“Crater Lake inspires awe. Native Americans witnessed its formation 7,700 years ago, when a violent eruption triggered the collapse of a tall peak. Scientists marvel at its purity—fed by rain and snow, it’s the deepest lake in the USA and one of the most pristine on Earth. Artists, photographers, and sightseers gaze in wonder at its blue water and stunning setting atop the Cascade Mountain Range.”
“Iron Mountain Lookout, located in the Willamette National Forest, was a fire lookout structure that stood on a prominent rock pinnacle above Highway 20. While the lookout is no longer there, having been destroyed in 2007, the site is still a popular destination for hiking and wildflower viewing. The mountain itself is part of the Old Cascades and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including the Three Sisters.”
“With its ideal location on the magnificently rugged Oregon Coast, the entire city of Newport is a natural observatory that offers a number of fun and educational activities for the whole family. Spend the morning exploring tide pools, combing the beach for fossils and spotting marine life in their natural habitats. Then head over to the Oregon Coast Aquarium where you can pet an octopus and walk through a glass tunnel surrounded by sharks. Newport is also home to two lighthouses, one of which is the tallest on the Oregon Coast. Historic Nye Beach, with its colorful cottages and laid-back atmosphere, is the perfect spot for a picnic and a quick rest from all the sightseeing.”
scillagrace 
I am jealous, Priscilla. we climbed to Crater Lake on a rainy day. Before we got to the summit, the rain turned to snow, and when we parked the car and walked to the edge of the lake, we looked down to see only clouds. Our view of the lake will wait for another day.
I always stop and take a second look at lighthouses, they are uniquely recognizable and a beautiful architecture.
It’s getting tricky to time a visit to Crater Lake that avoids rain, snow, and fire. I got super lucky!
Simply breathtaking photos! I need to plan a trip to Crater Lake. Your photos are beautiful, Priscilla.
Crater Lake has no incoming or outgoing flowing water. It is fed by 44 ft. of snow/year on average. Timing your trip for after the snow melts and before wildfire smoke fills the skies is tricky. I got super lucky the 2nd week of July. It’s a magical place!
Thanks for the tip. It’s something to keep in mind if we ever head that way.
Priscilla, I agree with your thoughts in the last paragraph! You certainly have a lot of beauty surrounding you! Your images are stunning. We didn’t make it to Crater Lake in Oregon but we loved the area around Newport. We spent many years traveling to far away places but these days we are having fun exploring places closer to home.
Exploring close to home is under-rated! There are always hidden gems and something so satisfying about familiar, friendly places…not to mention the smaller carbon footprint!
Oregon is a beautiful state. We went to Crater Lake several times in the summer, one time in July, only to be snowed out. We finally made it and were able to drive around it. I loved the Oregon coast and the covered bridges.
I found it hard to imagine all the snow because it was very hot the day I went. But I’ve been to Lassen when the snow accumulation was over my head!
😍
So much beauty, Priscilla, and so perfectly captured.
Thanks, Sofia!
Wonderful.
🙂