Crater Lake NP

[Mellow]

Location:
Crater Lake is located in Southern Oregon on the crest of the Cascade Mountain range, 100 miles (160 km) east of the Pacific Ocean. It lies inside a caldera, or volcanic basin, created when the 12,000 foot (3,660 meter) high Mount Mazama collapsed 7,700 years ago following a large eruption.

Date of visit:
September, 2006

Weather:
Perfect weather, a little chilly at night but just right for a campfire.

Campground Condition:

This is a huge park and there are many campgrounds, they are all in great shape with maintained roads and large sites.

The park roads are paved so you shouldn't have any problems getting to/from the sites.Area Riding:
We decided to stay here for a full day while one of our riders went to a nearby city to get some new tires - this gave us a full day to appreciate the park. Nice roads, you aren't going to break any speed limits here and you shouldn't, just take in the views as every turn is another great one.
http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/94730526-Ti.jpg (http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/94730526-M.jpg) http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/94730615-Ti.jpg (http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/94730615-M.jpg) http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/94730553-Ti.jpg (http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/94730553-M.jpg)


Additional Information:
National Parks and Wildlife Website Website (http://www.nps.gov/crla/)Current Weather (http://www.wunderground.com/US/OR/Crater_Lake.html?bannertypeclick=miniStates)


(http://www.wunderground.com/US/OR/Crater_Lake.html?bannertypeclick=miniStates)http://banners.wunderground.com/weathersticker/miniStates_both/language/www/US/OR/Crater_Lake.gif (http://www.wunderground.com/US/OR/Crater_Lake.html?bannertypeclick=miniStates)

[Alan]

My June trip this year will take me through Crater Lake NP. I don't plan on camping but did plan on circling the lake. Do you remember the speed limits on the ring road? And how was the traffic? Snail paced RVs in a 25 MPH no passing zone is one of my recuring nightmares. I have been stuck in this situation in Yellowstone NP, but it was buffalo's and not RVs that were the slowpokes.:D

[Mellow]

When we were there there was very little traffic... can't remember the speed limit, probably 45. I remember some traffic at Yellowstone and CL is much less in comparison.

Funny story, the same lady that checked us out at the store at Crater Lake was working in the same Yellowstone village when we were there a year earlier, she checked us out then too and remembered us... small world.

[Trailace]

I enjoyed Crater Lake and still have my sticker. :D

[Tx White Knight]

Funny story, the same lady that checked us out at the store at Crater Lake was working in the same Yellowstone village when we were there a year earlier, she checked us out then too and remembered us... small world.

Hmmmm had you been on the road several days without a bath each time??

I does look like a wonderful place to go

[Trailace]

Hmmmm had you been on the road several days without a bath each time??

I does look like a wonderful place to go

How did you know? LOL

[Mellow]

Hmmmm had you been on the road several days without a bath each time??

I does look like a wonderful place to go

LOL.. Yeah, but it wasn't as bad as it sounds..

I'm good for 2-3 days before I start feeling... ah.. grubby.. if that's a word. :shower1:

[Tx White Knight]

I'm good for 2-3 days before I start feeling... ah.. grubby.. if that's a word. :shower1:

Hmmmmm so there is no difference between feeling grubby and smelling grubby???:D

But heck the main thing is to get there safe

[Mellow]

Hmmmmm so there is no difference between feeling grubby and smelling grubby???:D

But heck the main thing is to get there safe

I have a terrible sense of smell, so I'm good.. :fire3:

[IR Harry]

We were up there last weekend - Camped at Lemolo Lake and took a day to tour the Park. Traffic was light, even on the long weekend. Speed is limited to 45, but for those that have to rush and get frustrated with slower traffic admiring the scenic beauty, it is a good place to avoid.
For those that can slow down and smell the flowers, this is a sample of what you will see.

