MB LAB NATIONAL PARK OREGON Contents

Welcome 2 Discovery and History 4 The Geological Story of Crater Lake 4

Wildlife 7 fflHER LAKE MaP 8

Forests and Wildflowers 10

Interpretive Service 12

What To See and Do 12 National Park How To Get to the Park 14 Accommodations and Camping 14 Open All Year—Regular Season, June 15 to September 15 Miscellaneous Services 15 Mission 66 15 Welcome Administration 15 tain discharged a tremendous quantity of ash and lava, causing the mountaintop Help Us Protect This Park 16 The superintendent and the staff of to collapse, and creating a caldera, which Visitor Use Fees 16 Crater Lake National Park welcome you now contains the unbelievably blue to this area of the National Park System. Crater Lake. It is the central feature of We hope that your stay here will be this 250-square-mile National Park on pleasant and inspiring. the crest of the Cascade Range in south­ Here in this park you encounter ern Oregon. beauty—beauty in a wonderful combina­ A major charm of Crater Lake is that tion of form and substance and sparking the whole lake and its setting can be color—great curving walls of rock and taken in by the eye at one time. Yet its sand, green spires of fir and hemlock, size is impressive. The lake is about 20 and the brilliant reflections of Crater square miles in area, 6 miles wide, and Lake. All this is a part of a remarkable The National Park System, of which this park is a unit, is dedicated to con­ volcanic story. has 20 miles of shoreline. The sur­ serving the scenic, scientific, and historic heritage of the United States for the On this spot, a few thousand years rounding cliffs rise as much as 2,000 benefit and enjoyment of its people. ago, stood the mighty 12,000-foot vol­ feet to the uneven crater rim which aver­ cano, Mount Mazama. This great moun­ ages about 7,000 feet in elevation.

WILD ANIMALS

It is dangerous for you to get near wild animals though they may appear tame. Some have become accustomed to humans, but they still are wild and may seriously injure you if you approach them. Regulations prohibiting feeding, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR teasing, touching, or molesting wild animals are enforced for your safety. Fred A. Seaton, Secretary NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, Conrad L. Wirth, Director

