Crater Lake National Park news stories for the year 2008

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Crater Lake National Park News

2008

Meeting set on Middle Fork Fire - September 23, 2008

The U.S. Forest Service will host an informational meeting on the Middle Fork Fire from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday at the Community Involvement Club in Fort Klamath.

Middle Fork wildfire hits 17,869 then slows down - September 23, 2008

The Middle Fork fire burning across Sky Lakes Wilderness, Crater Lake National Park and the Fremont-Winema National Forest has slowed to a crawl.

Weather helps Royce Butte Fire - September 20, 2008

Containment of a fire that threatened areas of northern Klamath County and forced the evacuation of more than 100 homes and the closure of Highway 58 earlier this week is expected by Sunday.

Fire burns into Crater Lake: Growing Middle Fork fire spreads into remote portion of the park - September 20, 2008

A forest fire burning in the Sky Lakes Wilderness more than doubled in size and spread into a remote southwestern portion of Crater Lake National Park and areas of the Fremont-Winema National Forests.

William "Bill" Hopkins - September 19, 2008

William Eugene “Bill” Hopkins, 66, who helped preserve the Mazama Tree, died on Sept. 3, 2008. He was born on Jan. 2, 1942, in Eldorado, Ill.

Middle Fork blaze heads toward Crater Lake - September 19, 2008

A fire burning east of Prospect nearly doubled in size in a day and is burning into Crater Lake National Park, the Forest Service said Thursday.

Rattle Fire keeps highway 138 closed for weekend - September 12, 2008

Highway 138 will remain closed over the weekend on a four-mile stretch in the Umpqua National Forest. That includes the major route to Diamond Lake and Crater Lake.

Hiking trails closed down by wildfire - September 11, 2008

A wildland fire in the Sky Lakes Wilderness grew to about 1,800 acres Wednesday, and fire managers have closed more trails in the area around the fire.

Family fun day planned at Crater Lake - September 11, 2008

Crater Lake National Park will host a family day from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, with free admission, special programs and — for the first 500 visitors — free root beer floats.

King of Jordan, 'Lost' actor among celebrities at Crater Lake - September 3, 2008

Famous people were sighted at Crater Lake National Park this summer. King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein of Jordan and members of his Royal family visited Crater Lake while on a motorcycle trip of the Northwest in July.

Remembering Emil, the forgotten Britt: his life was spent in the shadow of his father's fame - August 24, 2008

Emil was born and died in the house that Peter built, and though he lived for nearly 45 years after Peter's death, Emil was always serving his father's memory.

Meissner, Shelton take Crater Lake run: Oregon runners become first-time marathon winners in 33rd annual event - August 10, 2008

Sean Meissner capitalized on a colossal mistake, while Ashland's Jenn Shelton was in need of a workout. But the two runners came away as the male and female marathon winners in the 33rd Crater Lake Rim Runs and Marathon on Saturday.

The road to Crater Lake - July 27, 2008

All roads may have led to Rome in the ancient world, but in 19th century Southern Oregon, only one road climbed the rim to Crater Lake.

Crater Lake swimming chilly - July 16, 2008

People planning on taking a quick dip in the waters of Crater Lake should be prepared to be chilly. Based on readings from a buoy in the lake, the temperature is 57.7 degrees.

Exploring the "Other Half" of Our National Parks: Stargazing Under Protected Dark Skies - June 14th, 2008

The renowned amateur astronomer and telescope maker, John Lowry Dobson, 92, once said, "National Parks are special places where dark skies and curious minds collide." Dobson and the famed Sidewalk Astronomers have spent three decades taking their home-made telescopes to the national parks to meet park visitors willing to stay out after dark to help them explore the "other half" of their parks.

Wildfire filling sky with smoke: Fire near Crater Lake is 1,700 acres - September 10, 2008

Smoke from a 1,700-acre fire southwest of Crater Lake filled area skies Tuesday as the Middle Fork Fire continued to burn in rugged and steep terrain, the U.S. Forest Service said in a news release.

Crater Lake: Taking the Plunge - September 4, 2008

I am never sure which is tougher: Standing on the edge of the rock overlook and building up the nerve to jump, or feeling the body go into shock after jumping off that 20-foot high ledge and being immersed in Crater Lake’s anything but warm water.

Garfield Peak trail guide - August 28, 2008

The Crater Lake Institute has a “Garfield Peak Trail Guide: A Visual Field Guide and Trail Companion to one of Crater Lake’s Best Hikes.” The guide is useful in helping to identify the flowers, plants, trees, birds, scats, tracks and wildlife that might be seen along the 1.7-mile long one-way trail.

