Terry Richard/The Oregonian
Little Crater Lake reflects the blue sky during the middle of the day.
A spot of blue among the forest green and meadow gold takes the breath away on the Mount Hood National Forest.
Little Crater Lake is a sight to behold, indeed.
The "lake'' is more of a deep, cold springs-fed pool _ 30 feet deep and a hundred feet across. The water is crystal clear, which reflects the deep blue of the sky on a clear day.
A quarter-mile long barrier-free trail leads from Little Crater Lake campground to the lake, then continues to a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail. Swimming is not allowed (you would quickly freeze to death anyway).
To find the lake, drive the Mount Hood Highway (U.S. 26) over the hump at Government Camp and continue toward central Oregon.
Take the turn west, signed for busy Timothy Lake and Skyline Road, between mileposts 65 and 66 (these miles are measured from the Ross Island Bridge in Portland).
Drive paved Forest Road 42 for four miles, turn right on Forest Road 58 and watch for signs to Lake Crater Lake campground. Drive the campground loop to the tralhead parking area, which does not require a Northwest Forest Pass.
Terry Richard/The Oregonian
Here's another look at Little Crater Lake on the Mount Hood National Forest.
-- Terry Richard;
terryrichard@news.oregonian.com
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