Crater Lake from the East Rim - about mid-day.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/hspencer942/Ride/CraterLakeRim.jpg

The Pinnicles at the end of the old East Entrance to the park.
There is a campground about a mile away that is tents only - no RVs. Good facilities.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/hspencer942/Ride/CraterLakePin.jpg

And this is just before the sun hits the horizon about a mile north of Crater Lake Lodge.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/hspencer942/Ride/CraterLakeEve.jpg

It took us all day to do this loop and throw in a ride from Union Creek up to Crater Lake Highway including some of the forest road backcountry. But on the other hand, I do not have a problem with others doing the same thing I am - sniffing the flowers.

[Alan]

Attached are a few pictures from Crater Lake during my June visit. As you can see, it's still a little bit chilly out, these pictures were taken on June 17th.

[Dusty Boots]

I'll just add the road down to Lost Creek Campground, which is on the road to the Pinnacles(as mentioned above) while paved, this road has lots of frost heaves ... some very large frost heaves, so take your time the 1st time you ride down to either the campground(Tent or small pop up camper), or the Pinnacles. During my visit(Sept 3/09) I hit a 'hidden one' so hard, it just about bounced me out of the saddle, bottoming out my suspension and cracking one of my Baker Wind Wings! :eek:
Nice, quiet campground, though, with picnic tables, fire rings/grill, metal bear box and flush toilets, No electricity, or WiFi. Just take it slow on the access road!


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I might add that when riding down towards the lake from the North entrance, I've never seen so many trees with large burls on them. Must have something to do with the volcanic soil.(?)

Dusty

[kayakinbiker]

Of all the c/g's there, which one would you guys say would be the prettiest? I don't care about the shower thing but might want to plug my stuff in somewhere.. any suggestions for that would be great! BTW, I have No experience with bear boxes, but it almost looks like those ones are saying..."Come for dinner boys!" HAHA!! They appear to be at TABLE height..doh! Also looks like a better ride clockwise for pix..like anything when it comes to water views..also, should I reserve a site in advance to ensure one or are they 1st come, 1st serve? I want to stay there for 2 nights..maybe..MIGHT have time to check out redwoods with friends out that way..

[kayakinbiker]

Attached are a few pictures from Crater Lake during my June visit. As you can see, it's still a little bit chilly out, these pictures were taken on June 17th.

What do ya mean it was a bit chillly out?...haha..I knew I was gonna have to bring warm clothes but....I guess these pix tell the story....is there ANY green there at that time?.....

[Dusty Boots]

Linda ... there are actually only 2 campgrounds in the park that are accessible by vehicle (http://www.nps.gov/crla/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm)!
Mazama Campground, which is the larger one, is the one that the RV crowd uses and is close to the store/gas station, so expect lots of noise/crowds. It did not look very appealing and I don't think there is any electricity at the sites.
Lost Creek Campground is smaller, quieter and much nicer(IMHO) and I forget if there is an electrical outlet in the washrooms, or not(?) If there is, you could recharge anything needed there. It is also a 1st come, 1st served campground. Not all that busy when I rolled into the campground @ 3:20pm. I think riding clockwise around Rim Dr is the best, but there are ample pull outs/viewing areas.
Because of altitude and time of year, these campgrounds don't have a very long 'open envelope', so check the dates posted to see if the campgrounds are open during the time of your planned visit.
At my time of visit(Sept.3), it was 30* when I woke up in the morning. Something that you being a 'flatlander' will have to learn is how much an influence altitude is for weather conditions/temps out west. Don't take the role that altitude/elevations play in temps/weather conditions, lightly! Early-mid June will see significant amounts of snow still on the ground at this park, because of it's altitude!.
Here's some info regarding that, from the Crater Lake National Park website ...

" Plowing of the Rim Drives, North Entrance Road and the Pinnacles Road typically starts in mid to late April. West Rim Drive and North Entrance Road can open to vehicles as early as June. East Rim Drive and the Pinnacles Road do not normally open to vehicles until July.".

