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.

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.