Day 117


Not really a Zero #2. We hiked the Crater Lake Rim Trail, a popular alternate to the PCT, as it offers a fantastic view of the one of the bluest lake I've ever seen. It isn't as blue today like my previous visit in this park because of the smoke.

Three different fires were currently burning in the park, closing the official PCT. We did the side trail to the Watchman Lookout Tower, where it offers a fantastic view of Crater Lake and the mountains beyond. The junction was also the highest point on the trail in Oregon, although not officially PCT.

This section has a long 26 mile dry section, and altho I'm skipping up north after this, we did a personal water cache for both Trailname and Bliss. I refilled the water cache at the highway junction.


Watchman Lookout Tower


Fire going on near the official PCT at Crater Lake

Amazing view of Crater Lake from Watchman Lookout Tower, although hampered by smoke today

We continued our hike along the rim of Crater Lake