Written by Amanda Rich
There is something special about waking up at the Running Y Resort. The air is still, the mountains are calling, and you know you’re just a short drive away from one of the wonders of the world. If you’re looking for a seamless way to see Crater Lake in a single day, here is exactly how we did it.
The Morning Launch
We kicked things off early at the Ruddy Duck Restaurant. There’s no better way to start a road trip than with a fresh cup of coffee in hand while the resort is just starting to wake up.
From the resort, we hopped onto Highway 140 heading toward Medford. This stretch of road is a destination in itself. I found myself constantly looking out the window at the wide-open fields where cows were grazing peacefully against a backdrop of massive, snow-topped peaks. It’s the kind of scenery that makes you want to pull over every five minutes for a photo.
The Route
After about 20 minutes of easy driving, we took the right turn onto Highway 62. The signage is great, so it’s nearly impossible to miss. Before we knew it, we were pulling up to the Annie Creek Entrance.
- First Stop: The Visitor’s Center. It’s the perfect spot to stretch your legs. They have clean bathrooms (always a plus on a road trip!) and a charming little gift shop if you want to grab a sticker or a guidebook before heading higher up the mountain.
Arrival at the Rim
As we continued the climb toward Rim Village, the landscape shifted. Even though it’s spring elsewhere, the mountain is still holding onto winter. We arrived to find plenty of snow still on the ground—a reminder to always pack layers and wear sturdy footwear!
We grabbed some lunch at the cafe in Rim Village and took our food over to the edge to soak in those world-famous views. No matter how many photos you see, nothing prepares you for the scale of that blue water against the white snow. After eating, we took a short walk along the rim; the air was incredibly fresh, and the views were, quite literally, amazing.
A Snowy Farewell at the Lodge
Before heading back, we took a quick drive up the road to see the historic Crater Lake Lodge. While it was still closed for the season, seeing the massive stone structure surrounded by snowbanks was stunning.
Nature must have wanted to give us one last show, because as we stood there admiring the Lodge, it actually started to snow on us! It was the perfect cue to start our journey home.
Heading Home
The drive back to the Running Y Resort took us about an hour and ten minutes. It’s a quick trip, but it feels like you’ve traveled to another world and back. By the time we pulled back into the resort, we were tired, happy, and still thinking about that deep blue water.
Plan your stay at Running Y Resort and make Southern Oregon your basecamp.