Five of us headed up to Crater Lake to snowshoe from the ranger station at the base to the rim.  The road up to the rim was closed and we were early enough to be among some of the first up to the rim. 

The weather was perfect - clear blue sky with 25 to 30 degree weather.  We did have to cut our trail for a bit, but then joined a somewhat packed route once we got into the forest and past the avalanche meadow. 

The lake was dark blue and you could see Mt. Thielsen clearly.  Lunch was somewhat of a challenge because eating with gloves off caused finger tips to freeze up quickly.  We did see both Clark’s Nutcrackers and Gray Jays during lunch. 

The hike, although less than 3 miles, takes some effort to climb the 650+ feet up to the rim.  It was a perfect day to snowshoe up to the rim and each of us had a smile on our face going home.

Keeley Kirkendall

Track download: Crater Lake 2-17-21.gpx