Ever looked into the heart of a volcano? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are going on a journey to Crater Lake National Park, a place where the deepest blue water meets some dramatic volcanic landscapes.

We are so excited to explore this park because it has magic, whimsy, and even some romantic elements! Join us as we dive into the details, from navigating seasonal closures to finding the perfect romantic viewpoint.

Tune in to hear:

• Our insider tips for navigating the park's tricky seasonality, including when to hit the rim drives and avoid major closures
• What you’ll want to know about Crater Lake Lodge and your base camp for exploring this park
• Why the hemlock trees at Crater Lake are Ash's absolute favorite, and where to find some gorgeous wildflowers
• Closures to be aware of in 2025 and 2026
• The scoop on the best viewpoints, including the Watchman Overlook and the challenging but rewarding Cleetwood Cove Trail
• Why Phantom Ship is Ash’s favorite part of the park and where to find it
• The best family-friendly trail where you can spot a stunning waterfall

We hope you enjoyed exploring Crater Lake with us!  This park will absolutely take your breath away. If you're planning a trip, make sure to head over to DirtInMyShoes.com and check out our Crater Lake page to stay up to date on everything going on in this park.

Don’t forget your task for today! There are three main options for hikes in this park, and we want to know  which one you are most excited about. Do you want to go on the Castlecrest Trail and see 200 different types of wildflowers in one spot? Do you want to switch back down the cliffs to the lakeshore and actually be able to touch the water and go on a boat tour? Or  do you want to hike to the top of a peak? Head over to our Facebook or Instagram page and let us know!

For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes.