Overview

A little known fact: Crater Lake is the fifth oldest national park in the United States. It was created in 1902 after a decades-long effort by William Gladstone Steel, who first visited in 1885. Fifteen years prior, he had read about the lake in a newspaper article – that his lunch was wrapped in. Steel was the driving force behind creating the park, and the main visitor center is named after him.

Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States, and the ninth deepest in the world. It was formed after a volcano, Mount Mazama, erupted in 5700 BC. The eruption caused the volcano to collapse, forming a large caldera. Over time, the caldera filled with water from snowmelt, creating the lake.

Assumedly, most people visit the park for its eponymous lake. That’s why we came – but we left with a greater understanding of the wider ecosystem. The park is not just a lake, but also the surrounding rivers, mountains, and volcanic features. We focused on hiking (and backpacking – though that didn’t pan out due to weather), but fishing, biking, and skiing are also popular.

Guide to Best Activities in Crater Lake National Park

1. Crater Lake Boat Tour – Taking a tour of Crater Lake was one of the highlights of our trip. Experiencing the geological features and vibrant blue color of the water up close was one of the most memorable parts of our trip.

   

2. Mount Scott – A hike to the highest point in the park, with panoramic views of Crater Lake. Our visit happened to coincide with a butterfly migration that only occurs every 5-6 years, which was both surprising and stunning.

   

3. Boundary Springs – An off the beaten path type of hike. This trail features no views of Crater Lake, but the forest, streams, and wildflowers make up for it. We saw where the Rogue River begins, as it emanates from the Earth.

   

4. Crater Lake Lodge – A beautiful hotel complete with restaurant, adjacent to Crater Lake. It’s the only lodging (other than campgrounds) in the park. The view, friendly staff, and easy access to hiking trails make this a special place to stay, or just visit as a day trip.

   

5. Garfield Peak – This trail provides some of the best views of Crater Lake. It was one of our favorite hikes in the park, even though we didn’t reach the top due to snow.

   

Things we wish we did (“Things to do next time”)

• Wizard Island – We imagine this is an epic place to go hiking. We tried our best to get to the island, but shuttles weren’t currently running due to maintenance issues. This is at the top of our list next time we visit.

  

  Crater Peak & Union Peak – Two hikes we wanted to do, but didn’t have time for. Both are located on the south side of the lake and are a bit longer than other dayhikes in the park.

  

  Backcountry Camping – Weather prevented us from doing a backpacking trip this time, but it’s on the list for our next visit. We had planned to do Bald Crater Loop, but a trip up to Union Peak would also make for a nice overnight.

  

Crater Lake Mini Adventures Guide

On our trip to Crater Lake National Park, we visited several places that didn’t get a full post, but are worth mentioning.

• Bert Creek & Sphagnum Bog – This particular adventure was all Travis’s idea. We drove into Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, to Bert Creek Trail. We hiked along the trail into the northwest corner of Crater Lake National Park until we intersected with Bald Crater Loop Trail. After searching for the bog, it turned out you have to bushwhack to find it – and the amount of mosquitoes (even with repellent) dissuaded us enough to head back. Maybe some day we’ll try again (if Travis can convince Kristin).

  

• Lady of the Woods Trail – This short trail goes around Steel Visitor Center, and we didn’t like it. Its claim to fame is a stone sculpture of a woman, made in 1917 by Earl Russell Bush. There are nearby streams, but most of all there are tons of mosquitoes. The trail weaves around park buildings. It doesn’t offer much, though there is a trail guide you can pick up that corresponds to numbered posts along the way.

  

• Phantom Ship – An overlook at the intersection of Pinnacles Road and East Rim Drive offers a clear view of this rocky island in Crater Lake. If you use your imagination, it resembles a sailing ship. The overlook is easily accessible, but you can skip this if you go on a boat tour, since that gives you a closer view.

  

• Sinnot Memorial Overlook – Near Rim Village, on the south side of Crater Lake, is the Sinnot Memorial Observation Station. Built into the cliffside below Crater Lake’s rim, it offers gorgeous views and a small museum to explore. It’s located down a long flight of stairs, about 0.8 miles round trip. If you’re short on time, this is a good place to learn about the park.

  

• Whitewater Rafting the North Umpqua River – This one isn’t in Crater Lake National Park, but we’re mentioning it anyway. We booked a whitewater rafting trip along the North Umpqua River through Ouzel Outfitters. We drove about an hour and a half northwest of the park to the put-in. The trip went through numerous class II and III rapids, with one class IV near the end. Our guides were great, and we had a blast.

  

Weather

Crater Lake is filled only by snowmelt and rainfall, so naturally a ton of snow falls in the winter. The park is open through the winter, but we prefer warmer weather. July and August are the warmest months, and have the lowest chance of rainfall (though it rained during our trip in July). September might be ideal; it’s still warm-ish and usually too early for snow, so every trail will likely be open. October is a possibility too, but snow could start falling by then.

Visitation Statistics

Not surprisingly, visitation has increased at Crater Lake in the past decade. Nor is it surprising that July and August are the most popular months. If you can swing it, we suggest visiting in September to avoid crowds.

Other Crater Lake NP Tips

• Our plans changed constantly during our visit, so we had to be flexible, due to weather, remaining snow, and concessionaire issues.
• Along the same lines, be aware that some trails don’t become accessible until late July or mid-August due to snow.
• Book the lodge and any boat tours/shuttles as early as you can (and keep your fingers crossed).
• Check out Cleetwood Cove Trail, even if you can’t snag boat tour tickets. You’ll still have a chance to swim in the lake, and even jump in if you’re feeling brave.
• Avoid Annie Creek Restaurant (terrible food) and Rim Village Cafe (overpriced), unless desperate.
• If you have the flexibility, you might check out Lost Creek Campground instead of Mazama Campground. It’s first-come, first-served, and significantly smaller than Mazama Campground. While we didn’t spend the night there, it seemed quiet.
• If your tire springs a leak, like ours did, you can refill it at the gas station in Mazama Campground. If that air filler breaks, like it did when we were there, the next closest station is in Diamond Lake. And if that breaks, well, you might be out of luck.

Our Itinerary

Our trip didn’t go as planned due to weather and the lake tours not running. So we tried to be flexible so we could see as much of the park as possible. It happens sometimes, so be prepared.

