bettywang

My husband and I, amateur photographers, are planning a trip 7-day trip (drive) from San Francisco to Crater Lake National Park in early July. We will appreciate any suggestions on:
1. side trips between San Francisco and Crater Lake NP.
2. place to stay in or close to the Crater Lake NP and how may days we should spend in the park.
3. local food or good place to eat(we love seafood).

Many thanks.

Betty

jimshep

There is so much to see between SF and Crater Lake that it's impossible to know where to begin. However, at Crater Lake I definitely recommend staying at the historic Crater Lake Lodge with a room overlooking the lake if possible. Unfortunately, I can't recommend a place to eat. The night were were at the Lodge the meal we had in the attractive dining room was very third-rate. Maybe it will be better on your visit.

The Oregon Coast is fabulous--don't miss it.

bigtyke

I think one full day at the park is plenty. We stayed at the rooms at Mazama village. They were nice, but I would try to get right at the lake if possible

Fodorite018

Our family wanted to stay at the lodge and according to the website (www.craterlakelodges.com) there was nothing available except for very few 1 night stays in August onward.

Bigtyke...how was the Mazama Village Motor Inn? I haven't seen any pictures of it so it made me nervous. They had rooms available though so if the place is fine I will make reservations.

I have visited Crater Lake before, although YEARS ago...but my dh and the kids have not been yet so it is on our list for this summer.

jimshep

Last summer we were told there were no rooms at the Lodge, but we kept trying and there was a cancellation.

bettywang

Thank you all for the information. I have made a reservation at the Crater Lake Lodge yesterday.

MMS: When I looked at the website www.craterlakelodges.com yesterday, there was no room available for July 6, 2004. But when I called the lodge in the evening, they had one room. So you have have to call because their online inventory is limited, as they said.

Betty

Fodorite018

Thanks! I will call right now! Thankfully we are only a few hours away so can go most any time We like to do lots of hiking so if I can get a reservation we can start planning on which trails to hit.

kimamom

You will love photographing the lake, Betty. Some of my favorite pictures of my family are taken here. You will be amazed at how BLUE and still the lake is.

We tried to get into the lodge for lunch without a reservation, but no luck. We stayed in Ashland and did a day trip from there. Lots of great places to dine there. Let me know if you're interested in that area. ***kim*** In Talent, try New Sammy's Cowboy Bistro, it's received rave reviews lately.

Fodorite018

I called, but got a miss crabbypants on the phone so will try again later. They had the 4th of July available, but we already have plans and she sounded almost insulted when I asked what other dates were available. Like I said, will just try again later

jimshep

Good idea. Whenever I get a dunce on the phone I say "thank you" and call back in hopes of finding somebody who wants to be helpful--and I often do. Good luck. And remember, there is MUCH more likely to be a cancelation three days before your arrival date.