Crater Lake

Crater Lake at water level.  Photo by Anders Tomlinson.  Klamath County Oregon.

A deep blue that will take your breath away
Crater Lake is 1,943 feet at it’s deepest point,the seventh deepest
lake in the world and the deepest in the United States. Lake levels
fluctuate slightly from year to year. Winter snows supply the lake
with water. Crater Lake, 42.95°N 122.10°W, is a 45 minute drive from
Harriman Springs Resort & Marina, a trip to a spectacular world unlike
any other. It is no wonder that Crater Lake is a National Park.

crater lake national park, klamath county, view from watchmen's tower. photo by anders tomlinson

400,000 years in the making and boom!
Crater Lake lies inside a caldera, or volcanic basin, created when
12,000 foot high Mount Mazama collapsed 7,700 years ago following a
large eruption. The lake averages more than five miles in diameter,
and is surrounded by steep walls that rise up to 2,300 feet above its
surface. Wizard Island rises 764 feet above the lake surface. Mt. Scott,
at 8,929 feet, is the park’s highest point.

crater lake national park, klamath county, looking down at water and shoreline. photo by anders tomlinson

More than a special place it is a special spirit
Upwards of 500,000 people visit Crater Lake. The park is open year
round with July and August being the busiest months. Lake temperature
varies between 32 and 66 degrees at the surface. More than 260 feet
below the surface, the water remains a constant 39 degrees year-round.

crater lake national park, klamath county, looking at cliff with orange outcropping. photo by anders tomlinson

Seeing a wind-blown sky within the water
On June 25, 1997 scientists recorded a record clarity reading of 142 feet
– 43.3 meters. Crater Lake is one of the clearest lakes in the world.
It usually has clarity readings of 80 to 115 feet.

crater lake national park, klamath county, looking down at water and tour boat at cleetwood cove.

Seeing the lake by tour boat is beyond an E-class ticket
Crater lake is an unique ecosystem. Scientists have identified 157 species
of phytoplankton and 12 species of zooplankton in the lake. Large colonies
of moss circle the lake at depths of up to 400 feet. At the bottom of the
lake, communities of bacteria gather around at least two areas of hydrothermal
activity. Rainbow trout and kokanee salmon thrive in the lake, the result
of stocking between 1888 and 1942. A 6.5 pound, 26 inch long rainbow trout
has been documented. Fishing is allowed at Cleetwood Cove and
on Wizard Island. No fishing license is required.

crater lake national park, on a boat tour of the lake, klamath county.  photo by anders tomlinson

Geology, natural and cultural history come alive
Imagine spending a couple of hours circumnavigating a volcano from
inside on a deep lake. To board the tour boats in Cleetwood Cove one must
descend a 1.1 mile trail which drops 700 feet from road to water level.
This is an experience in and of itself. Three are other tours that allows
people to spend as much as six hours on Wizard Island. One is far far
way from the modern world. The price of admission is well worth it.

crater lake national park,  tourist looking out at fumeroles.  photo by anders tomlinson

On the road up to the lake’s rim
There are 700 plant, 52 mammal, 8 amphibian, 4 reptile, 5 fish, and 151
bird species in Crater Lake National Park. The park is much more than
the legendary lake itself. There are canyons and creeks cutting down the
slopes. Here, two observers look up a canyon at fumeroles.

crater lake national park, the pinnacles. klamath county.  photo by anders tomlinson

Away from away are the Pinnacles.
Off of Rim Drive one can take Pinnacles Road which leads to Pinnacles
Valley and Pinnacles overlook. When Mt. Mazama literally blew its top
off 200 to 300 foot deposits of gas-charged hot ash and pumice surrounded
the volcano. Hot gas escaped through fumaroles formed by the hot gas bonding
ash and pumice into channels. The tall pinnacles are the result of eroding
loose ash and pumice leaving the cemented material.

crater lake national park, klamath county, looking down at phantom ship island. photo by anders tomlinson

