Reflections: Winter 2001-2002
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Park News National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior The official newspaper of Crater Lake National Park Reflections Winter 2001-2002 A Centennial in the Making by Steve Mark and Kevin Bacher Welcome! THIS SPRING, CRATER LAKE WILL CELEBRATE ONE HUNDRED YEARS Winter is a quiet time at Crater Lake. as a National Park. The anniversary we celebrate, however, is only Behind the scenes, though, our staff is one milestone in a long history of efforts to explore, honor, and preparing for a celebration. This spring, protect this landscape. Crater Lake National Park will turn one hundred years old. Native American tribes were almost certainly present when Mount A wide range of activities are being Mazama erupted 7,700 years ago. For generations, tribal members planned. In May, receptions will be held in traveled to Crater Lake for cultural and spiritual purposes. It public domain be withdrawn from entry. It represented a guess at local communities. A Centennial remains significant to local tribes today. what might be suitable for a national park. Celebration will be held in the park itself on August 25. An exhibit at the Schneider American settlers stumbled across the lake in 1853. The first ex- Crater Lake and its surroundings needed to be examined in Museum of Art in Ashland from late June plorers were prospectors and, later, soldiers from nearby Fort greater depth, so Dutton and Steel organized a government-spon- to early October, followed by an Klamath. Word of the magnificent blue lake began to spread. sored expedition during the summer of 1886. While some of the interdisciplinary symposium at Southern expedition’s members began mapping the topography around the Oregon University in October, will The campaign to establish Crater Lake National Park began in lake, others obtained depth measurements, the deepest an incred- celebrate the many ways that Crater 1885. William Gladstone Steel and three companions, including an ible 1,996 feet. Lake continues to inspire us. army officer named Clarence Dutton, made the long trek to the lake, and were amazed by its beauty. That night, at their campsite, Dutton and Steel’s expedition generated considerable publicity, Meanwhile, a touring drama and special publications will commemorate the long they discussed making it a national park. but seemed to have little effect on Congress. Numerous bills intro- effort to establish a national park. A duced between 1886 and 1898 died because of considerable oppo- special Centennial license plate will be The idea became a passion for Steel. He organized a petition re- sition. The primary issue was not Crater Lake’s worthiness, nor available for Oregon residents. questing that the President withdraw the area around Crater Lake even the exploitation of natural resources, but the fact that many from settlement, mining, and timber claims while Congress con- in Congress saw national parks as a drain on the Treasury. It will be an exciting year! We hope you sidered the merits of establishing a national park. Within a year can join us during this very special time. the petition arrived in Washington, D.C. On February 1, 1886 Presi- Congress did, however, pass legislation in 1891 allowing the presi- dent Grover Cleveland ordered that ten townships of unsurveyed dent to proclaim “forest reserves” from any forested land still in Meanwhile, enjoy the quiet winter (Continued on page 3) scenery. The wild beauty, so evident this time of year, is what inspired so many to work so hard on behalf of this Winter Can Be Hazardous. Be Prepared!…2 2-3 Exploring 4 Winter Services magnificent place. Crater Lake Natural History Association…2 Winter turns most of Crater Lake National Park Winter is a quiet time at Crater Lake National Charles V. Lundy Crater Lake Ski Patrol…2 into a snowy wilderness, ideal for both day- Park. No overnight lodging and extremely lim- Superintendent, trippers and backcountry visitors. Breathtaking ited food services are available in the park Winter Weather…3 Crater Lake National Park scenery and opportunities for solitude abound. during the winter. Winter Travel…4 ................................ ................................ National Park Service Exploring on Skis or Snowshoes U.S. Department of the Interior BEGINNING SKIER TRAILS INTERMEDIATE SKIER TRAILS Wizard Island Overlook Mazama Village Loop Hemlock Trail Crater Lake National Park The most popular ski trail in the park, this This loop through Mazama Village pro- This rolling trail wanders through an an- gently rolling route follows the park's west vides easy, flat skiing conditions for begin- cient Mountain Hemlock forest, and fea- For generations, people have been awed rim drive and provides spectacular views of ners. The trail begins just north of the tures views of Crater Lake and the Kla- by the spectacular beauty and intense Crater Lake. park's entrance station. math Basin. blue color of Crater Lake. Five miles wide and ringed by cliffs almost 2,000 feet Round-trip to Discovery Point: 2 miles; to Round-trip: 1 mile (1.6 km) Round-trip: 2 miles (3.2 km) high, the lake rests in the shattered Wizard Island Overlook: 5 miles (8 km) remnants of an ancient volcano, which Sun Notch Trail erupted and collapsed into itself 7,700 This is a good alternative to skiing along years ago. 1,943 feet deep at its deepest the caldera rim when the winds are strong. point, it is one of the deepest lakes in the world, and contains some of the world’s Sun Notch offers a spectacular view of purest water. Pristine forests and deep Crater Lake, and directly overlooks the canyons blanket the mountain’s outer Phantom Ship. During high avalanche slopes. danger, use the marked avalanche bypass route. Superintendent Charles V. Lundy Round-trip: 10 miles (16 km) Mailing Address ADVANCED SKIER TRAILS P.O. Box 7 Crater Lake, OR 97604 Raven Trail Beginning immediately east of Crater Lake Park Information 541 594-3100 Lodge at Rim Village, this trail is a favorite with telemark skiers as it descends steeply Emergencies to park headquarters. Exercise caution on Dial 911 the avalanche slope near the bottom. Web Site One-way: 1 mile (1.6 km) www.nps.gov/crla Dutton Creek The National Park Service cares for This trail descends steeply and includes special places saved by the American several sharp turns as it winds toward the people so that all may experience our area of Annie Springs and Mazama Village. heritage. One-way: 4.5 miles (7.2 km) ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Winter Can Be Hazardous. Be Prepared! Friends Support Crater Lake National Park Be Safe! Proper Planning Can Save Your Life Crater Lake Natural History Association The Crater Lake Ski Patrol The park's winter weather can be beautiful, Proper planning and preparation are important The Crater Lake Natural History Association, We are fortunate to have a group of dedicated but dangerous. Sudden snowstorms, cold tem- before heading into the backcountry. Inquire at established in 1942, is a private, non-profit volunteers from local communities to assist park peratures, and icy road conditions may create park visitor centers for current weather, ava- organization that supports interpretive pro- staff with trail patrol, search and rescue, and hazards for unprepared visitors. Following park lanche, and snow conditions. grams and research at Crater Lake National medical emergencies. Members of the Crater regulations will help to ensure you a safe visit: Park. The Association derives its funds through Lake Ski Patrol can be identified by their bright It's easy to get lost during snowstorms. White- the sales of interpretive, educational and infor- red parkas and hats with the ski patrol em- Keep a safe distance from the rim of the out situations may occur and rapidly falling snow mational publications at the park’s visitor cen- blem. Feel free to contact them for help with caldera. Hazards include steep, slippery can quickly cover your tracks. In an emergency, ters. any problems or questions you might have. slopes and hidden snow cornices. Entering you might have to stay in the backcountry the caldera is extremely dangerous and is longer than planned... possibly overnight. For information and mail orders, contact: For further information on ski patrol activities or strictly prohibited. volunteering, please write to: Please use plowed parking lots and do not Carry extra gear necessary to survive an un- Crater Lake Natural History Association park along the roadways. Overnight car planned night out. Always include the following P.O. Box 157 Crater Lake Ski Patrol camping in parking lots is not permitted. in your daypack: Crater Lake, OR 97604 P.O. Box 7 Do not use roadside snow banks as snow (541) 594-3110 Crater Lake, OR 97604 play areas. Map and compass Do not feed or disturb wildlife. Waterproof clothing Pets must be on leash, and are not allowed Extra gloves and socks beyond plowed roads and parking lots. Plenty of water Reflections is published semi-annually by the Crater Lake Natural History Association. This Free backcountry permits are required for High energy food issue was designed and edited by Kevin L. Bacher. all overnight trips. 2 Crater Lake Reflections Planning a Winter Backcountry Trip ............... Winter turns most of Crater Lake National Blowing snow forms fragile cornices along Park into a snowy wilderness from Novem- the edge of the caldera. Stay well back ber through May. For the well-prepared, from the edge to avoid breaking through. winter offers skiers and snowshoers occa- sions of unique beauty and unparalleled None of Crater Lake National Park’s ski opportunities for solitude. trails are groomed, and route-finding in the backcountry is often difficult. Bring a de- Opportunities for wilderness overnight tailed topographic map and compass, and camping are abundant during the winter.