These natural hot springs are located in a beautiful setting, and they’re the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate after a day of exploring.
No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in Umpqua National Forest. So come on out and explore this beautiful and diverse wilderness area!
Here are some specific places to visit in Umpqua National Forest⁚
- Diamond Lake⁚ A beautiful lake with a campground, boat launch, and hiking trails.
- Mount Thielsen⁚ A challenging but rewarding hike to the summit of a dormant volcano.
- Rogue River National Forest⁚ A vast and scenic forest with hiking, camping, fishing, and rafting opportunities.
- Sky Lakes Wilderness⁚ A remote and rugged wilderness area with stunning lakes, peaks, and meadows.
Diamond Lake
Nestled in the heart of Umpqua National Forest, Diamond Lake is a beautiful and serene mountain lake. With its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain backdrop, it’s a popular destination for hiking, camping, fishing, and boating.
The Diamond Lake Resort is located on the north shore of the lake, and it offers a variety of amenities, including a lodge, cabins, a restaurant, and a boat launch. There are also several campgrounds located around the lake, so you can choose to stay in a developed campground or a more primitive backcountry campsite.
If you’re looking for a hike, there are several trails that start from the Diamond Lake Resort. The easy 1.5-mile loop trail around the lake is a great option for families with young children. For a more challenging hike, you can climb to the summit of Mount Thielsen, which offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Fishing is also a popular activity at Diamond Lake. The lake is home to a variety of fish, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon. You can fish from the shore, from a boat, or by ice fishing in the winter.
And if you’re just looking to relax and enjoy the scenery, you can take a boat ride on the lake or simply relax on the shore and soak up the sun.
No matter how you choose to spend your time, you’re sure to enjoy your visit to Diamond Lake. It’s a beautiful and peaceful place that offers something for everyone.
Here are some specific things to do at Diamond Lake⁚
- Hike the 1.5-mile loop trail around the lake.
- Climb to the summit of Mount Thielsen.
- Go fishing for rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon.
- Take a boat ride on the lake.
- Relax on the shore and enjoy the scenery.
Mount Thielsen
Mount Thielsen is a prominent peak in the Cascade Range of Oregon, located just south of Crater Lake National Park. With its distinctive pyramid-shaped summit, it’s a popular destination for hikers and climbers.
The summit of Mount Thielsen offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, lakes, and forests. On a clear day, you can even see the Pacific Ocean to the west.
There are several different routes to the summit of Mount Thielsen, ranging from easy to challenging. The most popular route is the South Ridge Trail, which starts from the Diamond Lake Resort. This trail is 4.5 miles one way and gains 3,500 feet in elevation.
If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, you can climb the North Ridge Trail. This trail is 5.5 miles one way and gains 4,000 feet in elevation. It’s a more technical climb than the South Ridge Trail, but it offers equally stunning views.
Once you reach the summit of Mount Thielsen, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views in all directions. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back down.
Here are some specific things to do at Mount Thielsen⁚
- Hike the South Ridge Trail to the summit.
- Hike the North Ridge Trail to the summit.
- Enjoy the stunning views from the summit.
- Relax and have a picnic lunch at the summit.
Please note that Mount Thielsen is a challenging climb, and it’s important to be prepared for all types of weather conditions. Be sure to bring plenty of water, food, and clothing, and let someone know your itinerary before you go.
Rogue River National Forest
The Rogue River National Forest is a vast and beautiful wilderness area located in southwestern Oregon, just west of Crater Lake National Park. It’s home to towering mountains, pristine lakes, and old-growth forests, and it offers a wide range of recreational opportunities.
One of the most popular activities in the Rogue River National Forest is hiking. There are hundreds of miles of trails to explore, ranging from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day backpacking trips. Some of the most popular hiking destinations in the forest include the Rogue River Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Sky Lakes Wilderness.
Fishing is another popular activity in the Rogue River National Forest. The Rogue River is one of the most famous fishing rivers in the world, and it’s home to a variety of fish species, including salmon, steelhead, and trout. There are also many other lakes and streams in the forest where you can fish.
Camping is another great way to experience the Rogue River National Forest. There are dozens of campgrounds located throughout the forest, ranging from primitive campsites to RV parks. You can also find many dispersed camping opportunities in the forest, where you can camp anywhere you like as long as you follow the rules and regulations.
Here are some specific things to do in the Rogue River National Forest⁚
- Hike the Rogue River Trail.
- Hike the Pacific Crest Trail.
- Hike the Sky Lakes Wilderness.
- Fish for salmon, steelhead, and trout in the Rogue River.
- Fish for trout in the many lakes and streams in the forest.
- Camp in one of the many campgrounds in the forest.
- Camp in a dispersed camping area.
The Rogue River National Forest is a great place to get away from it all and enjoy the beauty of nature. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike, a relaxing fishing trip, or a peaceful camping experience, you’re sure to find it in the Rogue River National Forest.
Sky Lakes Wilderness
The Sky Lakes Wilderness is a 113,000-acre wilderness area located in southern Oregon, just east of Crater Lake National Park. It’s home to a diverse landscape of mountains, lakes, forests, and meadows, and it offers a wide range of recreational opportunities.
One of the most popular activities in the Sky Lakes Wilderness is hiking. There are over 200 miles of trails to explore, ranging from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day backpacking trips. Some of the most popular hiking destinations in the wilderness include Mount Thielsen, Mount Bailey, and Crater Lake.
Fishing is another popular activity in the Sky Lakes Wilderness. The wilderness is home to over 100 lakes and streams, and it’s a great place to fish for trout, salmon, and steelhead.
Camping is another great way to experience the Sky Lakes Wilderness. There are 10 campgrounds located throughout the wilderness, ranging from primitive campsites to RV parks. You can also find many dispersed camping opportunities in the wilderness, where you can camp anywhere you like as long as you follow the rules and regulations.
Here are some specific things to do in the Sky Lakes Wilderness⁚
- Hike to Mount Thielsen.
- Hike to Mount Bailey.
- Hike to Crater Lake.
- Fish for trout, salmon, and steelhead in the many lakes and streams in the wilderness.
- Camp in one of the 10 campgrounds in the wilderness.
- Camp in a dispersed camping area.
- Enjoy the many other recreational opportunities available in the wilderness, such as horseback riding, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing.
The Sky Lakes Wilderness is a great place to get away from it all and enjoy the beauty of nature. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike, a relaxing fishing trip, or a peaceful camping experience, you’re sure to find it in the Sky Lakes Wilderness.
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