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.