After an hour or so of hiking along the paved trails, we headed over to Lava River Cave. This particular geologic feature was formed by an underground river of lava (long since cooled) that carved a tunnel through the Earth's upper crust. It emerges at the surface, allowing visitors to explore it (albeit with a lantern and a jacket), so we spent an hour checking the place out. Because of the pitch-black surroundings, the place wasn't very conducive to photography, but our next stop will more that make up for the lack of pictures.
We went back to the car and headed south, dropping in elevation as well ("Watch the thermometer fall")! An hour car ride (or so, I lost track of time between the z's) brought us to one of the most amazing natural features that I have seen in this country or any other.
Crater Lake National Park is one of the Wonders of the Natural World, and should be a requisite destination for any good American. (And I use that term with the purest of intentions, unlike the linguistic hijackers littering D.C.) Words don't begin to describe the view, and photos don't do much better, but here's an 8x10 glimpse into what needs to be seen in person.
After wiping up our drool, we headed for a two mile hike (straight up) to Garfield Peak for an even better view than the first.
We then hiked our way back to the lodge for a locally fermented treat (from Deschuttes brewery, worth tracking down). Refreshed, we headed back to the car and made our way south.
