Why are the Campgrounds Around this National Park Empty?!?

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Visit www.rvmattress.com/ljmj and use code LJMJ to 30% off your order! Best night sleep ever!

[@russellzauner]

Kids in school here take field trips to both the Ape Caves in SW WA and the Oregon Caves are SW of Crater Lake.

[@craigmccue2841]

I live about 1.5 hours north of Crater Lake/Diamond Lake. Crater Lake is stunning at any time of the year. The depth of snow in the winter time can be mind boggling. We camp for a week each summer at Broken Arrow and ride our bikes around the lake which is a beautiful ride and somewhere around 12 miles. Mt. Thielsen is one of several cascade shield volcanoes that span from British Columbia into Northern California. Mt. Thielsen was born about 290,000 years ago and ceased erupting about 250,000 years ago and is now extinct. It's sharp features have been created since it stopped erupting due to glaciers and general erosion. There is a trail that you can hike and get on the very top with what I hear is a spectacular view.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Wow! That's amazing. Thanks for sharing!

[@srice6231]

I used to be a clean-at-the-end person but as I get older, now I am a clean-as-I-go person. It makes it easier after I eat not to have a big mess!

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

That's a fair reason. I wish I could pick it up 😂😊

[@hellenberg1967]

Totally agree.

[@barbarapalmer268]

Yes, same here.

[@thrummer1953]

Is this a personal hygiene Tip?

[@kookietherapy9398]

I wash everything before I sit down to eat. All I have left is a plate and silverware.

[@Anita_T-Rex]

Crater Lake gets huge amounts of snow, usually from November through March. There are times when the park is extremely busy. People familiar with the park tend to avoid those months, and most years the snow dump tends to close most or all of the park. Could be fire smoke (common until winter hits) is a factor too. You hit a sweet spot between busy and inaccessible, cool! Welcome to Oregon😊, Happy Trails 🤙

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

We were there in July-Aug as we don't run our videos current (for safety reasons). But it's incredible to have heard the amount of snow that fell this past week - amazing!

[@ChrisStudebaker-v7e]

When I was a little Brownie Girl Scout, (many decades ago) our leader said that we should use "Brownie Magic" and clean up as we go. That way, no matter the project, everything is nice and clean when you're done. I have never forgotten that advice and use it in daily life.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Oh that's so cute! What a great memory to keep with you all these years too.

[@micheleulrich-hb2ok]

We were at Crater Lake in Aug, 2023, and there weren't a lot of people, but there was a lot of smoke from wildfires. It was still cool, it gave things a really surreal feel. At home or in the camper, I'm "a clean as I go" because I don't want to have to tackle it all after I eat. Great video! Thank you 😊!

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

That's about when we were there.... still so amazing!

[@schnder1]

Cooking is a creative proccess. In a camper with limited space. I'd say everyone is lucky to have dinner!

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Ain't that the truth! 😂😊

[@bmgm37]

We live close to Crater Lake and used to camp at Diamond Lake during the winter and snowmobile up to Crater Lake when the only access is by snowmobile or snowcat. It’s a lot more beautiful in the winter time.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Oh I can only imagine how stunning it would be in the winter!

[@Love_Traveling-Always]

We lived in Oregon - when you live there you understand more about the self service & how if offers so many jobs for High school, college students & those that need a second chance in life etc… Plus it’s really nice to receive the service on those cold, rainy Oregon days....😊

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

It's nice to have the extra help on those rainy days!

[@LoveReignsX5]

We were in Oregon last year (2023) and they had just repealed the no self-serve fuel. We were also so confused at first. There were still attendants but you could pump your own too. I’m sure where you were was far enough out, and maybe still a family owned station. It does make you slow down, but I’m with Nathan I want to get in and out and on to what I really want to do.

[@Usepen]

How awesome to have the park to yourselves! We could barely take a picture without someone else in the frame when we were there!😮

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

It truly was amazing!

[@karrieburgess2325]

Awww the kids are growing fast. They seem so happy. Love that!

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Thank you! They really do grow so quickly!