Dusty

[kayakinbiker]

Linda ... there are actually only 2 campgrounds in the park that are accessible by vehicle (http://www.nps.gov/crla/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm)!
Mazama Campground, which is the larger one, is the one that the RV crowd uses and is close to the store/gas station, so expect lots of noise/crowds. It did not look very appealing and I don't think there is any electricity at the sites.
Lost Creek Campground is smaller, quieter and much nicer(IMHO) and I forget if there is an electrical outlet in the washrooms, or not(?) If there is, you could recharge anything needed there. It is also a 1st come, 1st served campground. Not all that busy when I rolled into the campground @ 3:20pm. I think riding clockwise around Rim Dr is the best, but there are ample pull outs/viewing areas.
Because of altitude and time of year, these campgrounds don't have a very long 'open envelope', so check the dates posted to see if the campgrounds are open during the time of your planned visit.
At my time of visit(Sept.3), it was 30* when I woke up in the morning. Something that you being a 'flatlander' will have to learn is how much an influence altitude is for weather conditions/temps out west. Don't take the role that altitude/elevations play in temps/weather conditions, lightly! Early-mid June will see significant amounts of snow still on the ground at this park, because of it's altitude!.
Here's some info regarding that, from the Crater Lake National Park website ...

" Plowing of the Rim Drives, North Entrance Road and the Pinnacles Road typically starts in mid to late April. West Rim Drive and North Entrance Road can open to vehicles as early as June. East Rim Drive and the Pinnacles Road do not normally open to vehicles until July.".

Dusty

Hmmm.. this is exactly what I needed to hear.. I suspected I would run into snow and a friend told me to prep for a change in routes if need be...I REALLY want to experience that road in CL but if I have to, I will skirt it...I might be sporting my work jacket..it blocks wind, has reflector bars on it and it waterproof...I already have plans to buy Georgia a coat for her crate....I have been told to just take I-90 all the way there but here I am Miss I Gotta See It All already...

I take it I will be able to camp at Lost Rim at least...hate Rv's...need to do alot of checking about stuff yet..

[Dusty Boots]

Hmmm.. this is exactly what I needed to hear.. I suspected I would run into snow and a friend told me to prep for a change in routes if need be...I REALLY want to experience that road in CL but if I have to, I will skirt it...I might be sporting my work jacket..it blocks wind, has reflector bars on it and it waterproof...I already have plans to buy Georgia a coat for her crate....I have been told to just take I-90 all the way there but here I am Miss I Gotta See It All already...

I take it I will be able to camp at Lost Creek at least...hate Rv's...need to do alot of checking about stuff yet..

If it's open at that time of year ... yes

suggestion ... a heated jacket liner, under your normal riding jacket would be more suitable, warmer, more compact when not needed and can double as an 'around camp' piece of insulation wear.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2673/4148329649_962958a425_o.jpg

I was sure glad I had it when riding over the Beartooth Pass(MT/WY border) in late June!

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June in the higher passes out west and even on Hwy 1/101 (cool/damp) is far different than June is, in Ontario!! :cold1: ..... which is why Winger77 asked you if you had good gear, in another thread. (http://www.motocampers.com/forums/showpost.php?p=37522&postcount=9) Expect to run into rain/sleet/hail/snow in May/June, when riding over either side of any higher mountain pass in the west, as moisture ladened clouds must dump any moisture in them, to get over the passes/mountains. Not trying to discourage you or anything at all, but be forewarned and ready for any kind of weather

Dusty

[Ironheadziggy76]

Linda, not to pile on more, but....... I went through Glacier the first week of July in 09 and they told me that in the highest elevation the road had only been open about a week from clearing the snow and slides. At the start everyone was wandering around in shorts, and they had funny looks on their faces at the top when they were standing in the snow. I probably took too much cold weather gear with me, but there were days I was thankful I did. P^

[Dusty Boots]

Linda, not to pile on more, but....... .... I probably took too much cold weather gear with me, but there were days I was thankful I did. P^

