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 It public domain be withdrawn from entry.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 change. Steel wrote another petition, col- petition, another wrote Steel change. to began things 1901, in House White the Finally,when TheodoreRoosevelt to came includingReserve, CraterLake. Forest Range Cascade the established land Cleve- President 1893 In domain. public the (continued frompage1) A Centennial in the Making ...... conditions. current about ask and area, this in cautious is oftenwindsweptandicy;beespecially details. Theroute Watchmanbehind Peak for ranger a ask areas; hazardous many around available are routes bypass lanche avalanchehighwithareas danger. Ava- other in travel or lake the circle to plan you if beacons or cords avalanche and poles, probe shovels, snow carry you that mends places. TheNationalParkServicerecom- many in danger a also are avalanches Snow tend yourtrip. ex- to you require may which conditions weather,includingblizzards with white-out backcountry.of forpreparedanytype Be Winterhazardousthea in be time can HAZARDS ANDLOGISTICS and emergency contact information. supplies, itinerary,of list detailed providea andparking information. You toneedwill hazards, avalanche forecast, weather rent cur- the of you inform will duty on ranger hours of operation ( regular during area, Headquarters Park the the Canfield Building (Ranger Station), in or Center Information Steel the at ranger backcountrypermit, available from a free a obtain must campers overnight All BACKCOUNTRY PERMITS should attempt this trip. skiers equipped properly and experienced Only storms. by delayed not if loop, km) (48- 30-mile this complete to days three aroundCrater Lake. Most peopletake skiing consider even may skiers Advanced sheltersanywhere thein backcountry. no are there as required, is camping Snow winter. the during abundant are camping Opportunities for wilderness overnight opportunities for solitude. unparalleled and beauty unique of sions occa- snowshoers and skiers offers winter throughber May. For thewell-prepared, Park into a snowy wilderness from Novem- WinterCrater mostof Laketurns National Backcountry Trip Planning aWinter see back page ). The the following guidelines: CraterLake'sobserve resources. Please on impact minimum and safety your ensure Wintercampingregulations are intended to BACKCOUNTRY REGULATIONS terLake bill, andthe President expressed Cra- latest the about personally Roosevelt publicand lands. Pinchot spoke with President’sadvisoronleading conservation figures, including Gifford Pinchot, the new thusiastic endorsements from prominent en- solicited and signatures, 4,000 lected camp stovecamp for melting snow. backcountrythe duringwinter. the Bringa in accessible is water running no that Note Villagereturntooryour to car. Rim to get to Trail Raven the along ski to Youfortime. ordays a hours at mayneed snowfall thissectionofroadisoftenclosed heavy to regularly.However, due plowed is Theroadfrom headquartersVillageto Rim use. emergency for whistle or mirror signal It’s quarters. alsoideagooda to bringa the administration building at Park Head- Villageonandtunnel snowintothe leading Rim at building cafeteria the of outside the on located are telephones Emergency them. use to how know and compass, and map topographic tailed backcountryoftenis difficult. Bringde- a the in route-finding and groomed, are trails CraterNationalLake Park’s Noneof ski through. breaking avoid to edge the from back well Stay caldera. the of edge the Blowing snowformsfragilecornicesalong of anytrail of otherorparty. camping sound or sight within cover, or snow any meadowwithlessthanonefootof of feet 100 within road, plowed any of No camping is permitted within a mile backcountry. the in permitted not are Pets up. split must groups Larger Parties are limited to eight people. stove. camp a Bring permitted. not are Campfires trash. all out Pack within the caldera. No campingortravelispermitted ......

...... around 19°F (-7°C). 19°F around Typicalwinter temperatures range toovernightfromabout(2°C) an 35°F high of a low 1983. 3, April on meters), (6.4 feet 21 was Headquarters Park at ground the on recorded forsnowfall singlea in calendar year, with inches903cm). (2,294 everThemost snow singlefalla in season,with 879inches InCrater1950, (2,230cm). stateLakea record set snow- total for record the holds still 1932-1933 of winter The 1926. in headquarters Park National Lake Crater at information weather recording began Service Park National The thesnowiestNorthwest areasone the is of in where regular records arekept. ground.While snowfall commonis theCascadein Mountains, Crater Lake National Park the on snow of meters) (4 feet fifteen to ten have to typical is it spring, early by and tionalPark more thanany otherseason. Snowfall averages inches533 annually,(1,350 cm) Withsnowfall still lingering theon groundearly in July, winter defines Crater Lake Na- year. the of scenery magnificent most the of some days, clear on and, ties ditions. At the same time, winter provides wonderful skiing and snowshoeing opportuni- November through April are frequently snowy with poor visibility and poor driving con- FROM OCTOBER TO JUNE, CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK IS A SNOW-COVERED WILDERNESS. Winter Weather around the world continue to be inspired be to continue world the around ploreCrater Lake, peoplefromand later, century A scientists continue toex- nationalCratera park.lastbecame Lakeat and law became bill the 1902, 22, May On tokeysupport Congress.his of members cultural heritage. cultural and ecological unique its and Park, tional Na-CraterLake of beauty thepreserve forever to remains: purpose original the but changed, have challenges the of Some surroundings. its and lake the protects byitsbeauty. NationalThe Park Service Crater Lake Reflections Lake Crater ......

