West Coast - Canada - Mountain West
A road trip, an adventure, a bucket list
Cory Watson
The Journey Begins
My 7000+ mile adventure begins first in Southern California where I live. I hopped in my 4Runner ready to drive up nearly the entirety of California in 1 day. My plans begin first in Oregon, forcing me to do the intense day drive that is the height of California. The day was spent singing to music and watching movies on my passenger seat iPad.
This night I spent near Mt. Shasta, the sunset glow leaving the sky as I found my way to a campsite for the night. I ended up not being able to use my previously marked camps and instead found myself in a church campgrounds that was unused for the night.
I snuck in and went to sleep, waking up just before the grounds-keeper came by to tell me I should head out. I wouldn’t recommend doing this but being nice and keeping your campground clean will always keep you on the nicer side of people!
Crater Lake National Park
Formed by the now-collapsed volcano, Mount Mazama, Crater Lake National Park is an absolutely gorgeous stop that I had to make on my journey. Wizard Island is a cinder cone near the western edge of the lake seen in the image to the left. The Rim Drive, a road surrounding the lake, offers views of the park’s volcanic formations, which I drove nearly the entire length of except for a small segment closed due to construction while I was there. The park’s numerous trails drew me in for the day, leading me down rocky dirt paths with perfect views at every step.
I felt 1 day was good for this stop, and continue on that night to a national forest camping spot alone in the woods where, surprisingly enough, I had service to talk with my girlfriend, Lauren, for the night.
Bend, OR - Friends - 4x4
My road trip continues to Bend, OR where I was meeting up with a good friend that had just moved into a house in town. I was thankful for the shower after 3 or so days, and the time visiting someone I love spending time with. Thanks Jeff for hosting me and vibing!
Continuing on I had planned for this part of the journey to be focused on off-road trails, 4x4 obstacles, and solo time.
The Mt. Hood National Forest was my next host for the night. I took a day to drive through forest roads and backcountry trail routes finding waterfalls and fun along the way.
Part 2 Coming