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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Crater Lake National Park (USA) - excellent photo/viewing opportunities coming up | |
If you're looking for something to do this spring, totally flexible, and never been to Crater Lake National Park in the winter it's looking like there's an epic photo op coming up.
We're currently in the middle of a winter storm that is dumping feet of snow in the cascades so they are getting hammered. Sure the road to the rim is currently closed, however they got a 6wk early start to the north rim plowing which means you can walk or bicycle (no vehicles) from the rim visitors center to the north entrance. If you were not aware, yes you can drive to the rim in the winter. It's generally open except during and immediately following heavy snows as the rotary prioritizes other roads before the road to the rim, mainly hywy 62. You can only access via the southern entrance in the winter so the closest lodging is Fort Klamath.
Anyhow when this storm breaks and they open the road to the rim (best to call as in my experience they are slow to update the web page), you'll not only have lots of nice deep untracked snow but another six miles of rim you can access easier than normal winter time (skis or snowshoes). Granted you'll still want snowshoes to get around as while the base is likely solid enough to walk on by now, all the new snow will make going more questionable.
Here's a couple links to help.
https://www.nps.gov/crla/planyourvisit/conditions.htm#recreation_map_showing_current_conditions
https://www.nps.gov/crla/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm
I've went in winter several times and it's an amazing experience. Completely different than summer and early fall. Just remember, it's still winter up there so gear up accordingly.
Of course if you haven't been in the summer, you've been missing out. Just try to work around the fires (smoke/haze) for best photo ops. There again, immediately following a storm is advantageous.
-- Jeff
P.S. sadly I'm far too busy at work to go. I was looking at the conditions and wishing I could, then thought well... I can share the info.
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