🇺🇸 The Smoky Blue Volcanic Lake

Originally, we planned to run the Rim Run half-marathon. As recently as this Monday, the organizers were still emailing that air quality showed signs of improvement and the race would proceed as scheduled. We drove to Bend two days before the event—the weather was still fine. But the next morning, as soon as we opened the door, we smelled strong smoke. Shortly after, an email arrived: due to ongoing wildfires, air quality had suddenly deteriorated, and the race had to be canceled. 😔 The email also mentioned that Bob, the founding organizer of the event, had passed away earlier this spring. Canceling was heartbreaking for all the organizers, volunteers, and participants. We kept our beloved bib numbers, 199 and 200, and decided we’ll try again next year. So this trip turned into a pure sightseeing tour. Even shrouded in haze, Crater Lake still revealed a deep, mesmerizing blue. 💙😍 ⭐️ If you’re staying in Klamath Falls, this season is perfect for spotting flocks of American White Pelicans at Putnam’s Point along the lake—one of their key breeding habitats. The town’s neighborhoods, schools, and even the local cinema are named after pelicans! 🦢 ⭐️ Starting in 2025, the Crater Lake boat tours will be suspended for two to three years due to trail maintenance. If you visit this year, don’t miss the boat tour—or you’ll have to wait several more years! Be sure to book in advance! 🚤✈️ ⭐️ The Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only path that leads down to the lake shore, where you can fish and even swim! Though we didn’t get to run, taking a dip in the lake was a dream come true. The water wasn’t too cold at 9 AM, and we dried off quickly once the sun came out. ☀️ If you hike this trail, bring quick-dry clothes! 🩳 ⭐️ The lake water is incredibly pure—a park ranger on the boat even filled a cup for us to drink straight from the lake! 🚰💧 #JourneyScenery #Travel #TravelDiary #OutdoorHiking #HikingRouteRecommendations #BeautifulHikingViews #CraterLakeNationalPark #Oregon #OregonTravel #CraterLakeNationalPark #NatureEscapes #USAParks #AdventureAwaits #RoadTripUSA #ExploreTheOutdoors