Day trip/recon to Crater Lake National Park

For many of us who've been here before, it's hard to describe to someone who hasn't, just how blue the blue is. Am I right?

And so we're off to Crater Lake--the deepest lake in North America! There's also much to see and do enroute. We'll stop at the Rogue River Gorge Interpretive Site, the Falls as well as the Natural Bridge--a point located along the upper reaches of the Rogue River, is where the magic happens. At this point, the Rogue River disappears underground into a 250-foot lava tube, with a small amount of water escaping from the tube, forming a pool under the bridge!

Come wintertime the national park and the surrounding area is magical. At the lake, the contrast of the blue water against the white of the snow is absolutely breathtaking.

General itinerary:
8:00 am Depart parking area as stated under location.
10:30 Stop at Natural Bridge
11:30 Arrive southern entrance to Crater Lake NP.

What's open: Steele Information Center, Rim Drive from southern entrance, Rim Cafe and Gift Shop.

What's closed: Rim Visitor Center, Sinnott Memorial Overlook, North Entrance Road and Rim Drive, Crater Lake Lodge, gas station.

4:00-5 Arrive Union Station, dine at Beckie's (its known for homemade fruit pies).
We should be back up in Bend ~ 6:30-7:00pm.

What to bring? Day pack, 10 Essentials, snowshoes, microspikes, trekking poles with snow baskets; gloves, a beanie, sunscreen, sunglasses (fingers crossed!), snacks, and water.

It takes 2 hours to get there from the appointed rendezvous spot. *I have an "America the Beautiful" Pass that will waive the park entry fee for at least four of us in one vehicle. If you have one, or similiar, bring it.