Original Itinerary

Day	Plan	Lodging
1	Arrive and explore	Mazama Campground
2	Cleetwood Cove Trail, Wizard Island and Boat Tour	Mazama Campground
3	Mount Scott Trail, Plaikni Falls Trail, Pinnacles Trail	Mazama Campground
4	Garfield Peak, Sinnot Memorial Overlook	Crater Lake Lodge - Lakeside Room
5	North Umpqua Whitewater Rafting	Crater Lake Lodge - Lakeside Room
6	Bald Crater Loop Backpacking	Backcountry Camping
7	Bald Crater Loop Backpacking	Mazama Campground
8	Boundary Springs Trail or Crater Lake Rim Trail

Actual Itinerary

Day	Plan	Lodging
1	Arrive and explore	Mazama Campground
2	Visitor Center, Lady of the Woods Trail	Mazama Campground
3	Boundary Springs Trail	Diamond Lake Motel
4	Bert Creek Trail	Crater Lake Lodge - Lakeside Room
5	North Umpqua Whitewater Rafting	Crater Lake Lodge - Lakeside Room
6	Mount Scott Trail, Plaikni Falls Trail, Pinnacles Trail	Crater Lake Lodge - Parkside Room
7	Cleetwood Cove Trail, Boat Tour, Watchman Peak Trail	Crater Lake Lodge - Parkside Room
8	Garfield Peak Trail

Our Experiences

• Mazama Campground
• Boundary Springs Trail
• Mount Scott Trail
• Pinnacles & Plaikni Falls Trails
• Cleetwood Cove & Boat Tour
• Watchman Peak Trail
• Garfield Peak Trail
• Restaurants and Accommodations

Crater Lake Map Guide

Paper Maps

• Crater Lake National Park Map (National Geographic Trails Illustrated)

The post Best Hikes, Itinerary and Planning Guide appeared first on KTNPBlog.

Note: This trip was back in 2017 when the park’s concessionaire was Xanterra. It’s now Aramark, so options inside the park may have changed.

There’s only one hotel in the park: Crater Lake Lodge. We had booked two nights, several months in advance, and were excited to stay there. But first, we’d be staying at Mazama campground. After setting up our campsite, we drove up to the lodge for a gorgeous view of the lake.

After staying two miserable nights in the campground, and cancelling our backpacking trip due to thunderstorms, we tried to get a room at the lodge. They were booked that night, but we were able to reserve a room for the following two nights.

Accommodations Outside the Park

We decided to call Diamond Lake Resort, located 45 minutes north of the park, in the Umpqua National Forest. Thankfully, we were able to reserve a room for that night. On the way, we hiked Boundary Springs Trail, which we highly recommend.

When you hear the name Diamond Lake, you expect something spectacular. However, it turned out to be pretty low-key. Its architecture is quaint and cottagey, and guest rooms are small, comfortable, and unassuming. Largely due to its location, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to Crater Lake Lodge. And we were glad they had availability, since we had no other good options.

Crater Lake Lodge

The following day, we checked in to Crater Lake Lodge. The guestrooms we stayed in were cozy, with basic amenities. There is no A/C, so we relied on fans to stay cool. The first room we stayed in had a view of Crater Lake, which added to the experience. After two nights, we switched to a room with a view of mountains on the opposite side. It was located on the top floor, in the eaves, so we were uncomfortably hot at night.

It would have been ideal to stay in one room for the entire visit, but at least they had some availability when our plans fell through. Staff at the lodge were friendly and helpful. They moved our luggage between rooms, and listened to our incessant questions about the status of our Crater Lake Boat Tour.

Overall we enjoyed the atmosphere at the lodge. We sat outside on the deck overlooking Crater Lake. In the evenings, we enjoyed relaxing in the Great Hall, particularly when the fireplace was lit. The lodge was crowded during the day, but cleared out in the evenings when only overnight guests remained.

Restaurants in the Park

Let’s start with the most memorable – the Dining Room at Crater Lake Lodge. The park website recommends making advance reservations. So we made ours several months ahead of time. Just in case. Since we were staying at the lodge sooner than anticipated, we chatted with the host and found that we could make a dinner reservation 24 hours in advance.

At dinnertime, we were seated by a window with a view of Crater Lake. After asking for a recommendation because of my dairy allergy, I ordered the Citrus Herb Chicken with veggies and wild rice. The waitress was helpful and accommodating. My meal was nicely seasoned and felt healthy, but it wasn’t amazing. Travis got Pacific Crest Trail pasta, with lemon cream sauce and salmon, which he really enjoyed. He also took advantage of the lodge’s small rotating list of craft beers on tap.

The following day, we were out hiking Mount Scott, Plaikni Falls, and the Pinnacles, so we hadn’t made a dinner reservation. Thankfully, guests can grab salad, soup, and appetizers on the balcony overlooking Crater Lake, and in the Great Hall (just outside the lodge’s main dining room). We chose to eat inside.

I asked for a wedge salad with salmon, which came with a delicious, creamy dressing. We both ordered soup of the day. Today it was wild rice with carrots, celery, mushrooms, and chicken broth. It was savory and hearty with a well-developed flavor. It looked like nothing, but it was some of the best soup I’ve ever had.

Travis ordered the BLT flatbread, which came topped with a healthy portion of greens. It was like a BLT and a pizza had a baby. He also ordered a Rogue Pendleton Pale Ale, which arrived in a Crater Lake National Park themed can. All the food and drinks we had were delicious. In fact, I preferred the food in the Great Hall.

The Great Hall has a more casual vibe compared to the dining room. Someone requested that the gas fireplace be turned on; it didn’t put out much heat, but added to the room’s ambiance. We enjoyed a cozy dinner on the couch.

The lodge restaurant also offers breakfast, so we decided to try it one morning. I had to order a la carte due to my dietary restriction, but there were many options and the wait staff was helpful once again. All in all, we greatly enjoyed the food at Crater Lake Lodge and highly recommend it.

Now let’s chat about some restaurants in the park that were memorable for a different reason. Crater Lake’s other two eateries were also operated by then concessionaire, Xanterra. The first is Annie Creek Restaurant, near Mazama Campground. It’s a casual sit down restaurant that we visited on our first night in the park.

There were many open tables, but we waited for about half an hour to be seated. I ordered a Monster Burger, without cheese, and a gluten free bun (since the regular bun contained milk). Travis ordered a pulled pork sandwich with pickles and red onion.

After another long wait, the waitress came by to apologize for the delay. She pointed to a man, and said that my dairy-free burger had mistakenly been served to him. The man eyed his food strangely, as he clearly hadn’t been told about the mix-up. The waitress offered me a complimentary trip to the salad bar, which I greatly appreciated.

After grabbing a bowl of soup, a burger was waiting for me at the table. But it was covered in mushrooms, and not what I had ordered. At this point, I just ate it, but requested some avocado, the only topping I could remember that I should have gotten. The burger was just okay, and the bun fell apart since it was a low-quality gluten free bun (and we’ve had tasty gluten free bread), but at least I didn’t get charged for the avocado or salad bar. Travis’s pulled pork sandwich was decent.

The other restaurant in the park is Rim Village Café. This place is more of a grab-n-go cafeteria, with food items sitting in fridges and under heat lamps. It’s nothing special, and expensive for what you get. We ended up paying $31 for two hot dogs, a cookie, yogurt, soda, and a fruit cup. Needless to say, we only went there once during our visit.

Restaurants Outside the Park

Establishments outside the park are spread out, so it takes time to get to them. Since we stayed one night at Diamond Lake Resort, we dined at the restaurant there. We ordered burgers; the food took forever to get to us, and was cold and tasteless. We did have a decent view of the lake to take our minds off the food, though.