Garfield Peak offers new vantage point to Crater Lake: Hikers can enjoy spectacular views from the top or stops along the way - August 28, 2008

CRATER LAKE — Familiar views of Crater Lake take on new vantages from the Garfield Peak trail, and that’s part of its allure. It’s 1.7 miles from the trailhead just east of Crater Lake Lodge to the top of the 8,054-foot elevation Garfield, an elevation gain of almost 1,000 feet. While making the top might be a lofty goal for some, the trip can be shortened by stopping about a quartermile short of the summit at viewpoints that overlook the Phantom Ship.

Crater Lake National Park: Trees, wildflowers, dazzling views on trail to Crater Peak - August 14, 2008

Most everyone who visits Crater Lake National Park takes at least a peek at the lake. For hikers, there’s another way to take a peak at Crater Lake. Among the park’s lesser hiked trails is one that leads to Crater Peak, a 7,263-foot elevation summit that gets its name from its extinct crater. Crater Peak is located toward the sound end of the park and can be seen while traveling the East Rim Road.

Plenty of backcountry solitude - August 14, 2008

The September issue of Backpacker magazine says 2007 statistics show Crater Lake has only one backcountry user per 127 acres. Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, not known as a haven for hiking or backpacking, is the park with the most solitude, with one backcountry user per 1,119 acres. In the Western U.S., the only other national park with a better ratio is Great Basin National Park in Nevada, with one user per 184 acres, giving it the sixth best ratio.

Crater Lake boat tours to resume - August 13, 2008

Boat tours at Crater Lake National Park will resume today. A park spokesman said the tours were canceled from Friday through Tuesday because of damage to a dock at Cleetwood Cove, where the trips originate. Damage was caused by a windstorm.

Crater Lake needs volunteers - August 11, 2008

Friends of Crater Lake is seeking volunteers for work projects later this month. The Friends group will host its 15th annual project weekend Aug. 22-24 at the park. A variety of work projects are planned, from painting a sign near the park's south entrance station to installing a warning sign near the Sun Notch area of Rim Drive.

Locals Impress - Area runners win 2 short runs - August 10, 2008

Chris Reed had a simple plan for Saturday morning. The Klamath Union graduate intended to be a rabbit for four-time 13-mile champion Trevor Hanlin during the 33rd annual running of the Crater Lake Rim Runs and Marathon.

Meissner, Shelton win Crater Lake marathons - August 10, 2008

No one was more surprised to finish first in the longest race of the 33rd annual Crater Lake Rim Runs and Marathon Saturday than Sean Meissner.

Mazama Village to be back to normal - July 23, 2008

Operations at the Mazama Village Store in Crater Lake National Park should be back to normal in the next day or two following an early Monday morning fire.

Fire Contained at Crater Lake - July 22, 2008

A structure fire early Tuesday morning at Crater Lake National Park’s Mazama Village closed the Mazama Village Store and shut down gas and fueling services.

50 spots remain for Crater Lake Rim Runs - July 20, 2008

Of the available 500 spots, just 50 remain for the 33rd annual Crater Lake Rim Runs and Marathon that will be contested Saturday, Aug. 9, at Crater Lake National Park. All registrations will close Aug. 6, and all registrations received will carry a $20 late fee.

Crater Lake; Rim Drive opens today - July 11, 2008

People wanting to drive the entire distance around Crater Lake National Park’s 33-mile-long Rim Drive can do so beginning today.

Crater Lake Rim Run spots going - June 24, 2008

Less than a third of the available 500 spots for the 33rd annual Crater Lake Rim Runs and Marathon remain with about six weeks left before the competition at Crater Lake National Park.

Crater Lake north entrance opened, but caution urged - June 21, 2008

The north entrance to Crater Lake National Park opened for the summer at 8 a.m. Friday. Crews finished plowing the north entrance road that provides park access off Highway 138 on Thursday, then did a safety check to scan for icy patches and falling rocks before opening the road for the summer season, park officials said.

Many Crater Lake services open, despite snow - June 10, 2008

Persistent snow means some roads and all trails are closed at Crater Lake National Park, but visitors will find many concession services open.

A Tribute to Steve Robinson - Spring, 2008

Crater Lake visitors were treated to Steve’s same eloquence about the natural and spiritual power of the park’s resources during his seasons as an interpreter and a fire lookout ranger. His dogged determination to improve the safety program for the boat tours of Crater Lake will continue to reap benefits for the park.

Crater Lake's new boss fulfills a lifelong dream - May 04, 2008

Craig Ackerman, Crater Lake National Park’s new superintendent, recalls reading about the heavy snow at the park as a second-grader in his native West Virginia.

A Look back at history: Programs focus on history of Southern Oregon - April 25, 2008

Klamath Basin history - including Crater Lake, the the Applegate Trail and Collier Memorial State Park and Logging Museum - will be featured during Southern Oregon History Week, Sunday through May 3, on Southern Oregon Public Television.

