Our friend Tony joined us from Portland and drove with us to Bend.  It is amazing how quickly the environment went from green and lush to dry and arid in just over an hour.  Bend is a wonderful clean town and has lots of breweries and outdoor activities.  The Deschutes River runs right through downtown, which is very clean.

While in Bend we visited some of the local breweries and took a hike on Smith Rock.  The hike around Smith Rock was amazing and takes you around the rock then up one side and down the other.  The elevation gain is over 700 feet so it got our blood flowing.

After Bend we headed west towards Crescent City and along the way we stopped at Crater Lake National Park.  Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the U.S. with a depth just under 2,000 feet.  It was formed when a caldera blew over 7,500 years ago.  Definitely a must see when you are in the area.

Please click on the photo below to start the slideshow which will also have captions describing them.

View from Downtown Bend overlooking the Deschutes River

I got a chance to take a photo with two Tonys

We drove out of Bend and went on a hike up Smith Rock.

There were rock climbers all over……..Can you see the crazy one in Blue??

Smith River goes around Smith Rock and makes for nice photos

Mama Rhonda enjoying the hike

Tony with Monkey Face Rock showing. Our hike took us around Monkey Face and up to the Top of Smith Rock.

Nice View of the Valley

We started the ascent………This was over 700 feet of elevation gain so it gave the glutes a nice workout.

About half way up, you can see the river below and how far we have climbed already.

Daddy and I passing a stop if you hurt yourself. In the hut is a sled and a pair of crutches. Not much fun if you get hurt up here. Luckily I have 4 legs and can get over any terrain.

Mommy and Tony hiking up……

Almost to the top, and a great view of Monkey Face Rock and the Smith River.

Mommy is getting tired…..

Time for a break before getting to the top.

Finally on top and we were rewarded with some great views.

View looking down on Monkey face and the valley

Now its time to start the descent on the other side of Smith Rock

You can see the path along the ridge that we went down.

Pretty steep path, so if you’re afraid of heights this might not be for you.

Here comes Rhonda!!!

Almost down and legs are feeling a little bit like jello.

Many zig-zags to get down.

After leaving Bend we stopped at Crater Lake on the way to Crescent City. Ahhhhhh feels nice to have the sun on my snout.

Family Portrait. I know the damn humans really love taking these. The island in the back is called Wizard Island.

View of the other side where there was plenty of snow. Crater lake is the deepest lake in the US with a depth of 1949 feet.

Figured it would be a good time to get some snow on my paws…..I think i see a squirrel….

Tonys