We visited Beckie’s Cafe twice, and enjoyed quality food and service both times. Located on the west side of Crater Lake, Beckie’s has been around since 1926 and is known for its pie. We got a cheesesteak and a club sandwich, each with a side salad. I got an Angry Orchard cider (to make up for the salad), pretty standard but no complaints from me! They had a few local craft beers on draft, too.

The second time we visited, we had the same waitress who recognized us, and was friendly and helpful given my dairy allergy. She offered us an awkward high table next to the bar, which we happily accepted in lieu of waiting. This time we each got a Hunter Burger (no cheese on mine) with a fried egg and chipotle mayo with fries. The bun fell apart a bit, but it was still delicious.

A visit to Beckie’s wouldn’t be complete without trying the pie. Except I couldn’t eat it since it had dairy. Travis tried the peach and chocolate pie (on different visits) and they were both tasty. His favorite – chocolate – was rich, smooth, and silky with a light and fluffy whipped cream.

Overall, we were most impressed with Beckie’s Cafe and Crater Lake Lodge’s restaurant and Great Hall. Skip everything else and bring some canned tuna.

Places

• Crater Lake Lodge | 570 Rim Village Dr, Oregon 97604
  • Dining Room
• Diamond Lake Resort | 350 Resort Dr, Diamond Lake, OR 97731
• Annie Creek Restaurant | 569 Mazama Village, Crater Lake Hwy, OR 97604
• Rim Village Cafe and Gift Shop | 42.9110909, -122.1490059
• Beckie’s Cafe | 56484 OR-62, Prospect, OR 97536

Interactive Map

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On our final day in Crater Lake National Park, we checked out of Crater Lake Lodge, and simply walked to our trail. Garfield Peak Trail begins just off of Rim Village Drive adjacent to the lodge, though we wouldn’t reach the trailhead sign for 0.2 miles. With easy access from the lake’s south rim, the trail is convenient and popular.

Garfield Peak was named after James Rudolph Garfield, who was Secretary of the Interior when the park was established in 1902. Fun historical fact: this James Garfield was the son of James A. Garfield, the 20th U.S. president.

The 3.4 mile trail to Garfield Peak is often closed (or partially closed) due to snow, even late in the season. It was July 31, and we would be able to hike 1.4 miles of the 1.7 miles (one way), so the final 0.3 miles to the peak was still off-limits. I’m glad that didn’t deter us, as there is so much to see on this trail.

Garfield Peak Trail

The best feature of Garfield Peak Trail is its location next to Crater Lake. Other trails, like Watchman Peak, are adjacent to the lake – but Garfield Peak Trail is designed to allow better and more consistent views of the lake than any other trail (barring Cleetwood Cove, perhaps). It also provides views of geological features, wildflowers, the lodge, and more.

Garfield Peak Trail is a straight shot up to the top – no intersections. After a short walk, we passed the trail sign, then hiked through some pine trees before reaching an open area. The trail ascended until we came to a bench with a great view of Crater Lake. Some ground squirrels ran around as we took a break and enjoyed the view.

The trail weaved back and forth through switchbacks as we continued. Though the trail route and rock formations blocked our view of Crater Lake in some spots, it always seemed to be waiting for us a few moments later. Wildflowers like Indian paintbrush and fireweed bloomed along the trail.

On our right, we had scenic views of the mountains and Crater Lake Lodge (which we highly recommend, by the way). The dusty trail passed some rock formations, and on the other side we got another view of Crater Lake.

Looking out, we spotted a small white dot on the lake – a tour boat! It reminded us of our adventure the previous day, when we took a boat tour of Crater Lake. We also caught a glimpse of Union Peak, another hike in the park we wished we had time for.

Snow Time

Looking out over the lake, we saw a large snowfield below the rim. As the snow melts, it forms waterfalls that fill the lake. But wait – there’s more! Back on the trail, we approached another snowfield that we’d have to cross. The park had posted signs to direct hikers through the snow.

By this time, other hikers had worn a trail through the snow that was easy enough to follow, even without signs. It was a bit slippery, and we used our trekking poles for balance as we hiked through this section.

Finally across the snowfield, we stepped back onto soil. Crater Lake came into view again, as did Phantom Ship and Mount Scott. Further down the trail, we were stopped by snow again. This time, there was no going through or around it. A sign announced that the trail was closed beyond that point. In a week or two, the trail would probably be open to the summit, but this was the end for us.

It was disappointing to stop short of the summit, but Garfield Peak is still one of my favorite trails in the park. We were lucky to hike it at all, since it had been closed when we arrived a week prior. Garfield Peak Trail is unique due to its panoramic views of Crater Lake and various landmarks along the way. We really enjoyed this trail, and it solidified many of the memories we had made on our trip to Crater Lake.

Garfield Peak Trail

Dates: Monday, July 31, 2017
Type: Out and back dayhike
Total Distance: 3.4 miles (5.5 km) round trip
Cumulative Elevation Gain/Loss: 1170 feet (357 m)
Time: 2.5 hours round trip for us, not including the last 0.6 miles (round-trip), which was closed due to snow.
Trail Markings: None
Difficulty: Moderate
Crowds: Moderate
Water: Views of Crater Lake, and snow if you like
Highlights: Views, Wildflowers, Rock Formations
Directions to Crater Lake Lodge Parking: Google Maps Directions

Trail Directions

• Mile 0.0 – Park near the lodge, then follow the paved path east along the rim of Crater Lake.
• 0.2 – The trail transitions to a dirt path at a trail sign for Garfield Peak. While the sign says 3.4 miles round-trip, that distance begins at the lodge.
• 1.7 – You’ve arrived at the top of Garfield Peak (snow permitting)! Enjoy, then turn around and go back the way you came.
• 3.4 – Back at Crater Lake Lodge

Places

• Garfield Peak Trailhead | 42.909489, -122.1413882

Maps

• Garfield Peak Trail Map (KTNP)

Links

• Garfield Peak (Wikipedia)

Elevation Graph

Interactive Map

The post Garfield Peak Trail appeared first on KTNPBlog.

Visiting Crater Lake National Park in late July means dealing with snow. Yes, somewhat hard to believe, but it’s true. When we arrived in the park, some hikes were still closed due to snow. Luckily for us, a park ranger we met on our lake tour mentioned that Watchman Peak had opened two days ago! So that’s where we headed that afternoon.

Watchman Peak Trail is a 1.7 mile out and back hike with views of Crater lake, including the best spot to see Wizard Island. At the top is one of two fire lookout towers in the park – the other being on Mount Scott. We’d read that the top had great sunset views, so we timed our arrival to coincide. Like many features, Watchman Peak was named by William Gladstone Steel, an early supporter and promoter of the park.

Through Fire and Snow

Along West Rim Drive, we encountered construction that slowed us down. The main parking lot for the area was closed due to construction, but there were some spots along the shoulder. Those spots had been parked up earlier that day, but there were plenty available when we showed up around 6:30 p.m.

We stopped at an overlook, which has access from both Rim Drive and Rim Trail. There were also a few outhouses. After taking in a view of Crater Lake, we headed south on Rim Trail. Looking off in the distance, we saw smoke rising from a wildfire, and the whole area had a smoky orange tinge.