[@kayperkayful]

Welcome to my neck of the woods. Crater Lake is super busy during peak seasons but quiet off season. Enjoy your time here.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

We really did enjoy it!

[@ceciliapetrowsky2572]

They were there July-August. Sounds like peak to me.

[@marydaniels3095]

My husband and I were at Crater Lake the first week of October. I sounded just like Nathan because all I could keep saying was WOW! The Lake views were awesome but the views facing away from the lake were outstanding as well. To see the mountains stacked up one after another in the distance was beautiful also.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

It truly is a WOW place!

[@carlsanders4680]

I do all the cooking. I have to clean as I go. For some reason my bride thinks I am a better cook. Might be because I retired 3 yrs ahead of her and assumed all the cooking duties. My and my bride went out to Washington state to visit our daughter for 2 weeks at the end of Sept. start of Oct. We also went to Crater Lake. STUNNING !!!!!!!! We live 1 hr north of Atl. GA. One thing I noticed about WASH and Oregon. The whole time I was driving around those 2 states. Their drivers were the nicest I have ever been around anywhere. In the 2 weeks and 2700 miles later, I only hear 1 person blow their horn. If you need to merge into traffic, they made room for you. Top notch WASH and Oregon.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

I'm sure your bride is thankful for your culinary skills! 👏👏😊

[@Dogdays-PDX]

In college, a friend of mine died from complications from drinking unfiltered water from Crater Lake! He had just gotten married, a real tragedy. Always be care when considering drinking water from a still standing lake regardless of how pure it looks.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Oh goodness! I'm sorry for your loss

[@johnnylightning1491]

Marissa, please don't lose you lovely southern accent. Yes I realize it's not the pronunciation that the King's English is looking for but it is just a lovely regional accent that makes this world so interesting. Keep the good stuff coming guys.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Thank you! I truly can't just make it go away anyways

[@kathleendavis5727]

Looks like a beautiful place. Glad you were still able to enjoy your visit even with the road closures and cancellations. Loved Judah’s introduction!

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

It was very much worth the extra driving

[@caroljohnson2102]

My family camped at Crater Lake 56 years ago. We came back from a hike to people taking pictures of a bear destroying our campsite. I still have a piece of Tupperware with bear teeth marks in it!

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Oh my goodness! How wild! I would have kept that tupperware and framed it! 😂

[@RVMediaCreators]

Having grown up in the Northwest, Crater Lake NP is the one NP that we haven’t visited. What a crazy experience to have an entire campground to yourself.

[@nktaylo1]

Isn't that the joke, if you live in Oregon you've never been to Crater Lake.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

I think that is the joke - you tend not to be a tourist in your hometown.

[@RVMediaCreators]

@@LessJunkMoreJourney that is true.

[@RVMediaCreators]

@@LessJunkMoreJourney that’s true.

[@amyjo248]

The empty campgrounds are perfect filming an apocalypse movie

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

It would have been perfect!!

[@lindakincaid4530]

very rarely pumped my own gas until I moved to MI. I grew up in NYS. I always chose the full service. they'd wash my windshield, check my tiers, check my fluids. It was so so nice. and i'm only 52.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

That is such a nice touch of service! I wish they would bring back at least the option

[@GrillMarksBud-S-n-P]

Full service gas stations are awesome! Very helpful for disabled persons!

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

So true!! I enjoy them, Nathan is a get it done kinda guy.

[@lauradomenico3264]

I went to cooking school many years ago and I still remember my teacher going around the classroom saying very loudly, clean as you go! Those words still echo in my head every time I’m cooking. (40 years later).

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Oh wow! It does make sense... just need my brain to catch up

[@amye4087]

Crater lake in the winter is magical especially at dusk. Bummer for all the extra miles but as you said it's part of the journey. Thanks for taking us along.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

I would love to see it covered in snow. It would be so breathtaking!

[@jeanr7089]

FYI - Oregon lifted the law about pumping your own fuel in August of 2023.

[@kevincoughlin4459]

And you've always been able to pump your diesel!

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Good to know! Must be because of this location.

