In his annual report for 1928 Mather was particularly pleased with the development projects in the rim area. He observed:
This vital Rim Area was opened at its west boundary by the completion of a new road, built on high standards of grade and curvature and emerging at the Crater edge at a point which gives the visitor a first breathless view of the magnificent spectacle. From this point a new road was completed and oiled that distributes traffic in turn to the new cafeteria and cabin group, to the camp ground or finally to the hotel at the opposite end of a half-mile plaza. On each side of this boulevard an eighteen foot parking strip was provided, which will accommodate several hundred cars. Along the very edge of the Crater rim a wide asphalt promenade was constructed for pedestrians, and the intervening area between this dustless trail and the log parapet which limits parking alongside the boulevard there was graded an area of variable width which will be restored to native grasses and wild flowers. The general effect of this development is a diminishing of the dust evil, greatly improved parking and traffic problems, and a bettered landscape.
The simultaneous completion of the new cafeteria and group of rental cabins, together with the new Crater Wall trail taking off from the west end of this area, rounds off this development. The new trail to the lake was constructed on high standards to permit the use of saddle animals, enabling many thousands to enjoy the lake who were heretofore denied that pleasure by physical incapacity. [20]
Construction and development projects at Crater Lake continued to be under the direction of Engineer Webber in 1929. The old ranger station at Anna Springs was torn down and removed. A new checking kiosk was constructed at Anna Spring, and the combination bunk and mess house at Government Camp was completed. The Mess Hall, as the building came to be called, housed kitchen and dining facilities and living quarters for seasonals. The latter building replaced a log structure that was removed, thus contributing to “a vast improvement to the landscape and efficiency of Government camp.” Park day labor crews constructed a new sewage disposal system at the park headquarters, consisting of a sewer line running from the utility area to an underground septic tank. [21]
A large appropriation of $94,400 for roads and trails permitted considerable construction in the park during 1930. Superintendent Solinsky reported that the following projects were undertaken:
Construction of the stone parapet along the lakeside of the rim promenade has been started and the work is progressing satisfactorily. When completed it will add very materially to the appearance of the rim area and will serve as a barrier to confine the people to the promenade.
A parking area at Elephant’s Back has been completed and a water supply provided for the motorists, which proves a very great benefit during the hot summer days.
About 3,800 feet of the new Garfield Peak Trail have been completed. The new trail will be approximately 8,000 feet in length. It will afford easy access for both foot and horse passengers to the top of this most interesting peak, where splendid views of the lake and surrounding country may be had. It no doubt will rival the new Crater Wall Trail to the lake in popularity with the visitor. The trail is being constructed on high standards with a minimum width of 4 feet and maximum grade of 15 per cent.
The new trail to Victor Rock and the new Sinnott Memorial have been completed with the exception of the surfacing.
About 9 miles of bridle paths have been completed leading from the rim to Anna Spring, with return trails, making a very interesting horseback trip.
Guard rails at the Anna Spring checking station and on one approach to Goodbye Bridge were constructed. Oil processing of the section of road crossing Goodbye Bridge was completed.