As we approached the start of the trail, we could see Watchman Observation Station, the fire tower at the top. On the trail in front of us was an unexpected obstacle – snow. Honestly, we should have expected it since the trail had just opened for the season. Cut through the snow was a narrow path. It was fun to walk through the snow, and we were glad to have our trekking poles.

We came to the intersection of Rim Trail and Watchman Lookout Trail, and headed left for Watchman Peak. After the snow came a series of switchbacks. We gradually ascended with alternating views of the mountains and Crater Lake. The climb was reminiscent of Mount Scott due to its trees, wildflowers, sandy trail, and switchbacks.

The Peak of Watchman

At the top of Watchman Peak, we met some firefighters. They pointed out another fire in the distance, and told us there were several currently burning in the area. The observation station was constructed between 1930 and 1933, and was originally intended as part educational center. Today, it functions primarily as a fire lookout, with a few informational signs on a viewing platform.

The firefighters descended, and we were again alone. We read the signs, took photos, and realized that the sunset views were over the mountains, not the lake. For some reason we had expected them to be over the lake, but that was probably wishful thinking.

It was time for dinner, so we ate – and enjoyed the impressive 270 degree views – while we waited for the sunset. A few other hikers joined us. The sky was hazy due to wildfires, and we wondered whether the sunset would be more impressive because of the smoke. For the first time, we could see inside the crater on top of Wizard Island.

It was a colorful sunset, and we stayed up there for 45 minutes before heading back down. Gnats were biting us a lot, which hindered our enjoyment, but I’m glad we went up later in the day. I bet it would also be a great place to see the sunrise! As we descended, the mountain glowed red as the sun continued to set, which made for a nice ending to the hike.

Watchman Peak Trail

Dates: Sunday, July 30, 2017
Type: Out and back dayhike
Total Distance: 1.7 miles (2.7 km) round trip
Cumulative Elevation Gain/Loss: 405 feet (123 m)
Time: 1.5 hours hiking, not including the time we spent on top of Watchman Peak
Trail Markings: None
Difficulty: Easy
Crowds: Only a few groups late in the afternoon
Water: Views of Crater Lake
Highlights: Views, history, wildflowers
Directions to Watchman Overlook Trailhead: Google Maps Directions

Trail Directions

• Mile 0.0 – From Watchman Overlook parking lot, head south on Rim Trail.
• 0.3 – Turn left onto Watchman Peak Trail.
• 0.85 – Arrive at Watchman Peak Lookout. There are educational signs and a viewing platform next to the lookout. When ready, head back down on Watchman Peak Trail.
• 1.4 – Turn right onto Rim Trail
• 1.7 – Arrived back at the parking lot.

Places

• Watchman Overlook Trailhead | 42.9464707, -122.1700579

Maps

• Watchman Peak Trail Map (KTNP)

Links

• The Watchman (NPS)
• Watchman Lookout Station (Wikipedia)

Elevation Graph

Interactive Map

The post Watchman Peak Trail appeared first on KTNPBlog.

Planning and Disappointments

One activity we wanted to do in Crater Lake National Park was to get out on Crater Lake itself. The park does tours of the lake, and also has shuttles to Wizard Island. The island is a 316-acre landmass within Crater Lake and has several hiking trails. Months before our visit, we reserved tickets for the boat tour, including the Wizard Island shuttle.

Visitors can only get to the shoreline of Crater Lake via a steep 2.1 mile trail called Cleetwood Cove. It’s at the northern end of the lake and was constructed in 1962. The trail leads to a boat dock, as well as fishing and swimming areas. In the summer, the lake’s average temperature is 57 degrees Fahrenheit, and I planned to jump in.

When we travel, we typically plan detailed itineraries. Visiting Crater Lake National Park was one of few times when our plans went awry. And it started on day 1. This trip was back in 2017 when the park’s concessionaire was Xanterra, so things could (and hopefully) have changed since then. In 2018 the concessionaire changed to Aramark. Then in 2024, the National Park Service terminated the contract with Aramark due to performance issues, and the current concessionaire is now ExplorUS.

Day 1 – Monday

After wrapping up a better-than-expected visit to Redwood National Park, we drove north to Crater Lake. Kristin was particularly excited about visiting Crater Lake, especially since we had scheduled our boat tour for the following day. But that soon turned to disappointment. A sign at the entrance kiosk stated that all boat tours were cancelled for the day. We asked the ranger at the entrance if he had any info – he didn’t. So we asked a Xanterra employee at Mazama Campground. He didn’t know either.

Concerned that our tickets would be cancelled, we drove up to Crater Lake Lodge. There, an employee told us the Wizard Island shuttles had been cancelled for the season. Since we had combined tickets for both the boat tour and Wizard Island shuttle, our tickets were also cancelled. We’d get a refund, but they didn’t know when lake tours would resume. Supposedly, we should have received a cancellation notice. We hadn’t.

Day 2 – Tuesday

That morning, we woke up early, hoping the boats would be up and running. We went to Annie Creek to attempt to purchase any available lake tour tickets. A sign on the kiosk said that tours were cancelled for that day, too. We talked to two employees who didn’t know anything.

Next, we ran into the director of retail. He told us that the boats had been damaged over the winter due to a leak in the boathouse roof. With only one operational boat, they were unable to run tours. A repair tech was expected on Friday, (then three days out), so it was unlikely that boats would be running before then.

We headed to Crater Lake Lodge (one of few places we had a cell signal) to call Xanterra to ask about boat tour tickets for that Friday or Saturday. They couldn’t get us a reservation, but gave us another number to call. No one answered. Inside the lodge, an employee said there was a list of guests who would be given priority once the boats were up and running, if their tour had been canceled. We were skeptical, but put our names on the list anyway.

For the next few days, we routinely checked in with lodge employees, and were told various pieces of conflicting information. At least they tried to be helpful. In the meantime, we went to hike some nearby trails, like Boundary Springs and Mount Scott.

Day 6 – Saturday

On Saturday evening, we asked lodge employees about the boat tour status (again). We were finally told that boat tour ticket sales would resume the next day, but only for the standard lake tour. No shuttles to Wizard Island. Still, we were overjoyed! The downside was that tickets were only available the next morning at the trailhead of Cleetwood Cove, the trail that leads to the boat dock on Crater Lake.

Day 7 – Sunday

So excited, we woke up early to go get our tickets. As we headed out, we asked the lodge employees (who were starting to get to know us) if there were any updates. They told us that things had changed (surprise, surprise) and now there weren’t any tickets available. The tickets had gone to the people who had booked tours way in advance for that date. Like we had done for our original tickets.

So we went back to our room and went to sleep. Just kidding. We were determined to get on a boat tour. We would at least hike Cleetwood Cove Trail and get a better view of the lake! Maybe glare at some of the folks who were lucky enough to have chosen this date for their tour months ago.

We arrived at the Cleetwood Cove trailhead around 8:15 a.m. The ticket kiosk is in a large parking lot across the street. At the kiosk, an employee reiterated that tickets were sold out. We spoke to the boat manager, who said the same thing. Many other visitors were there complaining, since tickets purchased the previous day were not being honored. It was very confusing!