[@emmaipsaro4711]

OMG JJs little accent is so stinking cute!!!

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

😊😂

[@marciaharmon1513]

The water at Crater Lake was the bluest blue I've ever seen. We loved the place.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

It's so beautiful!

[@jonedwards2107]

Take the trail down to the water, lay down on the dock, and look down into the water.

[@Jeffbob442]

Well, after you guy's turned us on to Stanley Idaho.then..we went to Crater lake this summer, and it was so cool! Still was some snow up there. Stanley was so beutifull as well! Thanks for the heads up on that one! That is freaky that no one is there, as crowded as it was this summer! OH, and those brush piles were all over in June when we were there as well! Hmmmm?

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Yeah this was July-Aug... so glad we could help you find some amazing places to add, and cross off, your Journey List!

[@laurakilmer8652]

I would love it if no one else was there. Like you guys. Be safe.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Thank you! It was amazing

[@sandranorris6542]

You’re so right about learning to be flexible in the journey. A wonderful attitude your children are learning from you. I enjoyed a last minute “pivot” weekend exploring Crater Lake and the waterfalls along Hwy 138 west of Mt Thielsen in October 2023. Toketee Falls was breathtaking. Crater Lake area had snow. It was magical.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Oh it would be so amazing to see it with all the snow!

[@KevinCoop1]

As a guy that worked at a full service gas station in my youth, there is nothing wrong about being pampered! Pumped gas, cleaned windshield, checked oil, checked auto trans fluid, checked tire pressures. Life was better back then than now in some ways.

[@jnbond]

WI gal here and in our little village we had a full service gas station that did all those services. That's were the rich people went to get gas. The rest of us went to self serve stations. Lol Those were the days for sure.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

You’re right, that level of service was really something.

[@kristinameza6330]

I was born and raised in Oregon, Crater Lake is magical! I was laughing at the gas experience😂 For me it’s super weird for a person to have to pump there own gas but when we got to a state that you have to pump your own gas, my husband does it cause I don’t even know how 😂You guys are great!🫶🏼

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Oh my goodness! Reversal is actually quite funny! So funny that it's so different in the same country.

[@ejs6010]

I remember visiting Crater Lake in the 60's and again in the 80's. The visitor center looks the same. It is a fascinating, under advertised NP. Thank you for taking us along with you.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

It really is one NP that really doesn't get the attention it deserves

[@billfargo7911]

Crater lake is amazing. The color rivals the glacier water we have up north. We ran into a hiker doing the pacific trail walking the rim. Yes the trail goes right through it.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Oh that would be so amazing! I bet they had a ton of stories to tell

[@sylviajones4907]

Love JJ's accent. Great video. Thank you.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@user-ek6mf8jn6m]

Oh, I wish we had gone to Crater Lake when we were in Oregon. It is beautiful. But it did seem out of the way at the time. How nice to have it almost to yourselves. I am a clean as I go cook. My mom was a great cook. But she made a big mess while doing it. It was a little stressful cleaning up afterwards even though she did most of the cleaning. When I started cooking, I realized it was easier for me to clean as I went.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

I think it was a bit out of the way for us too, but we loved it and very worth it! I know it's smarter to clean as I go... just can't shake this one 😂😊

[@SharaWratev]

Our 1st trip to crater lake there was wild fires but we couldn’t see the lake at all. It was just a pit! Thankfully many years later we tried again and we camped in the park! It was awesome!

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Oh so glad to hear you went back to see it again. It truly is amazing

[@TammyGibbs-w3k]

That is a beautiful lake. Thank you for sharing - we will definitely be adding that to our list.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

It really is! Definitely a must for the Journey List

[@stever6986]

Those are 'slash piles'. It's where the Forest Service or NPS crews gather the dead trees, downed limbs, etc, and then they typically burn them during the winter months when temperature and fire danger is the lowest. It happens on public forest land throughout the Western U.S.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

So cool! We had no idea!

[@bevgunson1486]

It helps with forest fire control!

