Crater Lake Lodge
Crater Lake Lodge has been charming visitors since 1915. It was reconstructed and earthquake-stabilized in 1995 (because no one wants their vacation to be a real shake-up). Perched on the caldera rim, almost 1,000 feet above Crater Lake, this historic lodge offers some of the best views and comforts after a day of adventure.
The lodge boasts 71 rustic rooms, some with stunning lake views. There’s no TV or air conditioning (gasp!), but you get free Wi-Fi and cozy fireplaces. The lodge’s Great Hall features a massive native stone fireplace, perfect for warming up on chilly nights. The dining room serves regional cuisine (I had the creme brulee French Toast you see above, mmmm), and the back porch has rocking chairs where you can enjoy the view—just try not to rock yourself to sleep!
Best Photography Opportunities
The Great Hall and Porch: Snap some photos of the lodge's interior, especially the Great Hall with its towering fireplace and rustic charm. The back porch offers a stunning view of Crater Lake, perfect for capturing the serene beauty of the lake. Just be careful not to drop your camera while rocking in the chair; your Instagram followers don’t need #Cameragonewrong in their feed.
Sunrise and Sunset: The lodge’s location makes it ideal for sunrise and sunset shots. Morning mist rising off the lake creates an ethereal effect, while sunset paints the sky and water in vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple. Remember, the only thing worse than missing a sunrise is realizing your memory card is full just as the perfect moment arrives!
Lake Views: From the lodge’s vantage point, the panoramic views of Crater Lake are spectacular. Capture the deep blue waters against the rugged caldera walls. For an extra magical shot, zoom in on Wizard Island.
Wildflowers and Wildlife: In the warmer months, the meadows around the lodge bloom with wildflowers, adding a splash of color to your photos. Wildlife is also a common sight. Watch out for the VERY well-fed squirrels—they might photobomb your picture while making a getaway with your snacks (Rude, I might add).
Astrophotography: Night owls, this one’s for you. Crater Lake Lodge is an exceptional spot for stargazing and astrophotography. With minimal light pollution, the night sky is often visible in all its glory. Set up your camera on the porch and capture some star trails. It’s so beautiful you might start believing you’re on another planet—just don’t wander off too far in search of aliens!
Getting those perfect shots is as easy as stepping outside your lodge room! For those who need a bit more guidance, head to the Great Hall, take a left, and follow the path to the porch. And remember, while it’s great to capture the lodge’s historic charm, avoid tripping over any antique furniture—it’s hard to explain broken heirlooms and bruised knees in the same sentence.
Now, grab your camera, pack some snacks that you’ll likely have to share with the squirrel, and get ready for some of the most spectacular views and photo ops that Crater Lake has to offer. Happy snapping! 📸