Cover: Wizard Island. Llan Rock in the background. 3 Discovery and History The Geological Story of Glacial ice, carrying sand, pebbles, and volcano and not finely divided fragments boulders, scratches and polishes rock of the original mountain walls. Crater Lake surfaces over which it moves. Glacial Following this eruption, the crater is polish and thick beds of glacial debris believed literally to have boiled over, The Klamath Indians knew of, but seldom visited Crater Lake. They re­ are common around the mountain. They pouring out great quantities of frothy garded the lake and the mountain as ORIGIN OF THE MOUNTAIN. The occur on the surface rock and between material as a series of glowing ava­ the battleground of the gods. The lake slope, which you ascend to view the earlier layers, showing that glaciers ex­ lanches. These avalanches must have was discovered on June 12, 1853, by lake, and the caldera wall rising 500 to isted at various stages in the history of traveled at a terrific speed down the val­ John Wesley Hillman, a young prospec­ 2,000 feet above the water, are remnants the mountain. leys, for those to the south and west of Mount Mazama. tor leading a party in search of a ru­ U-shaped valleys, such as Kerr Notch, did not begin to deposit their load until In comparatively recent geologic time, mored "Lost Cabin Mine." Having Sun Notch, and Munson Valley on the they had reached a distance of 4 to 5 failed in their efforts, Hillman and his numerous volcanic peaks were formed southeast slope of Mount Mazama, are miles. The greater quantity flowed party returned to Jacksonville, a mining near the western edge of a vast lava evidence of glaciation. The lava flow down the mountain to the south and camp in the Rogue River Valley, and plateau covering parts of Oregon, which formed Llao Rock filled an an­ southwest for distances up to 35 miles reported their discovery which they had Washington, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, named Deep Blue Lake. and California. These are the Cascade cient glacial notch. from the source. The total volume of On October 21, 1862, Chauncey Nye, Range, of which Mount Mazama was FORMING OF THE CALDERA. Many the ejected lava was about 5 cubic miles. leading a party of prospectors from east­ one of the commanding peaks. It was geologists have concluded that the basin It is believed that an additional 1.5 cubic ern Oregon to Jacksonville, happened built by successive lava flows with some occupied by the lake resulted from the miles of old rock were carried away at upon the lake. Thinking that they had accumulation of volcanic ash. The cone collapse and subsidence of the volcanic the same time. made a discovery, they named it Blue thus formed was modified by streams cone of Mount Mazama. This explana­ Accompanying these eruptions, which and glaciers which carved valleys in its Lake. A third "discovery" was made tion was first proposed by J. S. Differ, occurred within the past 7,000 years, on August 1, 1865, by two soldiers sta­ sides and deposited rock debris on its of the United States Geological Survey, cracks developed in the flanks of the tioned at Fort Klamath, who called it flanks. The layered character and dif­ who considered that the support of the mountain so that the top collapsed, being Lake Majesty. In 1869 this name was ferent formations of the mountain are summit was weakened by drainage of changed to Crater Lake by visitors from now clearly exposed in numerous places engulfed in the void produced by the great quantities of molten rock through Jacksonville. within the caldera wall. ejection of the pumice and lava and the subterranean cracks. The pit thus formed withdrawal of 10 cubic miles of molten Before 1885 Crater Lake had few vis­ FORMING OF DIKES. In addition to grew progressively larger in all direc­ itors and was not widely known. On broad surface flows, it is common for rock into swarms of cracks that probably August 15 of that year William Glad­ molten lava to be squeezed into cracks, tions, as is indicated by the broken edges opened parallel to the axis of the Cas­ stone Steel, after 15 years of effort to or fissures, that develop in a volcano. exposed around its rim today. Exten­ cade Range. Thus was formed the great get to the lake, stood for the first time Such filling results in dikes, or walls, sive study by Prof. Howel Williams, of pit that was to become Crater Lake. on its rim. Inspired by its beauty, frequently harder than the enclosing the University of California, led him to By projecting the slopes of the moun­ Steel conceived the idea of preserving rock. At Crater Lake the destruction of practically the same conclusion. tain remnant upward, conforming to the it as a National Park. For 17 years, the mountain and subsequent erosion In his delightful, popular, and scien­ with much personal sacrifice, he devoted have exposed numerous dikes in the wall, slopes of similar volcanoes, it has been tifically accurate book, Crater Lake, The time and energy to this end. Success of which the Devil's Backbone on the estimated that approximately 17 cubic Story of Its Origin, Williams describes was realized when the park was estab­ west wall is an outstanding example. miles of the upper part of ancient Mount great quantities of pumice extending lished on May 22, 1902, with W. F. ACTION OF STREAMS AND GLACIERS. Mazama was destroyed by the collapse. Arant as its first superintendent. Steel In the layers forming the crater wall more than 80 miles northeast of Mount THE GROWTH OF WIZARD ISLAND. continued to devote his life to develop­ there is evidence of the action of water. Mazama. This pumice was blown from After the destruction of the peak, vol­ ment of the park, serving as its second In some places this is shown by the cut­ the mountain in a catastrophic event and superintendent and later as park com­ ting of valleys; in others, by the accu­ carried northeastward by the prevailing canic activity within the caldera produced missioner, which office he held until his mulation of water-carried gravel and winds. Analysis shows that this is ma­ Wizard Island and perhaps other cones. death in 1934. boulders. terial derived from the heart of the These cones rise above a relatively flat