[@kimsmelcer8036]

I was here a couple months ago. Camped at Diamond Lake and had to deal with lots of fire activity. All part of the journey, lol. Still loved this park and the experience. I am a clean at the end type of girl. And, gasp, sometimes even wait until the next morning.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Oh so glad I'm not alone here! Crazy you had to deal with fires as well - must have been there around when we were mid summer

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

Beautiful. Thank you. Blessings

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Amazing! And thanks for coming along.

[@sheilacaine]

Beautiful area. I love it. Funny with no people. 😂❤

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

It really was strange - but also enjoyable!

[@barbarapalmer268]

Enjoyed this video. Beautiful scenery.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Thank you! So glad you could come along

[@katherineromero3684]

Incredible to see Crater Lake so quiet.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

It really was!

[@56jrudy]

Older folks don't love self service. We liked having service.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

oh interesting! I would have thought they would

[@jodymooney255]

I’m a clean as I cook person. I just love Crater Lake and there is plenty of BML land for great camping! Great video guys!

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Thanks for coming along - there is a ton of camping all around this area

[@ryanpollie3216]

We were there back in July of this year and it was fairly busy. You were lucky to be there in the off season with good weather to enjoy such a beautiful place.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

We do run our videos not current, this was back in the summer - I think we just lucked out! (or didn't...?)

[@TravelingNana63]

I've always wanted to go to this national park but this gas station was hilarious.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Add it to the Journey List!

[@martaleary5598]

I clean as I go!!!! It makes me crazy 🤪 to see stuff pile around in the kitchen. What a beautiful place!!! One more for our list Thank you guys!!!!

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

It's a gorgeous park, we loved it! Keep adding to that journey list!

[@NetNathan1]

There was a time when you could ONLY get full service ( pre mid 1970's). They checked your oil and tires too... for free..

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

those were the days (I'm sure, not old enough to have been alive then 😬 )

[@Playitagaindian]

Ding-ding!

[@journeyhome98]

I knew where you were as soon as I saw the pictures! It is beautiful. The roads around the backside (I believe) aren’t open for a pretty good amount of time because of the snow. When I was there it was crowded, but I didn’t have my rig. It was a day trip with my parents.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

It really was wild to see it so empty! I believe the road construction is done now and they're open (weather depending)

[@CyArch97]

Cook and clean as I go, I like organization as I am cooking, sort of OCD lol....to each his own, as long as the food is great and it eventually gets tidy!

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

As long as the food is good and the job is done at the end of the day :)

[@RichardSpeights]

Years ago, I had stopped at two or three hotels late at night on cross-country road trip, wherein the office door would be open, and a note on the counter would say, "Ring the bell". I always felt bad about waking someone from a deep sleep so I could get me a deep sleep.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Good thing we didn't have to do that, at least this was daytime 😊.

[@RichardSpeights]

@@LessJunkMoreJourney Oh, I like those faraway places, areas where they follow rules unfamiliar to city folks. I love that the phone was a key pad model. It would have been better as a dial phone, but an old push button was good. :)

[@deniporter3321]

It only takes seconds to put something back in the cupboard/frig. where you got it, and rinse a bowl/dish, during prep. Makes clean up soooooo much easier.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

It very much makes sense.. but in action for me, my brain goes elsewhere

[@TheMoonknights06]

Crater lake was by far my family’s favorite place to go! We would go back again but we live in Ohio so a long way to go! Picture perfect!

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

It truly is amazing! Worth the trip!

[@wandrousvindella716]

Thanks for taking us along ~ can't wait to make it to our last 9 states. Vinnie rode the Oregon coast on a Gold Wing decades ago and I drove the coast about two decades ago with my son. I'm the clean as you go & Vinnie is the messy one (hoarder) And JJ is 100% on that pronunciation ~ Wanda & Vinnie ,Charleston SC

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

You liked the "ho-teeeellll"? 😂 So exciting that you're rounding out the last 9 states. And love that you are both opposites too

[@shirley-i5s]

Clean as I go as much as I can

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

You're smart!!

[@lizkelly-catherwood9103]

That mountain is called Mount Theilsen, my favorite Forest Service Campground ever Theilsen View is under that mountain on Diamond Lake. The bike trail around the lake is wonderful.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

That’s a great suggestion to add to our Journey List!

