On Monday we finally brought the snowshoeing season to a close with our annual trip to Crater Lake. The road to the rim parking lot was cleared after too much snow forced postponements in January through March. The asphalt was cleared but there was still plenty of snow on the rim trails.

And the weather was a plus! It was a bright sunny calm day with the temperature ranging from the mid-40s to the low 50s.

We were surprised to have free admission to Crater as the entry booth was closed.

Eleven of us stretched our legs after the two-hour drive to the Lake. And used the men's and women's facilities, before strapping on snowshoes for the climbing up to the rim and our first view of the Lake.

The surface of the Lake was completely still with reflections of snowy slopes all around. There were clear views of the surrounding mountains and peaks, too.

After taking in the views, we headed north along the rim following a suspended guide rope and then over near the edge above the road. Still bearing north we hiked along tree lines and up and over mounds of snow slopes until we found ourselves moving away from view of the Lake. After a while, we decided to head back to the starting point, and then hike south towards, the Lodge.

We got about halfway to the Lodge on the snow but then found we were roped off, so we went back to the cars and put away the snowshoes then walked down through the parking lot for lunch along the Lodge wall facing the Lake.

From north to south, we had clear views of Wizard Island, Watchman Bluff, Thielsen Mountain by Diamond Lake, Adele Butte, which appeared to be a small volcano to the east. Mount Scott, and Garfield Peak.

A snow-removing mechanized shovel was busy removing tons of snow from the first two stories of the Lodge.

After lunch, we got another group picture along the wall with Crater Lake in the background.

Nine of us headed back down Highway 62 with stops in Prospect to view Mill Creek and Barr Creek Falls at full runoff, and in Shady Cove to enjoy the wares at Phil's Frosty.

Randy and Linda stayed at the Lake for more snowshoeing and more great photos!

On the day, we hiked 4 miles with about 500' of gain.

It was a great day!

Happy Trails,
Rich