Day 2 began in Klamath Falls which is in the picturesque high desert of southern Oregon. We woke up at the Running Y Ranch not far from Crater Lake National Park which was the perfect destination for our first stop of the day. It’s true, we are so happy to explore our country’s amazing range of National Parks, but a confession of mine is that I’m almost equally happy to check out the old historic lodges so many of the parks have. I envision a time in the early 1900’s when many of the lodges were built. What it must have been like to get materials to some of the most remote locations in the west. I am forever grateful.
Our first stop is always the Visitor’s Center. I recommend doing this first. It gives everyone a low down on the geography, history, and animal life in each park. The kids pick up their adventure patches, junior ranger activity books and stamp their National Park Passport books. From there we talk with helpful rangers about best hikes for families, must see vistas and points of interest.
From Crater Lake we made our way north to Bend, Oregon and on to Mt. Hood National Forest. Beautiful beautiful drive, sudden crazy rain storm and fun walk around the Deschutes River watching the lightning was what this afternoon was made of before arriving at The Timberline Lodge at the top of Mt. Hood. My husband and I had been to a wedding here years ago and vowed to come back and stay. Mt. Hood was bustling with July skiers and hikers. The dining room was lovely and delicious. To close the day we roasted s’mores on the back patio as the sun set on the snow topped mountain. Perfect stop for a road tripping family like us.