[@habigscrapbooks]

Loved this video! So sorry you didn’t get to do the boat ride. It is a great experience and a wonderful way to experience Crater Lake. And yes that hike back up is not for the faint of heart! Parts of Oregon now have self serve gas but I still like having it pumped for me. 😊

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

It truly was amazing!

[@gailholloway2674]

We were there in Aug 2023. The roads around the east side of the lake were closed to construction then too. Also, the boats were not running and the little “teepee” piles were everywhere. It is so rural I think everyone moves at a different pace.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Oh we may have crossed paths and didn't even know it!

[@bethsanders]

In Wyoming, we had gas stations with no attendants available, not even a building. Just pumps where you paid with a credit card to get your gas. As a Florida transplant, that was wild for me. 😁

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

That is wild! I love seeing how things are different depending on where you live or visit

[@johndagricola]

Maryanne and I have been married for 39 years. For all of that time she cooks and I clean. I have learned not to wait till she’s completely finished cooking or I will never recover the territory.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

😂😂😂

[@heidigib01]

I have a Brooklyn bed! The latex one, I love it!

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

It's sooooo comfortable!

[@lorrainedombkowski3873]

Beautiful view!! I'm a clean as I go girl, can't stand clutter. Lol.😂

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

You're a smart one!

[@misscdog]

We had the same experience with the closures at Crater Lake. We want to go again when the road are open. We also wondered about the teepees of sticks.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Definitely get back out there and explore!

[@roadtriplover.]

Im a clean as I go person, but as long as it gets cleaned up, it’s all good. I live in NJ and I’m with you on the self-serve gas pump concern. I do NOT like being restricted from pumping my own gas. I grew up in NC, so I learned how and prefer to DIY. I also say coil and boil the right way, like you do. 😁😁

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Coal and Boal! 😂

[@nyrken]

We tried to do Crater Lake in 2023 end of June and it was still snowed in. But from there you a 90 mon from Lava Beds National Monument. It is a great place to visit.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Oh we will need to add that to our Journey List!

[@ontheroadwithRalph]

I clean up as I go - but then I hate to cook. So usually Ralph cooks, and the food is soooo much better. Then I clean up. And we've been married 44 years - so we must be doing something right.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Sounds like you guys have the perfect system! 👏👏👏👏

[@donnab9015]

Wonderful family, great smiles😊😊😊😊. And, i do both a little cleaning as i cook, saving pots and pans for last clean up. Continue to travel, so we can all enjoy your adventures!

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Oh the middle ground! Love it!

[@MarenLincks]

It is a very long drive and your there at the very end of the season. I clean as I go. Be safe. 😊

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

It really was, but oh so worth it!

[@ChasingTheSunRV]

WOW, Crater lake looks like an amazing place to visit. Marissa, I'm like you...messy kitchen as I cook 😂

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Oh it was breathtaking! I feel like I've said that so much with this area, but it really is! And thank you - glad I'm not the only cook who explodes the kitchen. 😂

[@GreysonPlaisance]

That first, exact, campsite you guys stopped at, my wife and I stayed at for our honeymoon.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

No way?!? That's so cool!

[@DisabledNomads]

I clean as I cook. The thought of cooking AND then dealing with the aftermath of cooking plus any pots or pans and dishes is too overwhelming. Something spills, I wipe it up right away before anything has a chance to get dry and stuck on. I'm already there at the sink and standing right next to the fridge. So easy to rinse off the knife and utensils right there and put them away. So easy to turn around and put stuff right back in the fridge. I use parchment paper on the counter, too. Kind of like when people use foil in a pan for easy clean up. Parchment paper works the same way.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

That is such a great tip. I'll have to try that!

[@cynthiasmith4966]

Clean up as I go! Empty campsite is kinda spooky! Been to Crater Lake -amazing!

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

It really is an amazing place, isn't it?