4 5 floor, the lowest part of which is almost other small mammals without actual 2,000 feet below the surface of the contact because occasionally they carry present lake. diseases which can become serious if ORIGIN OF THE LAKE. The water of transmitted to humans. Crater Lake comes from rain and snow. The large fat-bodied marmot (a moun­ The average annual precipitation is 69 tain woodchuck) lives in high rocky inches. The lake has no inlet and no places and on roadsides. The plaintive outlet, except seepage. Evaporation, bleating "yenk, yenk" of the tiny "rock seepage, and precipitation are in a state rabbit" (cony) issues from crevices in of relative balance which maintains an the talus. Snowshoe hares, brown in approximately constant water level. In summer and white in winter, are spar­ 1957, the lake level was the highest re­ ingly present around forest clearings, corded since 1908. There is an annual such as at the south and east entrances. variation of from 1 to 3 feet, the level Martens are rather common; they are being highest in spring and lowest in slim brown animals somewhat like large autumn. minks but they can climb trees like COLOR OF THE LAKE. The deep blue squirrels. Less often seen are weasels, of the lake is believed to be caused chiefly badgers, minks, red foxes, and coyotes. by the scattering of sunlight in water of The gray fox, bobcat, and mountain lion (cougar) are rare. exceptional depth and clearness, the blue American black bears are fairly com­ rays of sunlight being bent back upward, mon and may be encountered in many rays of other colors being absorbed. parts of the park. Usually they are black, but many shades of brown also Wildlife occur, just as hair color varies among people. Do not let bears get close to you. Many people have been painfully MAMMALS. There are about 60 kinds, clawed when these animals have lost of which the golden-mantled ground their natural fear of man and have squirrels are among the most conspicu­ learned to beg for food. DO NOT ous. They resemble large chipmunks FEED THE BEARS! Feeding them is but have stockier bodies, shorter tails unlawful, and violating this regulation and no stripes on their heads. On each seriously endangers other park visitors side there is a broad, white stripe sand­ by encouraging the bears to beg. wiched between two dark stripes. Two The comparatively small and dark species of true chipmunks with striped "black-tailed" deer of the Pacific Coast heads also are numerous. The small, is the most common form, particularly tree-inhabiting chickaree, dark brown on the west side of the park. The larger, above and whitish below, is common; lighter-colored mule deer occurs around and the porcupine is frequently seen. meadows on the east side of the park, including Rim Drive. Hillman Peak—Highest Point on Rim of Crater Lake It is advisable to enjoy these and all

6 7 PLEASE OBSERVE POSTED SPEED LIMITS 00

REVISED 1958 NP-CL-7007 \o BIRDS. More than 120 kinds of birds Forests and Wildflowers have been recorded. On the rim, the harsh-voiced Clark's nutcracker is the most conspicuous. It is a little larger The virgin forests and wildflower and more heavily built than a jay and meadows mantling the slopes, which one has a long sharp bill. The bird's over­ ascends to view Crater Lake, are out­ all color is light gray, the wings are standing attractions enhancing the scenic black with a large white patch, and the value of the lake. Scattered through the tail is conspicuously white with black forests of predominantly cone-bearing central tail feathers. Two jays are also trees are a few broad-leaved species. numerous at times on the rim, the dark- Colorful meadows of alpine wildflowers blue Steller's jay which has a long, are found around numerous springs blackish crest, and the uncrested gray which form the sources of many creeks jay ("camp robber") which has a short on the outer slope of the mountain. bill, a dark patch on the back of the head, Plants characteristic of four zones of a white crown, and whitish underparts. vegetation are found within the park, Eagle Crags have furnished nesting yielding over 570 species of ferns and places for both the golden and American flowering plants. Patches of Douglas- eagles which sometimes may be seen firs, typical of the humid division of flying over the lake. Llao Rock is the the upper Transition Zone, occur in the home of falcons. Double-crested cor­ region of the park lying on the western morants may perch on the "masts" of slope,of the Cascade Range. The semi- the Phantom Ship, and California gulls humid division of the zone, characterized are seen regularly on the lake. The by the ponderosa pines, largest trees in sooty grouse inhabits the fir forests from the park, may be found at the south en­ which its ventriloquial booming call trance of the park. Associated with it issues in the spring. Several species of are sugar pines, white firs, and western ducks and geese use the lake during white pines. Above the Transition is migration, and the Barrow's golden-eye the Canadian Zone in which occur lodge- and merganser nest there occasionally. pole pines, Shasta red firs, alpine firs, and mountain hemlocks. Other species most likely to be ob­ served are the horned owl, red-tailed In the rim area around Crater Lake, hawk, sparrow hawk, nighthawk, rufous Hudsonian Zone species are found. hummingbird, olive-sided flycatcher, These include mountain hemlocks (the raven, mountain chickadee, red-breasted most predominant trees in the park), nuthatch, dipper (along streams and on alpine firs, Shasta red firs, and white- the lake shore), robin, hermit thrush, bark pines. Stunted whitebark pines russet-backed thrush, mountain bluebird, predominate on the slopes of Mount golden-crowned kinglet, Audubon war­ Scott, the summit being in the Alpine- bler, western tanager, evening grosbeak, Arctic Zone. Cassin purple finch, rosy finch (vicinity During July and August, you will find of snow banks), pine siskin, Oregon Nature's colorful displays of alpine wild­ junco, chipping sparrow, and fox flowers on the road between park head­ sparrow. quarters and Rim Village and along the Phantom Ship. Apptegate and Garfield Peaks are reflected in Crater hake.

