A rainy birthday weekend on Oregon’s north coast brought quiet beaches, the Peter Iredale shipwreck, Haystack Rock at sunset, state parks, cheese, and memorable local beer.

We hiked 700 feet down the Cleetwood Cove Trail so Kim could complete a bucket-list swim in the cold, brilliantly clear water of Crater Lake.

An early morning hike to Garfield Peak gave us quiet trails, our first marmot and pika sightings, and changing views over Crater Lake throughout the climb.

Our fourth-anniversary trip to Crater Lake included an improvised minivan campsite, wildfire smoke, a clear blue morning, Rim Drive, Garfield Peak, and a steep hike to the water.