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By Root 3383 0

And it would be a shame to miss the northern perimeter lands; the sands of the Pumice Desert are otherworldly when wildflowers are scattered across its flat canvas. If you have the time, detouring north when driving in from the south might be worthwhile just to see this area. From the south entrance, it adds only an extra 15 miles or so, depending on how far toward the north entrance station you want to drive.

If you'd rather spend any extra time you have outside your car, try hiking a section of the moderate to strenuous Pacific Crest Trail (listed under "Longer Trails," below).

Organized Tours & Ranger Programs

Numerous ranger-led programs and tours take place in the summer. From the Rim Village, 15-minute talks run several times daily at the Sinnott Memorial Overlook (below the visitor center). Check the park newspaper, bulletin boards, or the visitor center for the current program schedule.

At Mazama Campground, evening programs at an outdoor amphitheater focus on a variety of topics; details are posted daily at the visitor centers. The talks start at 9pm from late June through July, and at 8:30pm from August to Labor Day.

The most famous Crater Lake tour is the guided boat tour that leaves Cleetwood Cove every hour, daily from early July to early September, from 10am to the last shove-off at 4pm. Remember, the trail down to the boat landing is steep. The tour stops at Wizard Island and then glides past the Phantom Ship before heading back to the Cleetwood Dock. Take a jacket because weather here can change rapidly. Tickets are available at the trailhead beginning at 8:30am. Tickets cost $23.50 for adults, $14 for children 3 to 11, free for children under 3. For information, contact park concessionaire Xanterra (☎ 541/ 830-8700; www.craterlakelodges.com).

Historic & Man-Made Attractions

In addition to the Crater Lake Lodge, which you might want to take a look at even if you don't spend the night, the Sinnott Memorial Overlook has evidence of past travels through, and visits to, this area by numerous people over the last 150 years. If you're lucky, you might find some wagon tracks; the faint impressions can be found here and there throughout the outer perimeter of the park. Ask the rangers at the visitor center to suggest trails where you might be able to see them.

Day Hikes

More than 90 miles of trails lead into the park's backcountry. They're usually snow-free from mid-July to early October. Smoking is prohibited on all trails.

SHORTER TRAILS

Annie Creek Canyon

1.7 miles RT. Easy. Access: Mazama Campground Trailhead, between the D and E loops of the campground.

This is a scenic walk through old-growth forest and wildflower meadows. It's a nice little break from all the ancient volcanic starkness going on up at the rim. There is an elevation gain of about 200 feet.

Castle Crest Wildflower Garden

.5 mile RT. Easy. Access: Park headquarters, Mazama Village.

Summer is short on the rim of Crater Lake, so when the snow finally melts, wildflowers burst forth with nearly unrivaled abandon. This trail meanders through one of the best displays of wildflowers in the park. Late July and early August are the best wildflower periods. Although this trail is rated "easy," be careful of slick rocks, which must be traversed along the way. Hiking boots, or shoes with good tread, are helpful. The trail has an elevation gain of about 100 feet.

Cleetwood Cove Trail

2.2 miles RT. Strenuous. Access: North side of the lake, 4½ miles east of the North Junction. This is the only trail down to the shore of Crater Lake, and it stays busy with those trying to get to the water or to Cleetwood Cove to take the boat tour. Because the trail leads downhill, many visitors are lured into thinking that this is an easy trail. It's not! The climb 700 feet back up from the water to the rim is strenuous and steep.

Godfrey Glen

1 mile RT. Easy. Access: 1½ miles past Mazama Village Entrance, on right side of the road.

This trail is a very easy walk through an