[@noragunderson7990]

Love watching your family and the adventures! I live here in Oregon, Grants Pass actually I agree with pumping my own gas ( lived in Utah for 15 years) drives me nuts waiting for attendants! Love Crater Lake!! It's just beautiful there... glad you were able to visit!

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

It's a challenge to make the switch, but the conversation was really great. And thank you for coming along on our Journey!

[@Dragonfly31133]

This is my back yard 💞 Glad you enjoyed it! FYI 2023 it’s optional for self pumping gas. There are still places that do not allow it though. It helps with employment

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

It really does!

[@leeshamaye8250]

Yes, crews will burn the piles after the snows. This is called fuel reduction. You are lucky to be there at this time. I tried to go on Labor Day weekend and cars were lined up for over 2 miles to enter the park where you had entered, Annie Creek entrance. I did not join the line😊.

[@ozonetnvol]

I saw some brush cleanup in Rocky Mtn Park years ago and didn't ask exactly what they would do with them. I assume they just do this close to roads?

[@FromShetoMe]

@@ozonetnvolyes. They are creating defensible space.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Yeah we were there in July-Aug and it was bare bones everywhere but the actual NP.

[@solarforfuture]

jumped into that lake decades ago.... it was cold and deep... thanks

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

What a memory to have!

[@lorancemorrison9100]

Well done love that new coach !

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Thank you!

[@Road_Trip_Warriors]

We stayed at the Broken Arrow campground in July 2023 on site H-13 during our 2023 summer road trip from FL to Washington state and back. It was not empty but maybe 1/2 full. We loved Crater Lake (it was pretty busy at that time)! During our time in Oregon, we filled up about 4 times and 2 of those times the attendant let us pump. I prefer to pump my own gas. Unfortunately, the boats were not running when we were there also.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Oh they weren't running for you either - did they say why?

[@Road_Trip_Warriors]

@@LessJunkMoreJourney I really can't remember what they said but I was really looking forward to riding on one. Even so, we had a great time anyway. I wish we could have hiked to the shoreline like you all did! P.S. We finally posted our FIRST video! Please click our logo and take a look..

[@McClungMichaell]

Oregon passed a new law last year you can pump your own if you want, we've always been able to pump your own Diesel it's a different classification than Gasoline. A lot of rural towns have always let you pump your own.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

That is good to know!

[@srice6231]

When I was a kid in the 60s we went to Crater Lake in August and it was snowing! It was a rare storm in August but it was neat and beautiful!

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Wait in AUGUST?! It was snowing? I mean, that's when we were there and we had coats on, but we're southerners. I wouldn't have thought it would snow then.

[@srice6231]

@LessJunkMoreJourney Yes, pit was super rare. We were tent camping and my dad decided on August so it wouldn't rain, but then it snowed! He never lived that down!😄

[@alsehl3609]

I travel in the spring and fall and empty or lightly used campgrounds are normal. Hat is why I travel at those times.that is why the national forest service campgrounds close by October.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Shoulder seasons are amazing to travel!

[@ozonetnvol]

Hi again fellow Cumberland Plateau natives lol. National parks are so crowded anymore you really caught Crater Lake at a great time , except for the road closures. This is the only major park out west i havent seen, would love to go. Great video!

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

We really lucked out! You'll have to add it to your Journey List!

[@herb7877]

you're learning why so many of us out here in the PNW do not move.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

I can totally understand why!

[@anonymousfemale9231]

Our deal for large family dinners…ladies prep and cook…every one eats…..the men do the clean up and then everyone enjoys dessert.😊

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Such a great idea!

[@rebeccawoodbixler9536]

Clean as I go and I LOVE stations that pump the gas. I dislike the disconnect we have in our society that comes with too many “conveniences.” It’s costing people jobs and I miss my check out lady at Publix. Self checkout has its time and place and I use it when I have just a few items.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Totally agree! I love having the option for both

[@kellybryson7754]

We have a "why is it so peaceful?" Story. When I was younger, the family was driving through the mountains of Colorado. We stipped in a campground to find a place to make sandwiches and have lunch. My dad went exploring, mom is making sandwiches and wondering why no one is in this beautiful place. My dad ame rushing back and said "They're blasting!" My parents packed us up, quick, and got us out! They had missed the CLOSED for BLASTING sign on the way in. 😅😅

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Oh! My! Goodness!! Just making a sandwich only to find out you're in a blast zone!? That's so wild! So glad you noticed before it had a different outcome.