This was our last day in the park; tomorrow we’d be driving to Bend, Oregon. I got the boat manager’s e-mail, in case tickets became available the following week when we’d still be in the area. With that, we decided to hike down Cleetwood Cove Trail. We had heard there was another kiosk at the bottom, so we figured it couldn’t hurt to check there as well.

Cleetwood Cove Trail

Okay, we’re done complaining for a bit. We started hiking down Cleetwood Cove Trail, a dusty series of switchbacks with great views of Crater Lake. Along the way were a few benches and trees for periodic shade. Sun exposure along the trail is pretty intense, especially as you get closer to the lake.

Since Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only access to Crater Lake, the trail was crowded. Hiking down is easy, but we tried not to think about the hike back up. As we descended, we saw the boat dock and other buildings below. The trail was named after a boat, called the Cleetwood, used to survey the lake in 1886.

When we reached the bottom, we headed straight for the ticket kiosk. There, we asked an employee if tickets were still available. Initially, she said no. After chatting more, she mentioned the possibility of getting on a tour if someone doesn’t show. So she could add our names to a waitlist, and we could purchase our tickets at 9:15 if there were at least two no shows.

If we purchased tickets, and the other party showed up at the last minute, their tickets would be honored, not ours. We went for it and asked her to add our names to the waitlist. After thanking her profusely, we walked over to the shore and watched people jump into the lake.

At 9:15, we returned to the kiosk, as our new friend had recommended. She asked us to wait as they checked everyone in. We waited…fingers crossed. And finally. Finally. Our persistence (and being annoying) paid off. Three people didn’t show up, so we were able to buy tickets! We boarded the boat, and nervously looked toward Cleetwood Cove Trail, hoping the original ticket purchasers weren’t coming down. They weren’t, and we were off!

A Lake Tour

Finally, we were out on the lake…it was an ordeal to get there! The boat began its counter-clockwise circumnavigation of the lake, which would take two hours. We got to hear from Park Ranger Margaret, who provided historical and geological information about the lake and surrounding area.

A man named William Gladstone Steel campaigned for 17 years to persuade congress to designate Crater Lake as a national park. To promote the park, he gave features interesting names to attract tourists. Ranger Margaret pointed out a rocky ridge called Devil’s Backbone – a feature named by Steel. We saw other rock features named after an elephant’s trunk, a wine glass, and many other objects of our imagination.

The boat paused at various points, giving Ranger Margaret an opportunity to elaborate on the history and geology of the area. As the boat sped up to get to the next viewpoint, Ranger Margaret moved around and chatted with passengers. Turns out we grew up in the same area, near Roanoke, VA!

As the boat traveled past the tree-covered Wizard Island, we caught a glimpse of a rocky beach and dock. We were tempted to jump in and swim for it. Like Devil’s Backbone, Wizard Island was named by William Steel to promote tourism. It’s the largest island in Crater Lake, and the only place you can swim other than the dock area at Cleetwood Cove.

Crater Lake is formed entirely by snowmelt – there are no streams, creeks, or rivers flowing into it. Ranger Margaret pointed out a landslide area that had formed a shelf above the lake, which collects snow during winter. As the temperature warms, it melts to form many beautiful waterfalls. When the boat slowed down, we could hear water cascading into the lake.

We continued on to an island known as Phantom Ship. The boat sailed around the rocky yet colorful lichen-covered formation. As we went around it, we saw a rocky shelf in the water below us. Suddenly, the shelf dropped off into a dark blue expanse.

Ranger Margaret passed out a Secchi disk – a tool used to determine the visual clarity of the lake. Crater Lake is strikingly clear. And it’s so clean that you can drink the water without filtering. Ranger Margaret offered to fill up water bottles to drink directly from the lake. Sadly, we didn’t have any bottles with us, only hydration bladders in our backpacks. Next time…?

There are typically three boats that operate on Crater Lake, each named after a nearby river – Klamath, Umpqua, and Rogue. Today, only two were in service, one of which was on standby in case of an emergency. Also, capacity for each boat is limited to only 38 people.

As the boat arrived back at the harbor, we were satisfied, even though we didn’t make it to Wizard Island. It was amazing to see the lake from a different vantage point. The tour was very informative and we highly recommend it!

Swimming in Crater Lake

We decided to fully immerse ourselves in Crater Lake – literally. Lots of people were at Cleetwood Cove and many were in the water. I wanted to jump in, so we went to a small cliff by the restrooms where others were jumping off. We watched, as I mentally prepared. The 20 foot drop seems much greater when you’re up there, but I was determined.

I walked up to the cliff, and looked back at Kristin. Camera in hand, she nodded to indicate that she was recording. Looking down at the water, I was scared. But it was now or never. I jumped off the cliff. It was exhilarating in the air…and then the cold water shocked me as I plunged in. Underwater, I felt disoriented for a moment, since I had to keep my eyes closed so my contacts wouldn’t fall out.

Surfacing, I headed to shore. I looked up at Kristin. She yelled down to me, “it didn’t record – you have to do it again!” Everyone within earshot area laughed. She wasn’t joking. I got out of the water, slightly exasperated. I had to do it again. The second time was easier than the first, and I made sure water didn’t get into my nose this time.

Kristin’s turn. But she decided to wade in. She hates the cold, but turns out the water wasn’t as cold as she expected. Perhaps because she chose a shallow area? We dried off, and put on our boots to hike back up Cleetwood Cove Trail. The trail was grueling with switchbacks, elevation gain, and hot weather. Every so often we stopped at a bench to rest. You can equate hiking back up to climbing 65 flights of stairs.

When we got back to the parking lot, it was packed. Good thing we had gotten there early. And with that, our lake adventure was over. It was an experience – both the tour itself, and getting on the boat in the first place. Hopefully the change of concessionaires to Aramark has alleviated some of the communication issues. Someday, we’ll be back to visit Wizard Island.

Cleetwood Cove Trail itself wasn’t that interesting, but it boasts close-up views of Crater Lake. The Crater Lake tour was informative, breathtaking, and provided a perspective of the lake you can only get from a boat. We highly recommend it, if you can get tickets.

Cleetwood Cove Trail

Date: Sunday, July 30, 2017
Type: Out and Back Dayhike
Total Distance: 2.1 miles (3.4 km) round-trip
Cumulative Elevation Gain/Loss: 816 feet (249 m)
Time: 20-25 minutes to descend, 30-35 minutes to ascend
Trail Markings: None
Difficulty: Easy on the way down, moderate on the way back
Crowds: Yes
Water: Crater Lake view and access
Highlights: Views, Swimming, Boat Tour, Unique Experience
Directions to Trailhead: Google Maps Directions

Trail Directions

• Mile 0.0 – From the trailhead, follow the trail as it descends
• 0.9 – You’ve reached the bottom. You can take a side trail to the dock, or continue to a swimming area.
• 1.0 – The trail ends near the restrooms and swimming area. Jump in the lake (or watch others jump in), then head back up when you’re ready.
• 2.1 – Back at the trailhead

Places

• Cleetwood Cove Trailhead | 42.9797531, -122.0837881
• Cleetwood Cove Dock | 42.9771349, -122.0880832

Links

• Cleetwood Cove (NPS)
• Devil’s Backbone (Crater Lake Institute)
• Llao Rock (Crater Lake Institute)
• Wizard Island (Wikipedia)

Maps

• Cleetwood Cove Trail Map (KTNPBlog)

Elevation Graph

Interactive Map

The post Cleetwood Cove Trail and Boat Tour appeared first on KTNPBlog.

