Where are you going in 2026?

[JohnC]

Crater Lake is amazing, to be sure!

Waldo is about half the size, and both are in similar surroundings in the Cascades range. Both have exceptionally clear water, in part because neither have inlet streams carrying organic debris. That makes for beautiful color, my Waldo drone footage was just after sunrise, stills showed an amazing sunset over the western shore.

Use of Crater Lake itself is heavily restricted… no swimming, no boating, I think they’ve discontinued the tour boat service. Like all popular national parks it is *heavily* used, but you can get away from the crowds on the hiking trails… and winter is incredible!

Both are must-see. Camping is very limited at CL, Waldo is one of the chain of the Cascade Lakes which are all in National Forest adjoining wilderness areas, lots of seasonal recreation!

In 2011 I went to Oregon with a cycling club for a week of cycling around Eugene. On the way home I went by Crater Lake. I only had a couple of hours to spare but I did manage to do some walking around. I was amazed by the color of the water. I took some pretty poor photos. Here's a couple of the better ones.

 

[dustinp]

We had a family reunion in Seaside, OR about 14 yrs ago, then went down to Crater Lake after, and were amazed at its beauty. They were still running the sightseeing boat at that time. We could see it from the scenic drive around the lake, but weren't able to take the time to board it ourselves since we were still working and had to get back across half the country in just a few days.

 

[Campdrifter]

Your pictures are awesome. After reading your plans, I’m officially inspired and have been scrolling around on the map ever since.

 

[dirty6]

Crater Lake is amazing, to be sure!

Waldo is about half the size, and both are in similar surroundings in the Cascades range. Both have exceptionally clear water, in part because neither have inlet streams carrying organic debris. That makes for beautiful color, my Waldo drone footage was just after sunrise, stills showed an amazing sunset over the western shore.

Use of Crater Lake itself is heavily restricted… no swimming, no boating, I think they’ve discontinued the tour boat service. Like all popular national parks it is *heavily* used, but you can get away from the crowds on the hiking trails… and winter is incredible!

Both are must-see. Camping is very limited at CL, Waldo is one of the chain of the Cascade Lakes which are all in National Forest adjoining wilderness areas, lots of seasonal recreation!

Crater Lake is magic, I tell folks it is the most beautiful natural site I’ve ever seen. We got to go years ago and were lucky to take the boat tour. I heard the tour is on hold while they rebuild the dock & trail down to the dock. Funny story - it was while camping at CL that we first saw a teardrop (TAG or TAB, whichever is the smaller teardrop size) a few campsites down from our tent and the idea clicked in our heads.

 

[dirty6]

Our plans are starting to come together. We’ve owned CIs about 9 years, and don’t often venture out of Oregon & Washington. There is *so much* in the NW we haven’t seen, it’s beautiful, why go further? Last year we did an extended trip in northern Utah, a few years ago in the California coastal redwoods.

This year, so far, will include:
My spring solo trip to a uke workshop in Port Townsend on the Olympic peninsula, staying at Fort Worden State Park. (Full services & showers)

Staying at an NFS site on a small lake in the Ochoco NF, first time for us, with daytrips to the Painted Hills and Fossil Beds in John Day National Monument.

A fall trip to our favorite lake in the Mt. Hood NF, we love hitting it after Labor Day for some great swimming and canoeing!

And perhaps a spontaneous few days here and there. The NFS sites tend to have good vault toilets, water on the loop, picnic tables and fire rings… but I’ll take that and a lake to swim in over RV-land!

Port Townsend is wonderful, and much of the perimeter of that Oly Peninsula is amazing. We did a whale tour out of Port Townsend. Don’t miss Poulsbo nearby for shops/dining, a marine museum, and the donut shop.

 

[dirty6]

Always meant to canoe the Boundary Waters. Some good guide outfits up there make it easy. Catch and eat some walleye or buy it frozen and some local harvested wild rice.

Boundary Waters Guide Service | Guided BWCA Trips | Ely, MN

Fully outfitted and guided Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) & Quetico canoe trips in Ely, Minnesota with knowledgeable, fun canoe guides.

elyoutfittingcompany.com

From there go west to the Geo Center of NA,
Get the decal for the CI bragging rights...

Home | Rugby Chamber of Commerce

The Rugby Chamber of Commerce, Inc. dba/Greater Rugby Area Chamber of Commerce, is organized for the purpose of advancing the economic, industrial, agricultural, professional, cultural, social and civic welfare

rugbynorthdakota.com

Or go to "Far North of Normal" And camp on the river

Campground | Fargo Parks

www.fargoparks.com

Check out the plains history and mock town museums at

HOME | Bonanzaville

www.bonanzaville.org

(There is a campground there but its pretty bland, all dust and asphalt but a cheap date for overnight)

Then see the Viking Ship back across the river on your way back east..

The Hjemkomst

The Hjemkomst

www.hcscconline.org

Here is what Brave's AI says about fries:
Scotty’s Drive-In in Bismarck is frequently cited as a top contender for the best French fries in North Dakota, known for its long-cut, golden, crispy fries with a soft interior. The restaurant offers a variety of loaded options like cheese fries, bacon ranch fries, chili cheese fries, and poutine.

Other notable mentions across the state include:
- Grand Junction – famous for thin, crispy, and we…

Best fries in nd

JL Beers has good burgers too

See If You Agree Who Has The Best French Fries In North Dakota

One Of The Great Debates Out There

965thewalleye.com

This is terrific, thank you!