How is the drive to Sun Notch?
Usa, north-america
N/A
18 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the southern edge of Crater Lake in Oregon, high above the deepest lake in the USA. You're on the Rim Drive, heading towards Sun Notch, a gap in the caldera wall that gives you knockout views.
"Notch" is the perfect name, because it was carved by a massive glacier that flowed down Mount Mazama ages ago. When the volcano blew and the summit caved in, the glacier was basically chopped off, leaving this epic, U-shaped valley behind. Talk about a geological rollercoaster!
Now, the road to Sun Notch is paved, but hold on tight. It hugs the caldera's edge, meaning it's narrow with some serious drop-offs. If heights aren't your thing, this can be a bit intense, especially when you're sharing the road with RVs and cyclists. Watch out for rocks on the road, and if you're in a bigger rig, take it slow — this section of the Rim Drive is pretty mountainous, with elevation changes and tight turns galore. Luckily, there are plenty of turnouts, and Sun Notch itself has a parking area where you can start the short walk to the rim.
Why make the trek? Because Sun Notch is *the* spot for photographing Phantom Ship Island. This ancient, jagged island looks like a ghostly galleon floating in the impossibly blue water. The view from Sun Notch is a total game-changer.
A heads up: Sun Notch is usually snowed in from November until late June or early July. This area gets buried under *tons* of snow, sometimes over 60 feet deep! They have to work like crazy to clear the East Rim Drive, and Sun Notch is usually one of the last sections to open up. Always check the park's conditions before you go, because early storms can bring ice as early as October.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 18 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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