Recognized as a national, and international, treasure
Phantom and Wizard are the two islands in the lake. The park comprises
183,224 acres, 90% is managed as wilderness area. Crater Lake was
established as the seventh national park on May 22, 1902. This photo
was taken on the year’s last day rim drive was open to the public.
That night a snow storm made the drive impassable. It might not be
reopened until June depending on that year’s conditions.

crater lake national park, snow being removed from rim drive, klamath county.  photo by anders tomlinson

Few places in the northwest received more snow than Crater Lake
Winter brings some of the heaviest snowfall in the country, averaging 533
inches per year. Although park facilities mostly close for the season, the
park’s south entrance is kept open for visitors. Snow can still be on the
ground in early summer.

crater lake national park, heavy snow and photgraphing the lake in winter, klamath county.  photos by anders tomlinson

A sunny winter day is a snowy wonderland to enjoy.
The air is crisp. The silence echoes off the caldera walls. A photograph
frames an image that will not rival the experience of being there. A person
takes off alone into the forest. times like this one cannot truly be alone
because they are with Crater Lake.

crater lake national park, four photos of winetre activities., klamath county. photos by anders tomlinson

Moving around in the winter is an aerobic and aromatic experience
Cross-country skiing and snowshoe hikes make Crater Lake a winter wonderland.
Crater Lake has 90 miles of maintained trails and 74 miles of paved road, including the
33 mile rim drive that circles the lake. What opportunities for winter explorations.

crater lake national park seen from the road crossing fort klamath, klamath county.  photo by anders tomlinson

It is a pleasure for one to say they visited Crater Lake
The bottom of Crater Lake is close to the elevation of these fences and barns.
This photo is taken from a road that takes one to Kimball Park another
majestic destination. Here, springs coming out the cliffs feed the Wood River
at the feet of Mt. Mazama, home of Crater Lake National Park.


Join Bob Ganey American Tourist at Crater lake


On the Way to Crater Lake from Harriman Springs

topo map of crater lake national park, u.s.g.s.

Like No Place Else On Earth
The following is from the Crater Lake National Park’s home page –
“Crater Lake has inspired people for thousands of years. No place
else on earth combines a deep, pure lake, so blue in color; sheer surrounding
cliffs, almost two thousand feet high; two picturesque islands; and a violent
volcanic past. It is a place of immeasurable beauty, and an outstanding outdoor
laboratory and classroom.”
The map is courtesy of the U.S.G.S. For more information visit Crater Lake National Park

©2013 Anders Tomlinson and Robert Ganey, all rights reserved.

Wood River Valley

crooked creek fish hatchery, wood river, kimball park, fort klamath.  photos by anders tomlinson.

It All Started Here, And Here Lives On
Wood River Valley is the old west surrounded by mountains and it can be
a stopping point halfway between Harriman Springs and Crater Lake. In
the valley there are wonderful places to visit: Kimball Park, Wood River
Day Use Area and the Klamath Hatchery on Crooked Creek.

four fort klamath scenes, klamath county.  photos by anders tomlinson

Fort Klamath
Fort Klamath is an unincorporated community of barely 200 people and
is one of the oldest settlements in Klamath County. Fort Klamath post
office was established January 6, 1879. In the summer, cattle are trucked
in and graze on rich pasture grass. The town is located about a mile
northwest of Fort Klamath, the Oregon Trail military outpost, which is
listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
GPs: 42°41′31″N, 121°58′20″W

fort klamath museum.  wood river valley, klamath county.  photo by anders tomlinson

Fort Klamath Museum
Located north of Klamath Falls on Hwy. 62.  Fort Klamath was a frontier
military post established in 1863 at a time when the country was engaged
in a Civil War. Recruits were rallied from volunteers for service for
Frontier Protection and an enrollment office was established in
Jacksonville in late 1861. The territory they patrolled was huge as it
covered the Southern Route of the Oregon Trail known as The Applegate
Trail. Most were young fellows from the farms of Oregon who came
in singing this ditty:  “I’m a raw recruit with a brand new suit.
One hundred dollars fourty, And I’ve just come down to Ashland town,
To fight for Jackson County.”