That is why it is important to buy versatile riding gear. I use a set of mesh riding pants (http://www.ridersdiscount.com/street-gear/pants-men/76197.php)and jacket (http://www.ridersdiscount.com/street-gear/jackets-men/76140.php), with detachable rain/windproof liners (http://www.ridersdiscount.com/street-gear/protection-adult/122136.php). When it's hot/nice out, I ride with just the mesh. If it's getting cooler, or rain, then in go the liners. When cold, I add to the liners, my heated jacket liner (http://www.ridersdiscount.com/street-gear/jackets-men/76464.php) and turn on my grip heaters (http://www.dual-star.com/index2/Rider/heated_grip_kit1.htm)and keep nice and comfortable, yet the gear that isn't being worn(liners/heated jacket liner) doesn't take up all that much valuable space. You end up with less 'bulk' overall, as far as clothing needed to keep warm/comfortable. P^
Then ... it doesn't matter what the weather Gods throw at you, you are prepared. ;)

Dusty

[kayakinbiker]

That is why it is important to buy versatile riding gear. I use a set of mesh riding pants (http://www.ridersdiscount.com/street-gear/pants-men/76197.php)and jacket (http://www.ridersdiscount.com/street-gear/jackets-men/76140.php), with detachable rain/windproof liners (http://www.ridersdiscount.com/street-gear/protection-adult/122136.php). When it's hot/nice out, I ride with just the mesh. If it's getting cooler, or rain, then in go the liners. When cold, I add to the liners, my heated jacket liner (http://www.ridersdiscount.com/street-gear/jackets-men/76464.php) and turn on my grip heaters (http://www.dual-star.com/index2/Rider/heated_grip_kit1.htm)and keep nice and comfortable, yet the gear that isn't being worn(liners/heated jacket liner) doesn't take up all that much valuable space. You end up with less 'bulk' overall, as far as clothing needed to keep warm/comfortable. P^
Then ... it doesn't matter what the weather Gods throw at you, you are prepared. ;)

Dusty

I was told by a friend that i would need to change something like the alternator out on my bike as he felt I could not add anything more to take power on my bike and a heated jacket and grips could not be added...I have a daylight bulb aon my headlight AND on my lightbar...1 of the lights is not up to snuff so I don't use the lightbar..all 3 lights kill every driver out there even when they are on LOW...

I wear my kayaking drytop under my rain jacket and a sweatshirt if needed..i am taking my drysuit for kayaking on this trip as it will be used on the kayaking trip portion..if i need to, I will wear it..it's 1 piece,,bringing winter gauntlets, leather gloves and waterproof gloves..buying some gaitors when I stop at a Gander Mountain or Dick;s store over there..I learned the hard way to keep my feet dry on that Maine trip.......

I hate to say it but I will likely take my 3/4 or full face helmet..don't like either and prefer my beenie but realize i may be in for some nasty weather...

[kayakinbiker]

I have a terrible sense of smell, so I'm good.. :fire3:

Me too! I think it comes with age...so I guess I can leave my aromatics elixir perfume at home..well, the bears and bees won't like it but I don't need to be chased by either.......

[kayakinbiker]

Good idea, Linda ... P^
Not only would a full face helmet offer you good weather protection, It would also help protect your noggin if you were to take an unexpected header ...
Better safe than scarred. :eek:

G wizz

Uh George... I already have a noggin knock and scar.. one runs down the length of my forehead.. almost bled to death in a camping accident once.. I used my HEAD and got help while I was bleeding out...post nursing experience has some benefits...I don't want to be noggin knockin anymore..geez I HATE those fullface things..eeooww but necessary...

[kayakinbiker]

Bet ya didn't have your full face helmet on then either, did ya? :D

Nope.. tried to put out a campfire.. the hard way.. with my head, tripped on a tree root that my foot got caught in..

[kayakinbiker]

Ouch ! :eek: That must of hurt like _ _ _ _ (fill in the blanks)

Yep...they IV'd me overnight after stitching me up and gave me the hospital pants to wear back to the campsite...a 75 buck cab ride back to camp and returned to work the next night... I am a tough cookie!