10 11 trails on the crater rim. These displays WIZARD ISLAND. This symmetrical change with each week of the short flow­ cinder cone, towering some 760 feet ering season. above the surface of the lake, is reached Castle Crest Wildflower Garden, near by boat. A trail leads from the shore park headquarters, is one of the most to the crater, which is approximately 90 attractive and ideal places for view­ feet deep and 300 feet in diameter. ing and studying Crater Lake flora. THE PHANTOM SHIP. Rising about Throughout the summer, you may study 160 feet above the waters of the lake, the exhibits of fresh flowers displayed this island resembles a ship under sail. at the Information Building in the Rim The best views of the Phantom Ship are Village. obtained from the launches and from Kerr Notch along the Rim Drive. GARFIELD PEAK. A 1.7-mile trail, Interpretive Service east of the lodge, leads to Garfield Peak. From its summit, elevation 8,060 feet, During the summer, daily interpretive there is a magnificent view of the lake service is scheduled by the National and surrounding region. Park Service. Informal talks are given THE WATCHMAN. This peak, on the at Sinnott Memorial, and evening pro­ west rim, may be reached by a half-mile grams are held in the Community House, trail from the rim road. A rare pano­ both in Rim Village. Field trips start rama of the park and surrounding coun­ from the Information Building on the try may be viewed from the fire lookout, rim just west of the lodge. Rim Drive 8,025 feet above sea level and about Natural ski run cut by old rock slide. bus trips begin at the lodge. Boat trips, 1,850 feet above the lake. when in operation, start at the foot of CLOUDCAP. On the east rim, and ris­ the Lake (Crater Wall) Trail. ing to an elevation of more than 8,000 8,156 feet, is the highest point on the native to Crater Lake; the first plant­ Programs of current interpretive ac­ feet, Cloudcap provides an excellent rim, rising nearly 2,000 feet above the tivities are posted at several places in the ing of rainbow trout was made in 1888 observation point. lake. Palisade Point, Kerr Notch, and park. by William G. Steel. In recent years MOUNT SCOTT. East of Cloudcap is the Wineglass are low points on the rim, The Sinnott Memorial, with its broad only rainbow trout and sockeye (koka- Mount Scott, the highest point in the being slightly more than 500 feet above terrace overlooking the lake, serves as nee) salmon have been planted. Troll­ park, reaching an altitude of 8,938 feet. the lake. an orientation point. It is located close ing has proved to be the most successful Its summit, on which there is a fire- HIKING. Besides the longer hikes to the lodge and the Rim Campground. method of fishing. The daily limit is lookout station, is accessible by a 2.5- mentioned in preceding paragraphs, Pictorial displays in the exhibit room 10 fish per person. From about mid- mile trail from Rim Drive. there are delightful short walks, such portray artists' conceptions of the vary­ July to Labor Day, rowboats are avail­ THE PINNACLES. In Wheeler Creek, as along Discovery Point Trail on the ing moods of the lake. Field glasses able. Shore fishing usually may be en­ near the east boundary of the park, are rim, and through Castle Crest Wild- and a large relief map of the region are joyed from the latter part of June until slender spires of pumice. Some of the flower Gardens. located on the terrace. late September, depending on weather needles are 200 feet high. In Sand Those who desire information about conditions. No license is needed to fish Creek Canyon and Godfrey's Glen, in other interesting places in the park in Crater Lake. Possession or use of fish Annie Creek Canyon, there are other and vicinity are invited to inquire at What to See and Do as bait is not allowed. spires and fluted columns carved out park headquarters or the Information of the soft volcanic material by water WINTER VISITS. Since the park is RIM DRIVE. Many spectacular views Building. erosion. open the year round, you may enjoy may be had from numerous observation FISHING. Angling amid the scenic Crater Lake's fantasy of snowy splen­ points along this road which encircles OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST IN THE beauty of Crater Lake is an experience dor and participate in winter sports. the caldera. PARK AND VICINITY. Hillman Peak, long to be remembered. No fish were