3 National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Crater Lake National Park P.O. Box 7 Crater Lake, OR 97604

Crater Lake Natural History Association P.O. Box 157 Crater Lake, OR 97604

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA

Crater Lake National Park and Vicinity Crater Lake National Park Park Headquarters

Winter Services, Facilities, and Travel

VISITOR INFORMATION BACKCOUNTRY PERMITS tions may make reservations for walks at "Spring opening," the clearing of snow For information, stop at the Steel Informa- Backcountry permits are required for other times by calling (541) 594-3091. from Rim Drive before summer, begins in tion Center at Park Headquarters, three overnight camping. Visitors may obtain mid-April. Road crews usually reach the miles below Rim Village. A ranger is avail- permits at the Steel Information Center OTHER VISITOR SERVICES park's north entrance about mid-June. The able from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily, ex- from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, or at the Ranger A U.S. Post Office, located in the Steel Rim Drive is usually open all the way cept Christmas day, to provide assistance, Station from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Information Center at Park Headquarters, around Crater Lake by sometime in July. answer questions, and write backcountry is open Monday through Saturday from permits. Visitors may also watch a 16- Winter backcountry travel can be hazard- 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. No lodging, dining, DRIVE CAREFULLY! minute film and buy books, postcards, ous. When you register for a permit, be gasoline, or equipment rentals are available Road conditions vary, but can often be icy snacks, and other items for sale by the sure to ask for up to date information in the park during the winter.These ser- or snowpacked. Be alert to current driving Crater Lake Natural History Association. about avalanche hazards and a current vices may be found in communities sur- conditions and come prepared with trac- weather forecast. rounding the park. tion tires or chains. Gasoline is not avail- FOOD SERVICE able in the park until late May. Remember Crater Lake National Park is currently in RANGER-LED PROGRAMS WINTER TRAVEL to fill up your tank at one of the nearby transition to a new concession service. For Join a ranger or volunteer for an ecology During the winter (typically from late Oc- towns (Chemult, Chiloquin, Diamond most of the winter, complete food service walk on snowshoes! Walks for the public tober through mid-June), the North En- Lake, Fort Klamath, or Prospect) before will not be available in the park. Snacks begin at 1:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays trance to Crater Lake National Park and entering the park. and hot drinks are available for sale by the from Thanksgiving through the end of the Rim Drive around Crater Lake are Crater Lake Natural History Association at March. Walks last about 1½ hours, and are closed because of deep snow. Visitors DRIVING DISTANCES IN WINTER the Steel Information Center. limited to 30 people. Sign up at the Steel must enter the park from the south or west Klamath Falls 60 miles 100 km Information Center. Snowshoes are pro- on Highway 62. Medford 80 miles 130 km CRATER LAKE LODGE vided free of charge. Snowshoeing requires Roseburg 130 miles 210 km The historic Crater Lake Lodge will open minimal skills, but participants should be in The road to Rim Village is plowed daily. Bend 145 miles 235 km for the summer season on May 20, 2002. good physical condition. Due to the From there, Crater Lake can be viewed on Eugene 180 miles 290 km This winter, Crater Lake National Park is in strenuous nature of the walk, we recom- clear days throughout the winter. How- Portland 300 miles 485 km transition to a new concession service. mend children be at least eight years old. ever, due to heavy snowfall, it is sometimes San Francisco 450 miles 725 km During the transition period, reservations necessary to close the road between park Seattle 475 miles 765 km for the lodge may still be made by calling In addition to the regularly scheduled headquarters and Rim Village for hours or (541) 830-8700. walks, school groups and other organiza- even days at time.

4 Crater Lake Reflections