We had just finished hiking Mount Scott, also in the southeast section of the park. It was an easy drive to Pinnacles Road, which intersects with East Rim Drive at Phantom Ship Overlook. Plaikni Falls was our next destination, 1.1 miles down Pinnacles Road.

Plaikni Falls Trail

The trail to Plaikni Falls is an easy 2-mile out and back hike. The trail, constructed in 2011, is mostly wheelchair accessible. The exception is the short section at the end which allows visitors to walk closer to the falls. The name “Plaikni” comes from a Klamath Native American word that means “from the high country.”

Rocks line the manicured path, and distinctive benches are placed periodically along the trail. Meandering through a forest, the trail passes a large rocky outcropping on the left. Red, yellow, and purple wildflowers were scattered along the trail. I was surprised by the plant diversity given how short the trail is. There were columbines, monkey flowers, orchids, bleeding hearts, and more!

As we approached the end of the trail, a stream flowed on our right. Upstream we saw the beautiful Plaikni Falls, where a few other groups enjoyed the scenery. After a brief wait, we had it all to ourselves for a few minutes. We were able to get close enough to the falls to feel drops of water, which was very refreshing. Late afternoon is the perfect time to photograph Plaikni Falls to avoid glare from the sun.

Although there were a few mosquitoes, particularly close to the water, this short hike has great payoff. The trail is wide and flat, so it’s easily accessible for people of all abilities. We usually prefer more rugged terrain, but this hike is well-maintained and culminates in a captivating waterfall.

Pinnacles Trail

After enjoying Plaikni Falls, we drove further south to Pinnacles Trail, at the end of Pinnacles Road. On the way, we stopped to check out Lost Creek Campground, which the National Park Service operates. The first-come, first-served primitive campsites cost $10 per night. It was very quiet, and we wished we had stayed there rather than Mazama Campground. The campground bathrooms (outhouses) are the only in the area, as Plaikni Falls and Pinnacles don’t have any facilities.

We parked in the small lot near Pinnacles Trail, along with a few other visitors. A sign details the geological formation of the nearby spires, some of which we could see from the parking lot. The spires, also called fossil fumaroles, were formed by volcanic gases and steam that were released through tubes in ash that covered the area. Over time, these tubes hardened and the ash surrounding them eroded, leaving the spires.

Although you can see some volcanic spires from the parking lot, a 0.8 mile out and back hike takes visitors along a rim overlooking Wheeler and Sand Creeks. Like Plaikni Falls, Pinnacles Trail is wheelchair accessible. Covered with gravel and sand, the trail is easy and flat.

Along the trail are several lookouts into the canyon, providing views of the pinnacles and Sand Creek. Clusters of pinnacles line the trail side of the canyon. Looking across to the other side are lone pinnacles amongst the trees. Some spires were fun (and difficult) to pick out from the trees! Afternoon is not an ideal time for photography; morning or midday might have provided better lighting.

At the end of the trail is a large stone structure which marks the historic eastern entrance to the park. The structure was built by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) in 1937 and the entrance was closed in 1973 due to disuse. We noticed how similar it looked to the north entrance.

Beyond that point, the trail becomes a forest road and continues into Fremont-Winema National Forest. After relaxing a moment in solitude, we turned around and headed back to the parking lot. This is a short and unique hike, especially for those interested in geology.

Places

• Plaikni Falls Trailhead | 42.907286, -122.0684791
• Pinnacles Trailhead | 42.849872, -122.0074557
• Lost Creek Campground | 42.8793819, -122.0369873

Links

• Plaikni Falls Trail (Crater Lake Institute)
• Crater Lake East Entrance (Oregon Hikers)

The post Plaikni Falls & Pinnacles Trails appeared first on KTNPBlog.

So far in Crater Lake National Park, we had hiked some lesser known trails like Boundary Springs. It was finally time to do some more “popular” hikes. Today we decided to hike Mount Scott, a 4.3 mile out and back trail located on the eastern side of the park. The trail ascends 1318 feet, and features views of Crater Lake and the surrounding mountains. Mount Scott is the highest point in Crater Lake National Park at 8929 feet and is named after Levi Scott (1797–1890), an Oregon politician and pioneer.

After getting a late start, around 11 a.m., we peered over steep cliffs on the side of Rim Road as our car weaved its way up to the trailhead. The parking lot was full – it’s small given Mt. Scott’s popularity. Thankfully, a short distance beyond was a picnic area that had some parking. It also had a pit toilet, which the lot at the trailhead lacks.

Mt. Scott Trail

Carefully, we walked along the narrow shoulder of the road to the trailhead. Even in late July, a small snowfield partially covered the beginning of the trail and other areas of the mountain. Some hikers went around, and some trudged through.

Initially, the trail ascended gently, but quickly became steeper and more exposed to the sun. On a warm summer day, we were glad to have the occasional tree to take a break under, as well as a slight breeze. We ascended up switchbacks, which allowed for beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. While we stopped to admire the mountain view, we realized Crater Lake was already visible!

As usual, I stopped to check out some wildflowers. An older couple passed us and the man asked, “Oh, are you a wildflower guy too?” That made us smile (I am). We chatted briefly and he told us about a type of flower higher up that looked like something from Dr. Seuss. The fluffy flower was a called a Western Pasqueflower and we soon found it.

Not surprisingly, the views improved as we ascended, though they were partially obstructed by trees in places. The trail is steep and narrow. There were a lot of other hikers on the trail; if you’re looking for solitude, this isn’t the hike for you. We also had some unexpected guests: butterflies. Hundreds, maybe thousands of them!

As we hiked, we could hear wings flapping, and butterflies continually ran (flew?) into us, which was somewhat disconcerting. It was certainly a surprise! Ascending higher only made more appear. Why were there so many? We didn’t find out the answer until later; they were California tortoiseshell butterflies, and they appear every 5-6 years, possibly because of a migration event. Lucky us, we just happened to time it right.

Mountain Ridge and Fire Tower

Hiking further up, we passed three firefighters descending the mountain. With several active wildfires in the park, we weren’t too surprised to see them. There’s a fire tower at the peak, though there is no public access.

Switchbacks are annoying, but the turns allowed us to take in the views. Finally, we came to a ridge, which leads to the fire tower. As we walked along the narrow gravelly ridge, we enjoyed a breeze, as well as more breathtaking views of Crater Lake to the left and mountains to the right.

Butterflies swarmed over the ridge. We stopped to take in the phenomenon. They were flying over our heads, but they didn’t bother or land on us. It was time for lunch, so we ate near the fire tower. A ground squirrel appeared and ran around us. It had probably been fed by other tourists, so we made sure to protect our food.

