By. Becca Calking
The road up the mountain slope was only dimly illuminated by the headlights of our car and the pale light of our headlights. This was not the first time I had been to Crater Lake, but it was definitely the first time I had been there at 5:30 in the morning, with five feet of snow surrounding the roadway. One of the most significant changes, however, was the two-hour hike up to the peak of the mountain. While being the most extreme, it’s certainly only one of a great deal of differences.
Crater Lake is the fifth oldest National Park, established only three years after Mount Rainier. There are many differences in the Crater Lake experience that change solely based on the season. For example, the drive from Gresham is an hour longer in the winter, due to road closures. In the summer, you’re able to take the North entrance, which takes only about four and a half hours. However, during the winter, the North entrance is closed because of the snow, and you’re forced to take an hour detour to get into the West entrance.
My family and I were able to take the trip during the winter, because we had the ability to hike the two hours up and the two hours back down. If you, or anyone in your family, is unable to hike for that long, you would want to visit in the summer. During the summer, you’re able to drive the entire way to see the lake. There’s no way to get down to the lake without hiking, but at the very least you’re able to get a clear picture of the lake’s beauty without too much of a hassle. An additional thing to keep in mind when planning a visit to Crater Lake in either summer or winter is who you’re bringing with you. During the winter, there are no open trails that dogs are allowed on, so if you plan on bringing your four-legged friend, you’re going to want to plan a trip during the summer.
In researching the seasons of Crater Lake, I talked to Michelle Ochoa, a ranger at the park. She gave me a clearer picture of the changes in the lake. “It’s not just the seasons that are different, moment to moment can be very different,” she reports, “One may or may not see the lake at any given time.” Ochoa continued on to explain that the lake is only visible about 50% of the year, as there are clouds or smoke that cover it. Even though the lake isn’t always entirely visible, the smoke and clouds create a “phantom-like or elusive effect.” Another topic Ochoa and I discussed were some of her favorite activities in both the summer and the winter. In the winter, she enjoys the quiet mornings and going on snowshoe hikes, while in the summer she loves the birds and boat tours.
If you enjoy nature and have a day or two to spend in it, I’d definitely recommend Crater Lake National Park. While not for everyone, anyone who loves the beauty of the wild will appreciate the explosive beauty of Crater Lake. There are a ton of fun activities for all ages, especially during the summer. When planning a visit to the park, it’s important to keep in mind the differences and what you want to do. Research is a crucial part of planning any vacation or trip and it makes a world of difference in what you’re activities you’re able to participate in.