Crater Lake Lodge, Crater Lake

Maybe not the greatest, but it has to be a top 10. The Lodge at Crater Lake sits on the rim of the crater, and the views are stunning, and the lodge is almost everything you could as for in a National Park.

First off, you go to Crater Lake to take in the views, to hike, and to be mesmerized by this national treasure and natural wonder. The Lodge is the only place you can stay that sits on the rim of the crater. Camping is allowed within the park, and another motel sits within the park, but is 8 miles down the crater.

The lodge has been in this location since the 1920's but was recently closed for 3 years to allow extensive renovation. The lodge is closed in the winter, and reservations must can be made up to a year in advance.

The rooms are clean and comfortable, but small. The views from the rooms are also limited by small windows, but they are spectatular...almost teasing you to get outside and take in the park. You don't go Crater Lake to sit in the rooms. No TV, No internet, just a basic comfortable room.

We found the staff at the desk to be very friendly, helpful and knowledgable. Mostly college kids on summer break, but they all seemed motivated and excited to be spending the summer in the park and working with guests. The lodge maintains much of it's original heavy stone and old timber architecture, and has a beautiful grand room to enjoy a drink or light food.

One of the highlights of the lodge is the back deck area along the rim. The lodge has many comfortable rocking chairs lined up for guests to relax, read, have a beer after the hike, and take in the crater. The staff provides blankets at night so you can stargaze as you sit in the chairs. The lodge is at about 6000 feet, so it cools off considerably at night.

Only main downside of the lodge was the food. The dining room itself is just as charming as the rest of the lodge, again with great views. Unfortunately, the food lived down to the National Park sterotype. Too be fair, the appetizers and salads were very good. So was the beer. The wine was weak, the service was untrained and the entree's were way over cooked. You can't overcook Halibut, but they did. We would have sent it back, but we had kids with us, and they were ready to get out. So we ate,and left. Too bad, if we'd have stopped at the appetizers I'd have been very pleased.

As I said earlier, the lodge fills up months in advance. We got a reservation that day, by calling the main desk early during checkout. It seems like a few people get lucky like us, so it's worth the effort if you are in the area. If you strike out, about 15 miles North, as you leave the park you'll find Diamond Lakes, where you can get a clean, but very 50's style cabin.

I'd recommend the Lodge. It's really a stunning spot.