After lunch, we began the steep and rocky descent. Trekking poles helped minimize the impact to our knees, and we definitely recommend them. We saw a couple pushing a stroller – probably not recommended with the rock and loose gravel, especially near the top. Although it was very warm, hikers continued to ascend in the mid-afternoon.

Mount Scott Trail has a steady incline, loose dirt and gravel, and plenty of sun exposure. The trailhead sign states that it’s strenuous, though a seasoned hiker might find it moderate. We enjoyed the trail and views, and the butterflies made it an almost otherworldly experience. Our recommendations: visit on a weekday, arrive early to avoid crowds as much as possible, and choose a day with milder weather since there isn’t much shade. Enjoy!

Mount Scott Trail

Dates: Saturday, July 29, 2017
Type: Out and back hike
Total Distance: 4.3 miles (6.9 km) round-trip
Cumulative Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,318 feet (402 m)
Time: 3 hours, including lunch and lots of photo breaks
Trail Markings: None
Difficulty: Moderate
Crowds: Very populated
Water: None; views of Crater Lake
Highlights: Views, fire tower, snow, wildflowers, butterflies
Note: If main parking lot is full, look for the picnic area further north
Directions to Trailhead: Google Maps Directions

Trail Directions

• Mile 0.0 – From the trailhead, follow the trail. You might cross a couple snowfields before starting the ascent up switchbacks.
• 2.2 – Arrive at the top of the mountain. Check out the sweeping views and fire tower, then head back down the way you came.
• 4.3 – Back at the parking lot.

Places

• Mount Scott Trailhead | 42.9316667, -122.0323522

Maps

• Mount Scott Trail Map (KTNP)

Links

• Butterflies News Article
• Levi Scott (Wikipedia)

Elevation Graph

Interactive Map

The post Mount Scott Trail appeared first on KTNPBlog.

The average July rainfall in Crater Lake National Park is around one inch, the lowest of the year. So, it was just our luck that it was raining on our first few days in the park. We wanted to go backpacking in the northwestern section of the park (on Bald Crater Loop), but the rain and threat of thunderstorms put a stop to that. Instead, we decided on a 5.4 mile out-and-back dayhike to Boundary Springs.

Boundary Springs Trail is not a heavily used or well-known trail. The best way to access it is from the northern edge of the park in Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. The trail leads to the headwaters of the 215-mile Rogue River, which starts in Crater Lake NP, Oregon. The source of the spring is snowmelt, not Crater Lake itself. The trail was a delight and one of the (pleasant) surprises of our trip. But it’s not well marked or widely publicized. A ranger we met later in the trip said she had hiked the trail recently, but hadn’t found the spring.

To Mount Mazama Viewpoint

Driving north from Mazama Campground on West Rim Drive, we were stopped by construction for 30 minutes. After we made it past the delay, we stopped at a few overlooks to photograph Crater Lake with Wizard Island. The overcast sky reflecting on the surface of the lake was stunning.

Passing the North Junction, we continued on North Entrance Road and stopped to check out the Pumice Desert. Only a few trees and wildflowers dot the barren landscape as Mt. Theilson looms in the distance. The soil felt squishy and strange with each step. We examined some rocks that had holes and were lighter than an average rock, but not as light as we imagined. Continuing, we left the park boundaries and turned left onto highway 230.

Along highway 230, in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, we found trailhead for Mount Mazama Viewpoint. Just off the road is a decent-sized parking lot and a pit toilet. We stopped to read a sign there that explained how the caldera, and later Crater Lake itself, formed after the eruption of Mount Mazama.

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

We tried to read the peeling trailhead sign while mosquitoes attacked us just feet from our car. We reserve insect repellent for those “absolutely necessary” situations, and within 10 minutes of starting the hike we applied some. Upper Rogue River Trail (1034) descends through a forest that had a fire in 2015. Many burned trees remained, and new seedlings had sprouted. Pumice was scattered on the forest floor, and we stopped to pick a few up to see how heavy they were.

After half a mile, the trail comes to a fork with a small wooden sign nailed to a tree. To the right, Upper Rogue River Trail continues. We headed left on Boundary Springs Trail (1057). The trails here are not well signed, so a quality map is a must. The trail continued down a hill and the Rogue River flowed on our right. Beautiful wildflowers grew on both sides of the trail.

At the bottom of the hill was a stream crossing. Kristin was a bit hesitant, but made it without any issue. As we ascended the trail we were rewarded with views of the Rogue River. We would follow the river upstream the rest of the way to Boundary Springs.

Fifteen minutes after the stream crossing, we reached a road. We were uncertain where to go, so we checked our Nat Geo map. The map showed that the trail should be to the right, across the road. So we turned right and crossed the Rogue River which flows underneath the road. On our left, we found the trail, next to another badly peeling sign which read “Rogue River.” Metal or carved wooden signs would be more functional than these.

Crater Lake National Park

We continued up the trail, which became rolling and narrow. A few sections of the trail had steep dropoffs. We saw other hikers for the first time, near a small stream crossing. One mile after crossing the road, we crossed into Crater Lake National Park.

The trail got lower and closer to the river, as the river widened. We noticed yellow flowers growing all over dead logs in the stream.

The trail descended, providing beautiful views of the widening river. We began to notice yellow flowers growing all over dead logs that floated in the water. Looking it up later, we learned that they were yellow monkeyflowers. We were here at the right time of year! Other wildflowers, like fireweed and bleeding heart, grew nearby.

As we progressed, we passed burnt areas from a recent fire, which dramatically changed the landscape. The Rogue River continued to widen, and flow more rapidly. Upstream we saw multiple waterfalls, which were partially obscured by trees.

The trail got muddy as we came upon a marshy meadow. I always celebrate discovering any marshy area since it means there’s a chance to see some unique wildflowers. And sure enough, there were bog orchids and clintonia wildflowers growing alongside the trail. We stopped, and I took way too many photos.

The river seemed to fork at this point, and the trail followed a smaller stream. Eventually, the small stream seemed to dry up and disappear. We wondered if the waterfall we had seen earlier was Boundary Springs, and were unsure of where to go.

Boundary Springs

Continuing, we came to a curious log embedded in the ground. The log was polished, like it was meant for something, but there was no sign on it. A narrow dirt trail ran to the left, while the trail we were on continued straight. We decided to check out the side trail, and we found part of the river that had split earlier.

The side trail wasn’t well defined, but we continued on. After about five minutes on the side trail, we found what we were looking for – Boundary Springs. We could see the start of the Rogue River pouring out of the earth.

We carefully made our way directly behind the spring. It made for a gorgeous view of the river, dotted with yellow wildflowers. We relaxed for a bit and enjoyed the sights and sounds of the spring. It’s very powerful to think about the beginnings of a huge river coming from this humble spot.

We headed back the way we came, and the mosquitoes began attacking us again. As we started north toward the parking lot, thick gray clouds appeared in front of us, and blue sky behind us. The skies started sprinkling, but it didn’t storm. Maybe we could have done that backpacking trip after all.