A replica of the Guard House exhibits artifacts found on the site,
photographs and is staffed by a knowledgeable docent who tells a
compelling story of events witnessed by those who lived there.
The famous prisoners taken during the Modoc Indian War were held
in the guard house during their trial and until the final days.
The site has the graves of the Modocs executed following the War.
Captain Jack, Black Jim, and Schonchin John.  The Fort Klamath Jail
and Post Office are on the site.  A worthwhile stop on your way
to Crater Lake. The grounds has a replica of the old fort Gazebo
if the weather is inclement and picnic tables. Check with the
Klamath County Museum for hours and days open…
The Fort Klamath Museum segment was written by Pat McMillian.

four scenes of kimball park, klamath county, oregon. photos by anders tomlinson

Kimball Park
J. F. Kimball State Park is a pristine site located at the headwaters
of the Wood River. A walking trail connects the campground to the
site where the clear spring bubbles from a rocky hillside. The park
is a secluded place where you can contemplate the moment while relaxing
in the whispering lodgepole pines. Wood River flows from the pine forest
into open meadow land laced with picturesque quaking aspen surrounded
by the southern Cascade Mountains. Wood River offers fine fishing that
can be accessed from the park by canoe. Kimball Park offers primitive
camping next to a spring-fed lagoon at the beginning of this waterway.
GPS: 42°44′18″ N, 121°58′48″ W

The park is operated and maintained by the Oregon Parks and Recreation
Department, and is located approximately 20 miles southeast of Crater Lake
National Park and 3 miles north of Fort Klamath on Oregon Road 232, off of
Highway 62. The park was established in 1955, and covers 19 acres.
including the headwaters of the Wood River.

There is a popular horse trail that begins at Collier Memorial State
Park that leads through the forest to Kimball State Recreation Site.
Riders must make a round trip from Collier State Park since there are
no horse corrals at Kimball Recreation Site.

For Kimball Park birding information visit Klamath Birding Trails

wood river day use park, wood river valley, klamath county, oregon. photo by anders tomlinson

Wood River Day Use Park
The Wood River Day Use Area, elevation 4200, is located along the
Wood River in the Upper Klamath Basin. The site offers a disabled
accessible trail system that winds through stands of aspens, extending
to meadow-shrub riparian areas and an overlook of the river.
A diversity of wildflowers blooms during the spring and summer.
In the fall, aspen, cottonwoods, and willow turn a brilliant yellow.
The Wood River Area offers three picnic sites, fully accessible trails,
fishing platforms and restrooms, but bring your own drinking water.
Picnicking, fishing and wildlife viewing are popular activities.
This is also one of the popular stops along the Klamath
Basin Birding trail.

There is no fee for use of the area and tables are available on
a first-come, first-served basis. The Wood River Day Use area is
located off Highway 62, Crater Lake Highway. approximately two miles
from Fort Klamath. GPS: 121° 58′ 54.12″ W, 42° 42′ 15.34″ N.

For Wood River Day Use birding information visit Klamath Birding Trails

crooked creek - klamath fish hatchery. wood river valley, klamath county , oregon. photo by anders tomlinson

Crooked Creek Fish Hatchery
Klamath Hatchery is located along Crooked Creek, a small meandering
stream with a well developed riparian area. This hatchery raises
rainbow, cutthroat, brook and brown trout. It provides legal-sized
trout to Klamath and Lake counties and fingerlings for lakes from
the southern Cascade Mountains east to the Idaho border. The current
production is approximately 1 million fish each year.
GPS: 42°36’30.5″ N
, 121°56’34.09″ W

