Get ready to have your mind blown by some Crater Lake National Park fun facts! Sure, it's got that insanely blue water, but this park is hiding some seriously epic secrets.

We're diving deep (pun intended!) into the crazy volcanic history of the park, sharing some jaw-dropping facts that'll make you see Crater Lake in a whole new light. Come along as we dive into the science, history, and mythology of one of America’s most stunning national parks!

Join us as we discuss:

• The colossal volcanic eruption that made Crater Lake one of the largest explosions the Cascades has seen in a million years
• Why the eruption left such a mark on the native people that they considered the area too sacred to even look at
• The massive eruption that was so large that the volcano literally lost 8,000 feet off its peak
• The mystery of the lake so deep, it holds the title of the deepest in the entire United States
• The shocking purity of Crater Lake's legendary blue water

We hope you enjoyed learning all about Crater Lake National Park with us! We barely scratched the surface of this incredible park, but we hope you get a chance to get out there and see this stunning park for yourself.

For your mission today, tell us: What's calling to you most at Crater Lake? Is it the powerful story of the volcano, the crater left by Mount Mazama, or the unbelievably blue lake? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page to let us know!

For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes.

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Are you hoping for an epic and stress-free national park trip? Check out these FREE resources to make trip planning a breeze!

• Master Reservation List – learn about the camping, lodging, and activity reservations required for every park.
• National Parks By Month List – see the best parks to visit during every month of the year.
• National Parks Checklist – track where you’ve been and where you still need to go.
• National Parks Packing List – pack the essentials to be confident and prepared as you explore the parks.

And for more information about Crater Lake, check out these Crater Lake Podcast Episodes and Crater Lake Trip Planning Articles.

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Afraid of bears while exploring the national parks? You’re not alone! In this episode, we are diving headfirst into the hairy topic of bears in the parks.

From close encounters to bear spray strategies, we’re tackling all your burning questions. Join us as we help you learn how to keep yourself (and your snack-sized children) safe in bear country!

Join us as we discuss:

• Our heart-pounding close encounters with bears, and what we did (or almost did!) to avoid becoming a bear's snack
• Why your voice is the best bear deterrent, and why bear bells aren’t nearly as helpful as you might think
• Repeat after us: "Do not run, do not run, do not run!" Why this is the ultimate survival tip, even when a baby seal is involved
• How to keep the furry residents of national parks healthy by mastering the art of food storage
• Pro tips for spotting the difference between different types of bears
• The surprising reason why leaving food in your car is a recipe for disaster (and a bear-y inconvenient problem)
• The parks to visit if you really WANT to see a bear
• The power of bear spray and how it can save you from a close encounter of the furry kind
• Our tips for navigating bear country with kids, and why keeping them close is key
• The dos and don’ts of using bear spray safely and effectively

We hope you find these tips helpful while you’re out exploring the national parks. Trust us, the trails and the views are absolutely worth getting your black belt in bear skills.

Don’t forget your task for today! We want to hear your bear stories! Bonus points if you include a picture. Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and share!

For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes.

Ever looked into the heart of a volcano? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are going on a journey to Crater Lake National Park, a place where the deepest blue water meets some dramatic volcanic landscapes.

We are so excited to explore this park because it has magic, whimsy, and even some romantic elements! Join us as we dive into the details, from navigating seasonal closures to finding the perfect romantic viewpoint.

Tune in to hear:

• Our insider tips for navigating the park's tricky seasonality, including when to hit the rim drives and avoid major closures
• What you’ll want to know about Crater Lake Lodge and your base camp for exploring this park
• Why the hemlock trees at Crater Lake are Ash's absolute favorite, and where to find some gorgeous wildflowers
• Closures to be aware of in 2025 and 2026
• The scoop on the best viewpoints, including the Watchman Overlook and the challenging but rewarding Cleetwood Cove Trail
• Why Phantom Ship is Ash’s favorite part of the park and where to find it
• The best family-friendly trail where you can spot a stunning waterfall

We hope you enjoyed exploring Crater Lake with us!  This park will absolutely take your breath away. If you're planning a trip, make sure to head over to DirtInMyShoes.com and check out our Crater Lake page to stay up to date on everything going on in this park.

Don’t forget your task for today! There are three main options for hikes in this park, and we want to know  which one you are most excited about. Do you want to go on the Castlecrest Trail and see 200 different types of wildflowers in one spot? Do you want to switch back down the cliffs to the lakeshore and actually be able to touch the water and go on a boat tour? Or  do you want to hike to the top of a peak? Head over to our Facebook or Instagram page and let us know!

For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes.