Last time I visited "Crater Lake National Park" I took OR-58 back and forth. It was a good choice, even by only using the Garmin Nüvi GPS based electronic guidance device.

The guys at the regulars' table gave me advice to take OR-58 E to Crater Lake via Eugene and OR-138 back via Roseburg.

OK, there's a catch on both ways. 

#1 Don't use OR-58 East when traveling at night on weekdays, Mondays to Thursdays between 8pm and 6am.

Reason: The Salt Creek tunnel and road there are under reconstruction, thus closed during evening/ night time.

#2 Don't use OR-138 W/E on weekdays, Mondays to Fridays, because you will find yourself messed up in 14 mile resurfacing stretch with delays in the range of hours.

So, today it wasn't a big deal to get to Diamond Lake and Crater Lake via Roseburg, coming from I-5 South, Exit 124 to OR-138 E.

Well, in the construction area - this gravel sh*+, you have to bear in mind if you wanna go 55 mph (plus tax).  Beware of sudden bumps.

OK, the day started on this Sunday morning at 9 am quite cloudy and cold, 63 °F.

And, wow, at Diamond Lake, the sun was shining brightly and the temps in the mid 70s; the view at the lake resort there was awesome.

Then, you might get the best view for the mountains and Diamond Lake if you turn right when you left the resort and get to the nearest viewpoint.

This scenic view, you won't forget.

Of course, Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon can't be topped, for sure. But this view on Diamond Lake and the surrounding mountains comes quite close to it, no kiidding.

At Crater Lake, it was "Emperor's weather" - sunny no clouds and 73 °F, really warm. 

On my way back to Halsey via Chemult, Eugene, meaning OR-138 East,  US-97 North and then OR-58 West, there was quite a queue eastbound at the Salt Creek Tunnel, the temperatures reached up to 85 °F, then falling back to mid 70s on I-5 North till Exit 216 Halsey/Brownsville/ Sweet Home.

Enjoy the awesome pictures.