Crater Lake National Park National Park Service Crater Lake U.S. Department of the Interior Refections Visitor Guide Summer/Fall 2018 Park News 2 ... Camping, Lodging, Food Discovering Crater Lake 3 ... Ranger Programs f Water Restrictions in Effect Please help us conserve water during 12 Great Ways to Enjoy Your Stay 4 ... Hiking Trails your visit. In March, the state of 5 ... Driving Map Oregon declared a drought emergency The frst European-American to see Crater Lake was lucky to ... In the News: Bull Trout for our county. In 8 of the past 10 survive the experience. On June 12, 1853, gold prospector John 6 years, the park has received less snow Wesley Hillman was riding his mule up a long, sloping mountain. 7 ... Feature Article: Lake Level than normal. Last winter’s snow total He was lost, tired, and not paying attention to the terrain ahead. was 15 feet below average. While 8 ... Climate Chart Suddenly, his mule stopped. Hillman sat up and found himself you’re here, please take short showers, on the edge of a clif, gazing in astonishment at “the bluest and don’t run the tap, and reuse towels most beautiful body of water I had ever seen.” He added: “If and sheets if staying overnight in park Look Inside! I had been riding a blind mule, I frmly believe I would have lodging. Thanks for your help! ridden over the edge to death and destruction.” f Leave Your Drone at Home While mules—no matter how sharp their eyesight—are no longer Operating remote-controlled aircraft permitted to approach the rim of Crater Lake, there are many in the park is prohibited. Please report Park Profle violators to the nearest employee. other ways we can discover the park today and experience some of the surprise, wonder, and delight felt by that lost prospector Crater Lake National Park protects the f Road Work: 30-Minute 165 years ago. Here are 12 recommendations: John Wesley Hillman deepest lake in the United States. Fed by rain and snow (but no rivers or streams), Delays are Possible the lake is considered to be the cleanest Road construction might delay your Watch the Park Film Tour Crater Lake Lodge large body of water in the world. The trip through the park this summer. Explore the park’s violent past and its For a glimpse into an earlier era, check out the water is exceptional for its clarity and The Federal Highway Administration is present tranquility in this 22-minute flm, history exhibits—and walk through the Great intense blue color. undertaking an $18 million rehabilitation shown on the hour and half-hour at the Hall—of Crater Lake Lodge, renovated in the of 10.7 miles (17.2 km) of the park’s Steel Visitor Center at Park Headquarters. 1990s but frst opened in 1915 (see page 2). The lake rests inside a caldera formed historic Rim Drive. Built in the 1930s, approximately 7,700 years ago when a the road is badly in need of repair. Drive Around the Lake Visit the Sinnott Overlook 12,000-foot-tall (3,600-meter) volcano Decades of harsh weather and the Rim Drive is a 33-mile (53-km) road that With panoramic views and fascinating collapsed following a major eruption. The erosion of underlying soils have encircles Crater Lake. More than 30 pullouts exhibits, this is the place to learn about the eruption may have been the largest in destabilized its shoulders and retaining ofer dramatic views of the park’s volcanic park’s geologic story and history of scientifc North America in the past 640,000 years. walls. Be prepared for delays of up to scenery. Allow 2 to 3 hours (see page 5). investigation (see page 2). Later eruptions formed Wizard Island, a 30 minutes. Thanks for your patience! cinder cone near the southwest shore. Attend a Ranger Program Have a Picnic f East Rim Drive will be The park is central to the cultural traditions Vehicle-Free on Sept. 8 & 15 Discover the wonders of Crater Lake with The viewpoints and picnic areas along the of local American Indian tribes, whose those who know the park best. Talks, walks, Rim Drive are perfect for outdoor eating ancestors witnessed the lake’s formation. On two Saturdays this September, kids programs, boat tours, and trolley tours (see page 5). Stop by the Rim Village Café for motor vehicles will not be allowed on are ofered daily (see page 3). grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, and snacks. the park’s East Rim Drive. Bicyclists and Today, old-growth forests blanket the pedestrians will have an opportunity volcano’s outer slopes, harboring a wide to enjoy 24 miles (39 km) of scenic