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Crater Lake National Park, OR

Jul 25 - Aug 1, 2015 -- $1225 ★★

7,700 years ago in Southwest Oregon, a volcanic caldera formed what is now Crater Lake National Park. The beauty of Crater Lake's extremely deep, pure and blue water make it a life-list destination. We will be hiking atop the surrounding cliffs, 2000' above the lake for sweeping views of the lake and island.


We'll also spend a few days on the famed Pacific Crest Trail on our weeklong excursion to this amazing wonderland.


Our journey will begin at the Grouse Hill Trailhead on the Northwest side of Crater Lake. We’ll head west on the famed Pacific Crest Trail to Red Cone Springs where we'll hike Southbound on the official (but lesser used) PCT. We'll day hike to Mazama Village and then leave the Pacific Crest Trail to head up the gorgeous Crater Lake Rim. The last 3 days will be spent hiking on the rim above Crater Lake where we'll summit 8094' Garfield Peak, 8054' Watchman and the highest peak in the park, 8929' Mt. Scott. We will be exposed to almost continual expansive views of Crater Lake and the surrounding mountains.



Weather

Weather is always an important concern when hiking. Expect daytime hiking temperatures in the 60s & 70s and nighttime temperatures in the 40s and 50s. However, be prepared for the possibility of freezing temperatures overnight. Summertime generally means fair weather, but it can rain and there still might be snow on the ground. You can also check out the historical weather conditions.



Trip Leaders

Deb Lusk
Kate Lukof

Cost

$1225 per person double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share a room with another participant during the 2 hotel nights. You will only be responsible for transportation to and from Medford, OR (MFR), personal equipment and any restaurant meals eaten off the trail.


Covered expenses include 2 hotel nights, 6 days of trail meals, ground transportation, Park entrance fees, National Park permits, insurance, and 2 awesome guides.



Important Note

The trails around Crater Lake, including the Pacific Crest Trail are very well groomed with occasional blowdowns in some sections. And while there are certainly terrain changes, the overall daily elevation changes are moderate, except for summiting Garfield Peak & Mt. Scott, which both involve fairly long uphill climbs (without full packs).


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Packing List
Itinerary
Weather
Guides for this trip
Cost
Important Note
Difficulty (Please Read)
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Itinerary


Saturday, July 25, 2015

Drive or Fly into Medford, OR (MFR). The best time to arrive is between around Noon-3PM. However this is a small airport with limited service, so if you can save a substantial amount by arriving a few hours earlier or later, then do so.

Take the free airport shuttle to Quality Inn & Suites Airport, 1950 Biddle Road, Medford, OR, 97504, (541) 779-0050

Equipment shakedown

Trail mix distribution

Go to REI or Northwest Outdoor Store, 980 Biddle Rd., Medford, Oregon 97504, (541) 245-4000 for last minute equipment

"Before" measurements taken

Go out for dinner in town (not included in trip price)



Sunday, July 26, 2015

Second set of "before" measurements taken

Free breakfast at hotel

All the items that you won't bring on the trail will be set aside and put in storage.

Shuttle about 2.5 hours to the Grouse Hill Trailhead

Begin Hiking, elevation 6500'.

Hike 3.2 miles Southbound on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)

Hike 0.6 miles to Red Cone Springs

Camp at Red Cone Springs, elevation 6250'

Miles today: 3.8. Total miles: 3.8

Possible bailout: North Entrance Road


Monday, July 27, 2015

Hike 1.0 miles on the Pacfic Crest Trail to Bald Crater Loop Trail

Hike 5.8 miles to Bybee Creek

Camp at Bybee Creek, elevation 5750'

Miles today: 6.8. Total miles: 10.6

Possible bailout: Several poor options


Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Hike 1.0 miles to Lightning Springs Trail

Hike 4.2 miles to Dutton Creek

Set up Camp at Dutton Creek, elevation 6050'

Day-Hike 4.2 miles round trip to Mazama Village

Camp at Dutton Creek, elevation 6050'

Miles today: 9.4. Total miles: 20.0

Possible bailout: Mazama Village


Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Hike 2.4 miles to Rim Village and drop packs upstairs above store

Day-Hike 3.4 miles round trip to Garfield Peak Summit, elevation 8054'

Pick up packs and Hike 2.9 miles to Lightning Springs

Miles today: 8.7. Total miles: 28.7

Camp at Lightning Springs, elevation 7250'

Possible bailout: Rim Drive


Thursday, July 30, 2015

Hike 1.8 miles to the Watchman with sweeping unobstructed views of the entire lake, elevation 8013'.

Hike about 6.0 miles to Grouse Hill Campsite

Miles today: 7.8. Total miles: 36.5

Camp at Grouse Hill Campsite, elevation 6600'

Possible bailout: Rim Drive


Friday, July 31, 2015

Hike 1.0 miles to the Grouse Hill Trailhead

Drive to the Mt. Scott Trailhead

Day-Hike 5.2 miles round trip up Mt. Scott, elevation 8928', the highest peak in Crater Lake National Park

Miles today: 6.2. Total miles: 42.7

Possible bailout: Rim Drive

Shuttle back to Quality Inn & Suites Airport, 1950 Biddle Road, Medford, OR, 97504, (541) 779-0050

After measurements taken

Dinner and awards Ceremony (Dinner not included in trip cost)

This is the official end of the trip. You are welcome to spend the night at the hotel, however if you drove and would like to get on the road or if you flew and would like to schedule a late flight (or a red-eye if this is a West Coast trip) you can definitely do so.


Saturday, August 1, 2015

Free Hotel Breakfast

Leave Hotel

Free airport shuttle


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