12 13 Two trails from the Rim Village to Miscellaneous Services Time and place of church services are park headquarters are maintained for Accommodations and posted in the lodge, information build­ skiers in winter. Professional ski meets Camping ing, and cafeteria. are discouraged and amateur sports LAUNCHES AND ROWBOATS. A num­ encouraged. ber of trips are made daily, during the There are no overnight accommoda­ Rim Village (900 feet above the lake) summer, by launch from the boatland- Mission 66 tions in the park from about September includes the lodge, sleeping cabins, cafe­ ing at the foot of the lake trail to 15 to June 15, but warming-room teria, store, campground, picnic area, Wizard Island. Private boats are not facilities are provided at Rim Village. Community House, Information Build­ permitted on the lake, but rowboats Mission 66 is a program designed to be The west and south entrance roads ing, and Sinnott Memorial. The lake is may be hired at the boatlanding. completed by 1966 which will assure the to the Rim Village area are open to motor accessible by trail from Rim Village. One of the popular attractions is the maximum protection of the scenic, scien­ travel. You should be well supplied 21/2-hour launch trip around the lake, tific, wilderness, and historic resources with gasoline and oil, as they are not leaving the boatlanding at 9 o'clock each of the National Park System in such ways available in the park in winter. Tire ACCOMMODATIONS, which include morning during the boating season. A and by such means as will make them chains, tow rope, and shovel are neces­ sleeping cabins and single and double naturalist accompanies this trip. Boat­ available for the use and enjoyment of sary accessories. rooms at the lodge, are available from ing services are provided by the Crater present and future generations. Rangers are on duty to render service about June 15 to September 15. Infor­ Lake National Park Company. all year. mation regarding rates may be obtained OTHER SERVICES. The post office from the Crater Lake National Park and long-distance telephone and tele­ Administration Company (winter address, Box 968, graph services are located in the admin­ How to Get to the Park Spokane, Wash.; summer, Crater Lake, istration building at park headquarters. Oreg.). It is imperative that reserva­ The post office address is Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park is admin­ Oreg. Guests of the Crater Lake Na­ istered by the National Park Service of tions be made well in advance and be BY COMMON CARRIER. The Southern tional Park Company should have mail the United States Department of the In­ accompanied by a deposit and a request Pacific Railroad, several airlines, and bus addressed in care of Crater Lake Lodge terior. A superintendent is in imme­ for confirmation of availability. lines serve Medford, Klamath Falls, and to insure prompt delivery. diate charge of the park, with offices in Grants Pass, Oreg. Pacific Trailways There are dining-room facilities in the A gasoline station is maintained dur­ the administrative center, 3 miles from buses, operating on daily schedules lodge. The cafeteria, which is near the ing summer on the road near park head­ Rim Village. Communications regard­ through the park, connect with points campground and cabins, is open from 7 quarters. No storage or repair facilities, ing the park should be addressed to the north and south from about June 15 to a. m. to 8:30 p. m. however, are available within the park. Superintendent, Crater Lake National September 15. In case of accident or mechanical failure, Park, Crater Lake, Oreg., during the BY AUTOMOBILE. Paved State high­ towing service must be obtained from summer and to Box 672, Medford, CAMPGROUNDS. There are three ways connect with the park road system outside the park. Oreg., from October to June. main campgrounds open from about July at all entrances. State Route 62 connects 1 to September 30. Mazama Camp­ the west entrance of the park, through ground, near the junction of the south Medford, with U. S. 99, 199, and 101. and west entrance roads, and Rim Camp­ It also leads from the south entrance to U. S. 97. From the north entrance, ground, close to Rim Village, have fire­ places, tables, water and flush toilets. connection is made with U. S. 97 via PARK RANGERS AND NATURALISTS Lost Creek Campground in the south­ State Route 230. The roads through the Park rangers are the protective force of the park. They are on duty to enforce east part of the park and 12 miles from west and south entrances to the rim are park regulations, and to help and advise you. Consult them if you are in park headquarters, has fireplaces, tables, maintained as all-year roads. The north any difficulty. and water, but toilets are most primitive. entrance road and Rim Drive are closed Park naturalists are here to help you understand the park. They, too, wel­ approximately September 25 to July 1 Camping is limited to 30 days. No come your observations and your inquiries. depending on snow conditions. reservations for campsites can be made.

