Page 80 - SOM FALL 2017 BOOK

the good life | Southern EXPLOREGON
the good life | Southern EXPLOREGON

Crater Lake National Park Lodge (stock photo)

through a grove of smaller trees, then crosses the lake becomes quickly covered with several the snowy edge as you may be standing on a
many log bridges over gullies, descending feet of snow, becoming the perfect trail to weak windswept cornice that could break and
quickly to the bottom of the trail. At the hike with snowshoes or ski if you like. Many you might fall over 1,000 feet into Crater
bottom, the trail snakes along through small folks in the spring will circumnavigate Crater Lake! Bring lots of layers, leave the cotton
trees as you race along and pick your way Lake with cross-country skis or even snow- at home and wear waterproof boots and gai-
around corners and jumps. On this trail you shoe the same circuit, but be aware this is no ters to keep your feet warm and dry for this
can’t help but grin ear-to-ear as you savor the easy day hike. 33 miles and more than 4,000 hike. Remember, conditions can change very
downhill smorgasbord of twisty, steep, fast feet of climbing turn this into three or four quickly in the mountains and if it snows really
flowing terrain. days for most folks. hard you can loose the trail quickly, so having
When the snow begins to fly later in the fall, the 10 essentials—map, compass, sunglasses,
thoughts will turn to exploring the winter Most of us like to drive up to the lodge, snow- sunscreen, extra clothing, headlamp or flash-
wonderland in mountains around Southern shoe or ski out the road to the southwest light, first aid kit, fire starter, matches, knife,
Oregon.CRATER LAKE is a spectacular place and take in the views along the way for a few and extra food—could save your life. Seeing
to visit in the summer, but even more special hours, usually turning back before reach- the snow in the trees, the blue of the lake, and
in the fall and winter as the crowds of tourist ing Watchman Peak. Its fun to hike up to the snow-covered Mt. Thielson to the north and
are replaced with quiet solitude and a gor- edge of the rim and look down into the lake, Mt Mcloughlin to the south make it incredibly
geous blanket of snow. The road that circles but take great care not to stand anywhere on rewarding to visit Crater Lake in the winter.

78 www.southernoregonmagazine.com | fall 2017