Viewing Oregon's Crater Lake on skis and snowshoes
Sunset
February, 1984
Another flurry of wind-driven snow whistled past us as we skied
along the Rim Trail above mist-shrouded Crater Lake. Then the
wind shifted, the curtain of clouds parted, and below us spread
the scene we'd waited to see. Wizard Island's snowy prominence
thrust boldly from the azure caldera, then disappeared again
behind a veil of blowing snow.
For February visitors to southwest Oregon's Crater Lake National
Park, views of the spectacular landscape are often rationed this
way--random yet breath-taking glimpses scattered through a
stormy winter's day.
You needn't be a polar bear to enjoy the winter beauty--anyone
who's properly dressed can. Despite snowfall averaging some 50
feet annually and a 7,100-foot elevation at Rim Village, winter
day temperatures fall into a relatively mild range of 20 [deg.]
to 40 [deg.] with nights 15 [deg.] to 25 [deg.].
If
you'd like to try snowshoeing, join one of the ranger-led walks
that never wander more than a few hundred yards from the visitor
center.
Try ski touring, on your own or with a guide, on ungroomed
trails from a few miles long to the 34-mile Rim Trail loop. Or
bring inner tubes, snow platters, or a toboggan for a day of
snow play.
Experienced winter campers have 286 square miles in which to
pitch their tents. Pick up a free camping permit at park
headquarters on the drive in, and be sure to check snow and
weather conditions.
Simple meals and some groceries are available daily 9 to 4 in
the cafeteria at Rim Village. Lodging: you'll have to leave the
park.
Crater Lake Lodge is closed in winter. There's limited lodging
in the communities of Union Creek (about 2o miles west of Rim
Village via State 62) and Fort Klamath (25 miles south via State
62). Expect to pay $20 and up for a double room or rustic cabin;
you'll need reservations. For details, write to Crater Lake
National Park, Box 7, Crater Lake 97604, or call (503) 594-2211.
Or consider lodging in the cities of Medford, about 80 miles
southwest via State 62, or Klamath Falls, some 60 miles
southeast via State 62 and U.S. 97. Getting there:
From State 62, use the Annie Spring entrance, following signs 4
miles to park headquarters, then another 3 miles to Rim Village.
The park's north entry road is closed in winter, as is Rim
Drive.
Motorist are required to carry traction devices at all times. be
forewarned: the road beyond headquarters can be closed by heavy
snow. For weather and road conditions, call (503) 772-7669 any
time, or the park between 8 and 5.
The focus of winter recreation in the park is Crater Lake Ski
Service, relocated this season in the Rim Village Visitor Center
overlooking the lake. The shop is open 9 to 5 Fridays through
Mondays and holidays (by appointment only Tuesdays through
Thursdays).
You can take a 2-hour instructional ski tour or a 1-1/2-hour
group ski lesson, both at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.; either costs
$7.50; with the all-day ski rental cost is $12 for adults, $9
for children 12 and under. Reservations are required. Private
lessons run $9 an hour.
Three-hour afternoon ski tours cost $6, all-day tours $12
(minimum of three persons); with ski rental, prices are $12 and
$18. Bring your own lunch. Overnight snow camping tours (minimum
of 6, maximum of 12 persons) cost $45, including meals. A
three-day "around the rim" tour is $45 just for the guide
service (meals not included). Bring your own snow camping
equipment and skis or rent skis there.
Ski rentals, including boots and poles, are $8 for adults all
day, $6 for the afternoon, $2 an hour; for children 12 and
under, they're $5.50, $3.50, and $1.20. Ski accessories and
repairs are available. Snowshoes rent for $5 a day, $1 an hour.
The ski shop also sponsors winter safety and orienteering
clinics, free ski classes for seniors, and racces. For
information or reservations (required for all tours), write or
call Crater Lake Ski Service, Crater Lake 97604; (503) 594-2361.
Free snowshoe walks led by park rangers start from the visitor
center every Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. The easy 1-mile
nature walks take about 1-1/2 hours. Besides warm clothing, hat,
and gloves, you need sturdy waterproof boots; no children under
10 are permitted.
COPYRIGHT 1984 Sunset Publishing Corp.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group
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Using cross country skis or
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-
February 02, 2004