14 15 Help Us Protect This Park

Park regulations are designed for the NOISES. Please do not be noisy in protection of the natural features and camp before 6 a. m. and after 10 p. m. for your comfort and convenience. The Many people come to the park for rest. following synopsis is for your guidance: AUTOMOBILES. Drive carefully. FIRES. Light carefully and only in Speeds limits, which vary for different designated campgrounds. Extinguish sections of the park, are posted. completely before leaving camp, even for PETS. When not in an automobile, a temporary absence. Do not guess your dogs, cats, and other pets must be on fire is out—KNOW IT. One spark leash or otherwise under physical may start a forest fire, destroy the beauty restrictive control at all times. They of the park, and endanger many lives. are not permitted in the lodge, in the Throwing burning materials from car dining room, the store, other public windows constitutes a fire threat and is buildings or on any of the trails. unlawful in most western States. WARNING ABOUT BEARS AND DEER. Do not feed, touch, tease, or molest CAMPS. Use designated campgrounds the bears and deer. Bears will enter or and keep them clean. Burn combustible break into automobiles if food that they rubbish on campfires, and place other can smell is left inside. They will also refuse of all kinds in garbage cans or pits rob your camp of unprotected food provided for the purpose. Only down supplies. material may be used as firewood. FISHING. Open season: Streams, June TRASH. DO not throw paper, lunch 15-September 10; Crater Lake, when refuse, or other trash over the rim, on trail is open. The limit is 10 fish per walks, trails, roads, or elsewhere. day for each person fishing. No fish­ Carry until you can burn in camp or place ing license is necessary. Possession of in receptacle. bait fish, or the use thereof as bait, is not

TREES, FLOWERS, AND ANIMALS. The allowed. destruction, injury, disturbance, or re­ ACCIDENTS. Report all accidents and moval in any way of trees, flowers, birds, injuries as soon as possible to the ranger or animals is prohibited in order that office at park headquarters. everyone may enjoy the beauties of Complete rules and regulations are nature. available at park headquarters.

VISITOR USE FEES Automobile, housetrailer, and motorcycle permit fees are collected at entrance stations. When vehicles enter at times when entrance stations are unattended, it is necessary that the permit be obtained before leaving the park and be shown upon reentry. The fees applicable to the park are not listed herein because they are subject to change, but they may be obtained in advance of a visit by addressing a request to the superintendent. All national park fees are deposited as revenue in the U. S. Treasury; they offset, in part, appropriations made for operating and maintaining the National Park System.

Revised 1958 U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1958—O-458046