TRAVEL THERE: WISH I’D STAYED AT CRATER LAKE LODGE
Welcome to Oregon! Well, sort of. This past summer my husband and I spent twelve days traveling the state and now I’m sharing the experience with you. I’ll tell you about the attractions we visited, the meals we ate and where we stayed. Maybe you’ll decide you want to visit Oregon, too. Today I’ll discuss where to stay when you visit Crater Lake National Park.
I Chose the Wrong Lodge
Just a couple of weeks ago I complained about Timberline Lodge at Mount Hood. It was built by the WPA during FDR’s time, but nowadays it is run by a private company in conjunction with the US Forest Rangers. My decision to splurge on a room there was not one of my best. I should have splurged at the Crater Lake Lodge instead.
The price tag goes up at Crater Lake, but I think it would be well worth it. From
outside the architecture seems much more inviting than the Dracula’s Castle at Mount Hood appeared to be and the atmosphere was completely different. Instead of trudging up the steps and finding our own way, at Crater Lake a friendly doorman tipped his hat and asked how he could assist us as he opened the door for us.
Inside a bonny fire filled the grate and the smell of fresh cookies provided a subtle undertone to the aroma of the crackling logs. The sun washed in through huge windows and the ceiling, though it might have been even lower than the Timberline’s, didn’t threaten to bang my head. I’m not pretending to guess the actual proportions, I’m just telling you how it felt. I slipped around a corner to find the ladies room and though it was not grandiose, it also wasn’t claustrophobic.
And food? Well, there was tea and cookies for the taking and though it wasn’t quite the dinner hour yet, the dining room was ready to serve us. I can’t speak to the rooms, because we’d already paid cash for accommodations down the road, but I bet they’re nice.
But I haven’t gotten to the best part: the deck. All along the backside
of the lodge is this wonderful deck full of rocking chairs. None were empty on the beautiful day I visited, but I think I could spend a lot of time out there enjoying the lake. Sure the view was great from the Ram’s Head Lounge, but it wasn’t exactly Crater Lake either!
So do go to Crater Lake and stay at the Lodge.
jane sadek 