10152011 Crater Lake National Park 2D/1N

**Subject to change as the date draws nearer**


Exclusively a Crater Lake National Park trip because it helps us put more focus on one place and makes it more meaningful. In short, this is a 2D/1N trip with 15 hours of driving, double of that outside of the car (14km of hiking) and should be back to Hillsboro by 9pm on Sunday. This trip is configured for the more outgoing folks who prefers outdoor adventure. Below are the details which are not finalized yet but pretty much laid out carefully. I will cut it off by early of ww42.


Assumptions: 1km/30mins to cover, slow pace hike in which you can converse comfortably.
Rim Drive is expected to be open until late October before the first significant snow fall.

Area of Interest

Weather Forecast
Saturday: Partly Cloudy, 10% chance of rain, 50F-60F.
Sunday: Mostly Sunny, 10% chance of rain, 50F-60F.
Great weather ahead :)


Saturday 10152011 
0600: Leave Hillsboro (bfast in car, no choice since added Safari detour)
1000: Time in Safari Drive Through
1130: Head to Crater Lake
1330: Reach Park HQ a.k.a Steel Visitor Center; watch Park Film, learn about lake & people
1415: Hike Lady of the Woods Trail 0.8km loop, 30mins, Easy, Historic Architecture
1500: Hike Castle Crest Trail 0.8km loop, 30mins, Easy, Flowers, Meadows, Creek
1545: Reach Rim Village & Tea Time @ Cafe; Sinnott Memorial Overlook, Visitor Centre, Lake Lodge, Gift Shop

View from Watchman Peak

1715: Hike Watchman Peak 2.6km loop, 2hours, Moderate, Panoramic Views - Best Sunset Spot
1930: Back to car to Diamond Lake Bear Cabin http://www.nationalparkreservations.com/craterlake_diamond_lake.php
2000: BBQ Dinner/Relax/Poker?/Recuperate


Sunday 10162011
0600: Rise and shine
0700: Leave for Rim Drive. There are 6 must see overlooks, Watchman was one yesterday
0730: Cleetwood Cove Trail

One of many views from Mt Scott Trail (Highest Point in Crater Lake NP)

0900: Hike Mount Scott Trail 8.1km loop, 3hours, Strenuous, Panoramic Views - Best Morning Spot. Lunch at Peak just like Multnomah Falls.
1300: Cloudcap Overlook
1400: Pumice Castle Overlook
1430: Phantom Ship Overlook
1500: Hike Pinnacles Valley Trail 1.6km loop, 30mins, Easy, Volcanic Spires
1600: Vidae Falls
1630: Off to Eugene for Dinner
1900: Dinner at Eugene (place tbd)
2000: Back to Hillsboro
2200: Home sweet home and Monday I will OOP 1st half. 


Wildlife watching includes elks, bobcats/mt lion rare, fox, black bear, marmot, porcupine, grouse or bald eagle..dawn and dusk are the best times. 1st day might be a good chance since we will hike until dusk.


I chose to skip this @ Roseburg: http://www.wildlifesafari.net/default.asp
And also this @ Gold Hill: http://www.oregonvortex.com/


Trails by the following order and info:
Lady of the Woods Trail: http://www.craterlakeinstitute.com/cultural-history/structures/lady-woods.htm
Castle Crest Trail: http://www.craterlakeinstitute.com/planning-visit/activities/trail-castlecrest-wildflower-garden.htm

Watchman Peak Trail: http://www.craterlakeinstitute.com/planning-visit/activities/trail-watchman-peak.htm
Mount Scott Trail: http://www.craterlakeinstitute.com/planning-visit/activities/trail-mount-scott.htm

Pinnacles Valley Trail: http://www.craterlakeinstitute.com/planning-visit/activities/trail-pinnacles-valley.htm