Visitors can also purchase fish food for 25 cents per small handful
and feed the trout in either the fish ponds or in Crooked Creek.
There is also a viewing area along Crooked Creek with a wooden deck
to peer into the waters and feed the trout that often come up to the
surface in hopes of swallowing a food pellet or two.
Some of these fish are native to the Creek and others are hatchery
escapees. Crooked creek is also used for spawning by fish from
Klamath and Agency Lakes during the winter and spring months.

wood river valley during a 1996 new years flood.  photo by anders tomlinson

Looking south at Crooked Creek and a Flooded Wood River Valley.
Crooked Creek starts from a dozen hillside springs that also supply
water for Klamath Hatchery. The springs run a nearly constant volume
and stay in the middle 40s F year-round. Crooked Creek is also used for
spawning by fish from Klamath and Agency Lakes during the winter and
spring months. This section of creek is closed to fishing to protect
watchable fish for this viewing area. The creek is open for
fishing downstream of the pasture fence during the trout season.

Birds to Look For: Great Blue Heron, Osprey, Wood Duck, several
warbler species and Mountain Bluebird are commonly seen
around the hatchery.

wood river scenes, klamath county, oregon. photos by anders tomlinson.

Wood River
The Wood River meanders 18 miles through the Fremont-Winema National
Forests, Bureau of Land Management land, and private property in
southern Oregon before flowing into Agency Lake. Its watershed consists
of 220 square miles of conifer forest, rural pasture land, and marsh
with headwaters emanating from a large natural spring located in
Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site. The aquifer that feeds
the spring is believed to originate twenty miles to the northwest
in the east side drainage of Crater Lake National Park. The drainage
around its headwaters is forest county dominated by ponderosa pine
and lodgepole pine with some quaking aspen in meadow lands.

The Wood River’s largest tributary is Annie Creek which originates
inside the boundary of Crater Lake National Park, and is fed by
the park’s snowpack as well as groundwater from natural springs.
After leaving the park, Annie Creek passes through the Fremont-Winema
National Forests and then runs along the western border of Sun Pass
State Forest for about a mile. It then crosses private pastureland
and is joined by Sun Creek before joining the Wood River, about a
mile south of Kimball State Recreation Site. From there, the Wood
runs south through the Fremont-Winema National Forests and private
pasture land before Fort Creek joins the flow. Below Fort Creek,
the river flows through private pasture land and then opens into
a wide marsh. Much of the original marsh is now pasture land.
Water from the river is diverted into a system of canals to
irrigate grazing land in the surrounding valley. Finally,
Crooked Creek joins the Wood approximately one mile before it
empties into Agency Lake, which is connected to Upper Klamath Lake.

The Wood River habitat supports wild, self-sustaining populations
of brook, brown, Great Basin redband, and coastal rainbow trout.
These species are widely distributed throughout the river system
from the headwaters to Agency Lake. Bull trout are native to upper
Sun Creek inside Crater Lake National Park. Great Basin redband
trout and coastal rainbow trout are species, both rainbow trout
subspecies, native to the Klamath Basin.

For Wood River Valley birding information visit Klamath Birding Trails

wood restoration projects, wood river valley, klamath county, oregon.  photo by anders tomlinson

The Wood River Was Changed By Man And Changed Again.
In September 1992, U.S. Congress appropriated funds for the
Bureau of Land Management to purchase 3,200 acres of natural
wetland along the north end of Agency Lake at the mouth of the
Wood River. This wetland area was converted to pasture land in
the 1950s and 1960s. The land purchase was completed in 1994.
Since acquiring the Wood River property, the Bureau of Land
Management has successfully restored the wetland area and
adjacent Wood River channel to a more natural state. The channel
restoration project was completed in 2001. The new channel
meanders through the marsh, increasing the length of the
Wood River by over one half mile. Overall, this project has
improved water quality and created better habitat for fish,
birds and wildlife.

©2014 Anders Tomlinson, all rights reserved.