re: What are some of your favorite hikes in the lower 48 states?

I really enjoyed Cleatwood Cove trail in Crater lake National Park. The hike itself was pretty decent and strenuous but the payoff was the lake at the bottom. It's a gorgeous lake.
You can take a dive in to cool off from the hike. And then just sit there and stare into the vastness of the lake for reflction.