Crater Lake National Park: Administrative History by Harlan D. Unrau and Stephen Mark, 1987

APPENDIX A8: Automobile Regulations of March 1, 1916

Pursuant to authority conferred by the act of May 22, 1902 (32 Stats., 202), setting aside certain lands in the State of Oregon as a public park, the following regulations governing the admission of automobiles into the Crater Lake National Park are hereby established and made public:

1. Entrances–Automobiles may enter and leave the park by either of the three entrances.

2. Automobiles–The park is open to automobiles operated for pleasure, but not to those carrying passengers who are paying, either directly or indirectly, for the use of machines (excepting, however, automobiles used by concessionaires under permits from the department). Careful driving is demanded of all persons using the roads. The Government is in no way responsible for any kind of accident.

3. Fees–Entrance fees are payable in cash only, and will be as follows:

Single trip permit	$2
Season permit	$3

4. Automobile permits–Automobile permits must be secured at the checking station where the automobile enters the park. This permit must be conveniently kept so that it can be exhibited to park rangers on demand. Each trip permit must be exhibited to automobile checker at point of exit, who will stamp across the back of the permit: “Void after _______ (hour and date)” and return to owner or driver. The automobile may then reenter the park by the same or any other road (or entrance) within 12 hours from time of leaving park.

Automobile permits will show (a) name of station issuing permit, (b) name of owner or driver, (c) State and license number of automobile.

5. Muffler cut-outs–Muffler cut-outs must be closed while approaching or passing riding horses, horse-drawn vehicles, hotels, camps, or checking stations.

6. Distance apart–Gears and brakes–Automobiles while in motion must not be less than 50 yards apart, except for purpose of passing, which is permissible only on comparatively level or slight grades. All automobiles, except while shifting gears, must retain their gears constantly enmeshed. Persons desiring to enter the park in an automobile will be required to satisfy the guard issuing the automobile permit that the machine in general (and particularly the brakes and tires) is in first-class working order and capable of making the trip, and that there is sufficient gasoline in the tank to reach the next place where it may be obtained. The automobile must carry two extra tires. All drivers will be required effectually to block and skid the rear wheels with either foot or hand brake, or such other brakes as may be a part of the equipment of the automobile.

7. Speeds–Speed is limited to 10 miles per hour, except on straight stretches, when, if no team is nearer than 200 yards, it may be increased not to exceed 20 miles per hour.

8. Horns–The horn will be sounded on approaching curves, or stretches of road concealed for any considerable distance by slopes, overhanging trees, or other obstacles; and before meeting or passing other machines, riding or driving animals, or pedestrians.

9. Teams–When teams, saddle horses, or pack trains approach, automobiles will take the outer edge of the roadway, regardless of the direction in which they are going, taking care that sufficient room is left on the inside for the passage of vehicles and animals. Teams have the right of way, and automobiles will be backed or otherwise handled as may be necessary so as to enable teams to pass with safety. In no case must automobiles pass animals on the road at a speed greater than 8 miles per hour.

10. Accidents–When, due to breakdown or accidents of any other nature, automobiles are unable to keep going, they must be immediately parked off the road, or, where this is impossible, on the outer edge of the road.

11. Stop-overs–Automobiles stopping over at points other than the hotels or permanent camps, must be parked off the road, or where this is impossible, on the outer edge of the road.

12. Reduced engine power–Gasoline, etc.–Due to the high altitude of the park roads, ranging between 4,000 and 7,000 feet, the power of all automobiles is much reduced, so that about 50 per cent more gasoline will be required than for the same distance at lower altitudes. Likewise one lower gear will generally have to be used on grades than would have to be used in other places. A further effect that must be watched is the heating of the engine on long grades, which may become serious unless care is used. Gasoline can be purchased at regular supply stations as per posted notices .

13. Penalties–Violation of any of the foregoing regulations for government of the park will cause revocation of automobile permit, will subject the owner of the automobile to immediate ejectment from the park, and be cause for refusal to issue new automobile permit to the owner without prior sanction in writing from the Secretary of the Interior.

14. Damages–The owners of automobiles will be responsible for any damages caused by accident or otherwise.

15. All persons passing through the park with automobiles are required to stop at the supervisor’s headquarters or the rangers headquarters and register their names.

16. Motorcycles–These regulations are also applicable to motorcycles, which may use the roads on payment of a fee of $1 for each machine per annum; permits issued therefor shall expire on December 31 of the year of issue.

U.S. Department of the Interior, The Crater Lake National Park, Season of 1916 (Washington, 1916), pp. 17-19.

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