| Crater Lake, Oregon |
 Trail Name:Mount Scott Summary: |
| Trail Description |
| This remote National Park lies in the southern Cascades, a range of volcanoes that stretches from Washington’s North Cascades to Lassen Volcanic National Park in California. It was formed to protect Crater Lake, a vision of blue in a dramatic mountain setting.
Around 5,700 BC, Mt Mazama erupted and its summit collapsed, forming a huge caldera, 6 miles across. Gradually rain and snowmelt accumulated, and Crater Lake was born. Surrounded by high peaks, it has a maximum depth of almost 2,000 ft, making it the deepest lake in the United States. This, along with the clarity of its water, accounts for the intense blue for which it is renowned. Mt Scott, a volcano even older than the collapsed Mt Mazama, lies to the east of Crater Lake. It is the highest mountain in the Park and provides what are generally considered to be the best views of the lake and surrounding area. From the parking area on the left of Rim Drive, the clear trail climbs steadily through stands of whitebark pine. There are some steeper sections, but switchbacks help to moderate the gradient. As you climb towards the top, there are good places to stop and enjoy the unfolding views. You may spot birds of prey – eagles, hawks and falcons – soaring on the thermals. Eventually the trail reaches the 8,929-ft summit, with its superb aerial view of the lake. The clean mountain air of this high country gives wonderful visibility. The panorama extends to Klamath Basin to the south and east, and volcanic peaks to the north and south-west: Three Sisters, Mt Thielson, Union Peak, Mt McLoughlin, and Mt Shasta over 100 miles away. Other hikes in the Park: * Cleetwood Cove Trail. This is the only hiking allowed inside the caldera and the only way to reach the lakeshore. 2.2 miles/3.5 km out and back, 720 ft/220 m ascent on return. Starting point: Mile 11 (counted from Rim Village) on Rim Drive. * Wizard Island Summit Trail. From Cleetwood Cove, you can catch a boat during peak summer season (make reservations in advance) to Wizard Island, a cinder cone protruding from the lake near the western shore, and from there climb through a forest of hemlock and fir to the crater at the top. 1.8 miles/2.9 km out and back, 764 ft/233 m ascent. Starting Point: Wizard Island dock. * Garfield Peak. Another peak offering a different view of the lake, in particular Phantom Ship, a small basalt island close to the southern shore. 3.4 miles/5.4 km out and back, 954 ft/291 m ascent. Starting Point: Rim Village. * The Watchman. This short, popular trail climbs to a good viewpoint of Wizard Island. 1.6 miles/2.5 km out and back, 500 ft/152 m ascent. Starting point: Overlook at mile 4 on Rim Drive. * Pacific Crest Trail. A 5.5 mile/8.8 km stretch of this long-distance trail skirts the western rim of the lake from Rim Village to North Junction, and can be combined with a climb of The Watchman at the mid-way point. Starting Point: Rim Village or, for a shorter hike, various parking areas along Rim Drive. |
| FACT FILE |
| Location: Crater Lake National Park, southern Oregon. Entrance fee, valid for 7 days, charged in summer only.
Directions: Approach from the south via Hwy 62 – beyond Annie Spring entrance station, it is 7 miles to Rim Village. Approach from the north (summer only) via Hwy 138 – beyond North entrance station, it is 9 miles through the Pumice Desert to Rim Drive at North Junction. Trailhead: Head clockwise around Rim Drive to parking area on the eastern side of the lake, 17 miles from Rim Village and 11 miles from North Junction. Length: 5 miles / 8.0 km Trail Type: Out and back Elevation Change: 1,200 ft / 366 m Duration: 3 hours Trail Condition: Well maintained and easy to follow. Features: Lake and mountain views. Climate: Deep snow in winter. Summer-only hiking – July through September/mid-October. Generally warm, clear days in July and August, although remains very cold at night and snow is possible at any time. Accommodation: Inside the Park, Crater Lake Lodge at Rim Village and motel, tent and RV sites at Mazama Village, just beyond Annie Spring entrance station. Outside the Park, lodging and cabins at Diamond Lake, 25 miles to the north on Hwy 138; Union Creek to the west and Chiloquin to the south, both on or near Hwy 62. Trail Notes: Rim Drive (except access to Rim Village) is closed by snow for much of the year – it is open only during the short summer season from July to mid-October. Be aware of altitude – trail reaches an elevation of just under 9,000 ft. |
Popularity: 7% [?]