This was one of our favorite hikes in Crater Lake. It’s unique, and there are fewer visitors than most trails we hiked during our trip. It’s off the beaten path, but that only adds to the experience. Just be sure you have a map, since it isn’t well marked.

Boundary Springs Trail

Dates: Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Type: Out and Back Dayhike
Total Distance: 5.4 miles (8.7 km) round trip
Cumulative Elevation Gain/Loss: 883 feet (269 m)
Time: 3.5 hours which includes photo breaks
Trail Markings: A few peeling trail signs
Difficulty: Easy
Crowds: A few groups, otherwise had it to ourselves
Water: Rivers and streams along the trail
Highlights: Boundary Springs, wildflowers, marshy area, burnt areas, waterfalls
Note: You could also hike to Boundary Springs from the south, but it would take longer.
Directions to Mazama Viewpoint Trailhead: Google Maps Directions

Trail Directions

• Mile 0.0 – From Mazama Viewpoint, take the Upper Rogue River Trail (1034). This trail starts inside Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
• 0.6 – At a poorly defined intersection, turn left onto Boundary Springs Trail (1057).
• 1.0 – You’ll come to a dirt road, Old Diamond Lake Road. There will be a stream to your right, perpendicular to the road and flowing under it. Go right onto the road for about 100 feet, and you’ll see the trail continue on your left.
• 1.6 – A sign indicates that you’ve entered Crater Lake National Park.
• 2.5 – An intersection with the trail that leads to Boundary Springs. There’s no trail sign as of 2017, just a polished wooden pole in the ground marking the intersection. Take a left here.
• 2.7 – You’ve arrived at Boundary Springs! Enjoy the peace, quiet, and beautiful scenery, then return the way you came.
• 5.4 – Back at the parking lot.

Places

• Mazama Viewpoint Trailhead | 43.0906366, -122.2239233
• Pumice Desert Overlook | 43.027926, -122.119328

Maps

• Boundary Springs Trail Map (KTNP)

Elevation Graph

Interactive Map

The post Boundary Springs Trail appeared first on KTNPBlog.

Mazama is the largest and most centrally-located campground in the park. When we visited, it was managed by Xanterra, a concessioner that manages guest services in a number of parks. This was new to us, as every other campground we’ve stayed at in a National Park was run by the NPS. Since our visit, Aramark has become the concessioner, so some of these details may no longer be accurate. In general, we’ve had better experiences at NPS-run campgrounds.

Finding a Campsite

We reserved a campsite online when they first became available a few months in advance. Unlike the NPS-run campgrounds we’ve visited, where we reserved the site of our choice, we were only able to reserve a “type” of campsite based on size – in our case, a 12-ft x 12-ft tent site.

As we drove into the campground area, we found parking in a large lot next to Annie Creek Restaurant and Gift Shop. We checked in at a nearby kiosk, and the attendant told us to go find a campsite that had a blue marker on the campground post. But he couldn’t tell us which ones were “blue.” So we wasted a lot of time driving around looking for an empty campsite. The roads are narrow, so watch out for people walking and kids riding bikes.

Eventually, we found a site in Loop G, a tent-only camping area. It turns out that there were only four blue marked tent sites left when we arrived. So really, it’s first come, first served as far as getting a good site. The best sites are the ones in the back of the loops, which look into a canyon and Annie Creek. The trade-off is that they’re further from the bathroom.

Our site, G11, was closer to the road and bathrooms. Given what was available, it was the best of the worst. There was trash in our campsite, the picnic table was broken (but still usable), and there were lots of mosquitoes. It seemed crowded, with neighboring campsites in close proximity, and people everywhere. We set up our tent, ready to make the best of it.

Surrounding Amenities

By the time we got set up, we were starving. It was too late to cook dinner, so we decided to check out Annie Creek Restaurant. We’ll leave a review in our restaurant post (spoiler alert: it wasn’t good). While we ate, the weather took a turn for the worse and it started storming. Hail that was 3-4 mm in diameter fell from the sky, which was cool to see, though we grew a bit concerned since we were camping. The hail piled up initially, but stopped – and melted – by the time we left the restaurant.

Back at our campsite, we got ready for bed. The sky glowed a beautiful reddish purple after the storm. The restrooms were near our site, and they had soap and paper towels, which is always a bonus. The other campers were relatively quiet, which we appreciated.

The following morning, we started hearing voices around 7 a.m. – which isn’t bad when you’re camping. We checked out the camp store, where we bought some food and firewood. They also carry ice, dehydrated meals, beer and wine, gifts, and other helpful items. Outside the shop is a gas pump. And thankfully, they also have an air compressor, which came in handy when our rental car developed a small leak in one of the tires.

There were only a few moments it didn’t rain that day. That evening, we built a roaring fire, roasted marshmallows, and generally had a warm and toasty evening. And we were glad, because the storms resumed shortly after. According to some Xanterra employees, rain in Crater Lake is unusual in July. We had planned to stay a third night in the campground, but with the thunder, we bailed and found a room at Diamond Lake Resort, north of the park.

So. Mazama Campground is a campground, and it’s an okay campground. We weren’t wowed. We didn’t like the site selection process, our broken picnic table, the mosquitoes, the crowds, or the overall vibe. It was nice to know we’d have a site waiting for us, though. And we were glad it was quiet and had some amenities.

If we visit again, we would stay in Lost Creek Campground – the other campground in the park – which we drove through after a hike to Plaikni Falls. It’s a smaller, NPS-run, first-come, first-served campground, so we’d also have to consider a backup outside the park. Sites have more sun exposure, are larger, and seem quieter and more peaceful. It doesn’t have as many amenities – but sometimes we prefer that.

Mazama Campground | 214 Campsites

Dates Visited: July 24 – 26, 2017
Location: 7 miles south of Rim Village (Google Maps Directions)
Amenities: Showers | Potable Water | Fire Pits & Barbecues | Picnic Table | Flush Toilets | Bear Boxes | Camp Store | Gas Station | Laundry | Amphitheater
Dates Open: Mid-June through Late September
Prices: $21/night for tent campsite | Between $31-$42/night for RV site | $5/night for walk-in campsite
Reservations: 75% of sites can be reserved in advance for July-September. Otherwise, all sites are first-come, first-served.
Highlights: Annie Creek flows adjacent to the campground.
Best Sites: Campsites to the back of the loops next to Annie Creek. Loop G is tent-only. Other loops have a mix of tent and RV sites. Get there early to select your site.
Notes: Managed by Aramark. Check-in time is between 12:00 pm and 9:00 pm, check-out is 12:00 pm.

Places

• Mazama Campground | 42.8676392, -122.1676625
• Annie Creek Restaurant and Gift Shop | 569 Mazama Village, Crater Lake Hwy, White City, OR
• Mazama Village Store | 42.8675139, -122.1666105

Maps

• Mazama Campground Map

Links

• Mazama Campground (NPS)
• Mazama Campground Reservations

Interactive Map

The post Mazama Campground appeared first on KTNPBlog.