Hiking In Crater Lake National Park

The intrepid early explorers Lewis and Clark wereCleetwood Cove trail leads down to the lake and
perhaps the first non-aboriginal explorers toyou generally find deer feeding as you walk along
discover Crater Lake and report their findingsthis particular trail. You can also visit the volcano
back to President Jefferson, but they wereon Wizard Island from Cleetwood Cove and peek
certainly not the last and today some half a millioninside the 90 foot wide opening to the cinder cone
visitors enjoy the wonderful scenery of theafter climbing the 800 foot trail.
Crater Lake National Park every year.Now, if like me you enjoy fishing, then there is a
The crystal blue lake, which is ringed by 2,000very nice trail which leads to Fumarole Bay where
foot mountains, is the thing that picture postcardsyou will find a plentiful supply of both rainbow
are made of and the area offers a wealth oftrout and kokanee salmon. And, best of all, you
hiking, biking, boating and horseback riding. Indeed,do not need a permit and there is no limit on the
Crater Lake is truly one of the Unites States'number of fish you can catch!
most outstanding national parks.However, for those who are really looking for a
One thing which makes the area certainly feelhiking challenge then there is nothing quite like the
special is the fact that at 1,940 feet Crater Lakelong, steep and winding hike up the 9,000 foot
is the deepest lake in the United States and wasMount Scott. As with most arduous hikes the
formed more than 7,700 years ago by therewards are of course well worth the effort and,
eruption of the nearby Mount Mazama.as well as a magnificent view of the lake, you will
There are many spots along the 33 mile routealso be able to see Mount Shasta and Mount
around the lake from which you can seeJefferson clear over in California.
unparalleled views such as that of Phantom RockIf you would like to visit the area during the
seen from Kerr Notch, or Wizard Island seenwinter then you will certainly not be disappointed
from Sun Notch. And there are also numerousalthough you will need to take your snow shoes
hikes that simply cannot be matched anywherewith you. And, if you are really fit then there is
else.always the 33 mile cross country ski route around
On the east side of the lake hiking trails lead up tothe lake.
Mount Scott, while on the south side Crater PeakThe Crater Lake National Park is certainly not one
can be quite easily reached from Rim Drive. Oneof the largest national parks but it is one of the
of the nicest hikes of all, especially for novicemost beautiful and is wonderful place to plan a
hikers, is along the north side where thehiking trip.