[@mikedoran4763]

JJ is becoming quite the little KZbinr. Jusayn, that apple didn't fall far from the tree.🤭

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

😂 He's getting his personality out there

[@jbjlock26]

They have small piles of brush at Bryce Canyon as well. They wait until it snows then burn them.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Such a great way to control wild fires as best they can.

[@54bonkers]

I clean as I cook! Beautiful area! Happy Adventures!☮️❤️☀️

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Happy adventures to you too! 😊

[@JoyfulHope115]

Somebody sure did a good job decorating around here!❤️🙏🏻

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

You bet! Not a stone unturned 😊

[@maxwest720]

Oregon changed the rules to allow self-serve gas almost everywhere. Crater Lake East Rim Road was open and wonderfully uncrowded Oct. 28. New pavement is nice. The campground just inside the west entrance was closed.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

So glad to hear it's open! We also saw there was a big pile of snow they just got

[@rmhiatt]

Lol! Oh Hi there, Judah!👋🏼you kids are so cute! Tell your momma I am a clean up as you go type person! 😅

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Hi from JJ! Love that you're a clean as you go, I try....

[@dawnita8]

I’m with you! I love to cook but I leave such a mess and then as dinner is either simmering or baking, I will clean up then.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Oh thank you!! So glad I’m not alone here

[@lynnpappas4049]

Hay guys, fun video. If you should happen to travel to Grants Pass OR, Fred Meyer Gas Station you have the option to pump your own or full service. Too bad Crater Lake was closed when you went through, it's a gorgeous place. Those piles of brush and debris won't get burned until rainy season starts, it makes it safer. During the time you were there is a non-burn season for Oregon.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

Oh interesting. What is considered burn season, now-the fall/winter?

[@lynnpappas4049]

@@LessJunkMoreJourneyI believe it's from Oct thru May. The Oregon Dept of Forestry wants to make sure that when they start burning their debris piles in the forest (and there is a large number of people monitoring it) and allow burning permits, fires won't be a problem. That's when temps have gone down, and it has been raining for a while.

[@lynnpappas4049]

@@LessJunkMoreJourney It depends on where you live. The ODF (Oregon Department of Forestry) has a map on their website that is quite good at showing where you can open burn. But in general, burning is usually permitted from mid-October to around the first part of June. Thats to say after it cools down and has rained a bit to just before it warms up. What is really cool here in Oregon, if you have some burn piles on your property you can go online and request a burn permit, it downloads as a PDF, and you can print it out. Hope your travels are going great; your children are adorable.

[@ronaldstarreveld]

We have been there twice. Love that place. Hope to do the boat tour next time. Safe travels

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

You didn't get to either?

[@ronaldstarreveld]

@ we didn’t have the time but will plan it in the next trip.

[@russrockino-rr0864]

I have lived in Oregon for 60 years. I don't know who told you Oregon is no self serve for gas, but they are wrong. We used to be, but as of about August of 2023, that has changed. A new Bill was signed in to law, ending a 72 year ban on self-serve gas. New Jersey is now the only State that does not allow Self-serve Gas. Self-serve is now allowed Statewide. Great Video, thanks for sharing!

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

So incredible!

[@lorablair3863]

Gas stations used to be full service when I was younger. Can't remember when things changed. Traveling to Oregon alot I got used to it again until I had to return home.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

It is so strange to flip back to it, but it really was a nice service.

[@jenniferfisher530]

You are at Diamond lake at the beginning. I've camped there several times. Gorgeous area. Tons of mosquitoes in the summer. Mt Thielsen was that cool mountain. I've hiked up to the spire. Crater Lake and the waterfall loop near there are epic. There is a cool hike around Diamond lake also.

[@LessJunkMoreJourney]

It's truly a stunning area! Worth the extra driving