This summer we didn’t wander far, instead we discovered all the local magic in the National Parks of serene Southern Oregon.
It’s truly truly a little quaint region onto itself somewhat unique from the rest of the Pacific Northwest that captures Oregon as a whole. It’s hotter, drier, and more sparse. We explored the most well known National Parks of the region: Oregon Caves and Crater Lake.
Oregon Caves National Monument in Oregon
Nestled in the Siskiyou Mountains, Oregon Caves National Monument is a must visit. It is a very chill cave experience. The most memorable highlight for the kids is we went spelunking into a small cave called Blind Leads at our own risk, which the Rangers are happy to let you do if you want. The small cave is just a 900 ft walk down Cliff Nature Trail, and is quite safe.
At Oregon Caves National Monument, you can also become a Junior Cave Scientist and get an official Cave Scientist badge. So two Junior Ranger badges in one stop. Then your kids can learn just how unique Oregon Caves truly is, a rare marble solution cave nicknamed “the marble halls of Oregon.”
It’s an amazing hidden gem in the Siskiyou Mountains enroute to the majestic Oregon coast. The route is one of our favorites to the Oregon coast, overlooking the north fork of the Smith River. This place being so uninhabited and wild, as beautiful as any famous coastal getaway in crowded costal California, well, you just have to see it to believe it. It’s a great family “out of the hustle and bustle” destination.
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon
Worth days of travel, Southern Oregon boasts Crater Lake National Park, home to the deepest lake imaginable. Per the National Park Service, it is 1,943 feet deep, and one of the deepest lakes in the world and the deepest in the United States. What lies hidden in these depths? A legend, to start. According to the First Nation People Legends, it is where the Spirit of the Chief of the Underworld resides. Mount Shasta is where the Spirit of the Above World resides. Much more lore than this surrounds this ethereal lake. Even on an ordinary day, just glancing out at Wizard Island will be sure to convince that some magic Spirit resides in this place.
How did it come to be? Crater Lake was created by the eruption and collapse of Mount Mazama 7,700 years ago. Because it was created by a volcano collapse, the breathtaking blue lake is no normal lake. It has no inlets, which makes its water stay preciously pure. Being able to take the Cleetwood Cove Trail, the only legal access to the shore of the lake, and swim, is pretty enchanting. I did not want the girls to go out too far, however, I read to many stories of mystery and lore before the hike down.
We read the Klamath Indians creation stories surrounding Crater Lake National Park in Indian Legends of the Pacific Northwest. It made the trip to Crater Lake mesmerizing for the kids who are always in search of the Other World at their age where the magic and the real aren’t yet separate.
Umpqua National Forest Dispersed Camping near Crater Lake
A must mention for a Crater Lake adventure is the great dispersed camping close to the entrance. Arguably it one of the best dispersed camping sites we have done yet. Located in the Umpqua National Forest, it is near the Thousands Springs Sno-Park. In snowless months, you can drive far back past the Sno-Park and find dispersed camps nestled amongst the trees as far back as you are willing to brave.
We are so grateful to the apps iOverlander and Allstays. These tools make dispersed camping, or boondocking, easy. They provide precise details on location down to the foot, helpful especially if you are pulling in at night. It truly was a smooth, serene, and mythic trip to the best of Southern Oregon.
