In Oregon, the natural world doesn't just inspire awe -- it gives a touch of the sublime. In the words of one guide, it's "timeless...important for the soul of humankind."

And today, we're immersing ourselves in those sublime experiences along the Central Nature Trail in Oregon! Follow along as we snowshoe to the top of Watchman Peak, for the best view over Crater Lake in the park – “like a sapphire embedded in the Earth”, as Aaron describes it. It’s exposed, it’s hair-raising and it’s worth every shaky step.

After that we head to Bend, one of Oregon’s premier adventure towns, for some sunset paddling along the Deschutes River surrounded by thousands of swallows, baby ospreys and a surprise visit from Oregon’s state animal.

Then it’s time to head underground for a spine-chilling 1000-foot descent into a lava tube, formed by a “River of Fire” over 7,000 years ago. We crawl through 18-inch-wide cracks, turn off our head lamps to experience true darkness and marvel at the geologic forces that could create this uniquely beautiful landscape.

We finish at the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation for some “river therapy” and a fly-fishing lesson from a native guide. We learn about conserving native first foods, experience some river therapy and even catch a fish.

Through it all, we’re going to explore the wonder and awe of the natural world in all its forms, from mile-high views to quiet moments listening to birdsong on the river.

CONNECT

Interested in visiting Oregon and seeing the Central Nature Trail for yourself? Find out more at www.traveloregon.com or follow along on Instagram and Facebook @TravelOregon.

CREDITS

This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Find our other shows at armchair-productions.com.

From the top of Crater Lake to the bottom of a Lava Tube: On Location on Oregon's Central Nature Trail, USA

Armchair Explorer

From the top of Crater Lake to the bottom of a Lava Tube: On Location on Oregon's Central Nature Trail, USA