Crater lake has new superintendent: Craig Ackerman will move from the Oregon Caves National Monument - March 5, 2008

Craig Ackerman, who will move from Oregon Caves National Monument, where he’s been the superintendent the past 17 years, to Crater Lake in early May. He plans to live at the park.

Oregon law could nix proposed water agreement - March 5, 2008

State lawmakers from Klamath Falls said Oregon Water Resources Department staff violated state law by participating in closed-door meetings with the Klamath Tribes during two-and-a-half years of settlement talks.

Crater Lake contaminated, new study suggests - February 28, 2008

Crater Lake, Mount Rainier and Olympic national parks are among wilderness areas in the Western U.S. in which scientists have found evidence of airborne contamination, including mercury, agricultural pesticides and banned substances such as DDT.

Airborne Contaminants Found in Western U.S. and Alaskan National Parks - February 28, 2008

The Western Airborne Contaminants Assessment Project (WACAP) was initiated to determine the risk from airborne contaminants to ecosystems and food webs in eight core national parks.

Airborne Contaminants Study Released Measurable Levels Detected in Twenty Western U.S. and Alaska National Parks - February 26th, 2008

According to a study released by the Western Airborne Contaminants Assessment Project (WACAP), numerous airborne contaminants, including heavy metals and both current-use and North American historic-use pesticides, have been detected at measurable levels in ecosystems at twenty western U.S. and Alaska national parks from the Arctic to the Mexican border.

Crater Lake rangers guide free hikes - February 23rd, 2008

Rangers at Crater Lake National Park will guide free, one-mile walks through forests and meadows along the crater's rim from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through April 27.

Crater Lake story will air - February 9th, 2008

The local ABC affiliate, KDKF, will air a story about Crater Lake on its 6 p.m. newscast Sunday, according to the station. The story was filmed by a “Good Morning America Weekend” crew this week.

Park rangers undaunted by weather - February 8th, 2008

But undaunted by the weather, Crater Lake National Park rangers Don Clark and Pete Reinhardt stood by the unseen lake Wednesday and praised the beauty of Crater Lake during videotaped interviews for ABC’s Good Morning America.

TV crew makes trek to Crater Lake's rim - February 8th, 2008

Two members of a film crew shooting footage for a Good Morning America television segment at Crater Lake scheduled to run Sunday, experienced an unexpected morning at the lake’s rim Thursday.

ODOT worker hurt when tree crushes pickup truck - February 4th, 2008

ODOT officials said Bert Fernandez, 58, a 30-year ODOT employee with the High Cascades maintenance crew, was injured Sunday morning when a 32-inch fir tree struck his one-ton pickup.

Award-winning Whitebark Pine is Dead - February 7th, 2008

Photographed in 2005, this whitebark pine has succumbed to its enemies. The ancient tree was the subject of a photo - voted first place by participants of the Pacific Coast Whitebark Pine Conference (2006).

TV crew headed to Crater Lake - February 6th, 2008

A three-member crew from ABC’s Good Morning America plans to trek to the Crater Lake rim on snowshoes and cross-country skis today in hopes of taping winter scenes for an upcoming broadcast.

Park Ranger Ken Hay Retires - January 28, 2008

After 29 years in fire management and law enforcement, Ken Hay is leaving the National Park Service. He has accepted a position as park superintendent for programming and development with the city of Klamath Falls, Oregon.

Crater Lake offers 90-minute winter tours: Park rangers lead free treks in park on Saturdays - January 24, 2008

Park ranger Dave Grimes will answer these and other questions at 1 p.m. each Saturday, when he leads a free snowshoeing tour at Crater Lake National Park. The outings will be offered through April.

Laurels go to retired Crater Lake official: Dinner given for former park superintendent Chuck Lundy - January 21, 2008

Chuck Lundy, who retired earlier this month after a 35-year National Park Service career that included more than nine years as superintendent at Crater Lake National Park, was honored at a Saturday night dinner at Oregon Institute of Technology.

Employee's House Destroyed By Fire - January 16, 2008

The home of longtime park aquatic ecologist Mark Buktenica and his family was destroyed by fire on Thursday, January 10th. The fire broke out around 9 p.m. that evening. Their property is located about 12 miles outside of Ashland, Oregon, and is accessed by a driver that’s about a quarter-mile long.

Acting park head named: Permanent Crater Lake National Park superintendent due in March - January 15, 2008

Crater Lake acting superintendent Stephanie Toothman is Crater Lake National Park’s acting superintendent through March 31. She replaces Chuck Lundy, who recently retired. A permanent superintendent is expected be named in March.

Highway to Crater Lake cleared, open - January 14, 2008

As of Saturday, Crater Lake National Park announced Highway 62 has been cleared of an avalanche and is open.

Chuck Lundy Retires - January 10th, 2008

Superintendent Chuck Lundy retired on January 3rd after 33 years with the National Park Service. During those 33 years, he served in eight different parks and in a variety of roles.