Hike a Trail Touch the Water variety of plants and animals, including roadway without vehicle noise and From easy walks to challenging hikes, the The trail to the lake shore is steep and several rare species. The park provides traffc. Check the park’s website park has something for everyone. Explore sometimes crowded, but the water at the unique opportunities for scientifc study (www.nps.gov/crla) for details. pristine forests, fower-flled meadows, and bottom is some of the world’s purest. Swim, and public enjoyment. rocky peaks (see page 4). fsh, or simply dangle your toes (see page 3). • Park established: 1902 Find the Phantom Ship Savor the Sunset • Size: 183,000 acres (74,060 hectares) Anchored near the lake’s south shore is an Sunsets in the park can be spectacular. • Number of visitors last year: 712,000 • Lake depth: 1,943 feet (592 meters) island that seems to be sailing away. To see it, Join a ranger for a hike up Watchman Peak Welcome! • Lake width: 4.5 to 6 miles (7 to 10 km) hike to Sun Notch or drive to the viewpoint (see page 3) or pick a private viewpoint on • Annual snowfall: 43 feet (13 meters) You’ve arrived at named in its honor (see page 5). the East Rim Drive. • Last time the lake froze over: 1949 one of the most spectacular and Photograph the Pinnacles View the Milky Way scenic of all the Formed during the same eruption that gave On moonless nights, the park ofers some of national parks in birth to the lake, these colorful volcanic the darkest night skies in America. Look up to the United States spires are tucked away in the park’s see meteors, satellites, planets, and the starry if not the world! southeast corner (see page 5). arms of our galaxy. We hope you will take time to savor the experience Rotary Plow and discover the at Rim Village When is the Park Open? treasures—beyond just the overlooks—that make this such a special place. Crater Lake National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Some roads, trails, and facilities, however, We want you to return home with great are closed seasonally due to snow. The park’s North pictures and memories, but to do that Entrance Road and Rim Drive close for the season on you must experience the park safely and November 1 (or earlier if there is signifcant snowfall). respect the natural landscape and hazards Crews start plowing these roads in April, but opening therein. Please read this paper then ask Artist Paul Rockwood’s conception of dates vary (depending on winter snow totals, spring a ranger if you need help. We’re here to Mount Mazama, the volcano that collapsed serve! weather conditions, and whether any plows break to form Crater Lake. If you gathered up the down). The North Entrance and West Rim open ash from Mount Mazama’s catastrophic Craig Ackerman sometime between mid-May and late June. The East eruption and spread it evenly across the Superintendent Rim opens between mid-June and late July. Highway state of Oregon, it would form a layer 62 and the road to Rim Village are open year-round. 8 inches (20 cm) thick. Bicyclist on East Rim Drive Rim Visitor Center Wizard Island Exhibits at the Sinnott Overlook Food & Dining Lodging National Park Service Services The Rim Village Café serves light fare The park has two motels, both operated by U.S. Dept. of the Interior including grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, Xanterra Travel Collection. For reservations, beverages, and snacks. visit www.craterlakelodges.com or call 888- & Facilities f May 18–June 7 10:00 am–6:00 pm 774-2728. For a list of lodging outside the f June 8–Sept. 3 9:00 am–8:00 pm park, ask at a visitor center. f Sept. 4–30 10:00 am–6:00 pm Crater Lake Visitor Guide f Oct. 1–Nov. 3 10:00 am–5:00 pm Crater Lake Lodge (71 rooms) overlooks the Summer/Fall 2018 Camping f Nov. 4–Dec. 31 10:00 am–4:00 pm lake at Rim Village. In 2018, it will be open The park has two campgrounds. Senior Pass May 18–October 14. Rooms begin at $190 This is the offcial trip-planner and newspaper and Access Pass holders are entitled to a 50% The Annie Creek Restaurant in Mazama per night. Advance reservations are highly of Crater Lake National Park. It is published discount. Overnight parking elsewhere is not Village ofers hearty breakfasts, burgers, a recommended. twice a year and funded by the Crater Lake allowed, except by backcountry permit (see variety of entrees, and a soup & salad bar. Natural History Association through sales page 3). For a list of camping options outside f May 25–Sept.