America's Best Idea

Crater Lake National Park

Hitting my 20th park milestone at Crater Lake National Park was a strategic move on my Pacific Coast Highway road-trip plan. Starting our journey in Eugene, Oregon, I made sure our first stop aligned with my tradition of exploring Food Network choices in every area I visit. Good food, the open road, and Mother Nature—my ultimate trifecta!

Soup Nation, a spot recommended by Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, was my pick in Eugene. With a repertoire of 80 diverse soups on rotation, it was a flavorful haven. Sadly, it's now a memory since it closed down, but it served as the perfect prelude to our adventure. The taste of their hearty soup lingered on our taste buds, comforting and soul-nourishing.

It was a stunning sunny day in June, yet the remnants of lingering snow brought a refreshing chill to the air. Rushing toward the overlook, I could hardly contain my excitement. "Get ready for something truly amazing," I whispered to my mom and sister, feeling the weight of the moment building within me.

As we reached the lookout, the stunning view of Crater Lake's incredible blue waters opened up in front of us. Wizard Island, named for its resemblance to a wizard's hat, stood within the lake's expanse. Standing there, we felt amazed, taking in the peaceful beauty and contemplating the immense depth of this lake—it's the deepest one in the United States, reaching a depth of approximately 1,943 feet. It was formed by the collapse of Mount Mazama around 7,700 years ago.

The water in Crater Lake is just like that vivid "Sapphire Blue" crayon. I recall all those lively colors in the big Crayola 64-pack—having that box was like hitting the jackpot! So many colors to choose from! But this sapphire blue, it's exceptionally deep and rich. Finding words to capture its beauty is tough. I'd never witnessed anything like it before. And now, those colors I once filled my coloring books with as a kid are right here in nature, part of my adult life! It's truly incredible!

As we drove to our cabin, I noticed a sign for the Pacific Crest Trail—it felt like fate, so I had to stop. And here's the funny part: my shirt had the word "Wild" written on it, instantly reminding me of Cheryl Strayed's incredible adventure. Stepping out of the car, I headed toward the trailhead. Something stirred within me. A new dream began to form—to hike this trail, even if I did it in sections. Cheryl Strayed's story sparked this idea in my mind, making me think about my own future adventure. Feeling the trail beneath my feet sparked my imagination, giving me a glimpse of the journey ahead.

If you haven't read "Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail," I highly recommend it. It's more than a book; it's an experience that sticks with you. Cheryl Strayed's memoir about her 1,100-mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail is an amazing journey of self-discovery that stays in your thoughts long after you finish reading.

After my trail experience, we made our way to Union Creek Resort for the night, conveniently close to the park. This historic retreat, dating back to 1922 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features cabins with a rustic charm. These cozy accommodations boast wooden exteriors and a welcoming atmosphere. Surrounded by peaceful scenery, these cabins provide a serene retreat, inviting you into nature's embrace. The smell of pine lingering through the air, the quietness of the woods, and the softness of the bed and blankets felt like we were tucked into a cocoon of goodness.

The following day, we had breakfast at Beckie's—a culinary treasure just across the street, with a history dating back to 1926. The food was delicious, and the service made our time at Crater Lake even better. And let me tell you about their pies—absolutely mouthwatering and so delicious!

Thank you, Crater Lake, for starting our road trip with such breathtaking beauty! Stay tuned as we drive through the Avenue of the Giants in Redwoods National Park and are amazed by the sheer size of these incredible trees.