In October 1906 Arant described the condition of the four roads and three trails in the park. The road from the south boundary of the park to the Crater Lake post office at Anna Spring was in “fairly good condition for travel” as was the road from the post office to the rim of the lake. Both roads needed widening and smoothing out, and some bridges required extensive repairs. The old road to the rim of the lake was in poor condition, but it was “very little traveled.” When the new road to Whitehorse was completed, there would be no reason for its maintenance. The road from the west line of the reserve toward the crater was not in good condition and required substantial and permanent improvements. Arant observed further in regard to the matter of road improvements :
. . . It is proper to state that in the spring of each year the roads are found to be washt out in many places, and deep ruts are cut by the heavy rains and waters of the melting snows and obstructed by fallen trees, logs, stones, and brush, and the repairing alone requires a considerable amount of labor. In many places the roads are in bad condition by being partially overgrown by brush, which should be cut away and the roads otherwise improved.
Of the three principal trails in the park the one leading from the rim of the crater down to the water’s edge was the most heavily used. The trail was
very steep! crooked, and in many places dangerous, so much so that only the stronger individuals are able to make the descent and ascent, and many are thus deprived of the pleasures of the trip to the water. A trip down into the crater to the lake is one of the chief attractions of a visit to the park, and it is urgently necessary that better facilities for making this trip be provided.
A climb down and up over this trail when it is at its best is as hard a climb as people are able to make, but nearly all visitors and tourists in the park are disappointed if they do not make this trip; and it will require a considerable amount of work and expense to put it in only fairly good and safe condition. It should be widened out and straightened, and in many places steps should be cut in the stone and hard earth, and a small, strong cable should be stretched along the trail on the lower side to make it safe and to assist in climbing down and up the crater wall. . . .
The other two trails, one leading along the rim of the crater and the other to Bybee Creek, were little used but required improvements. [6]
Concession visitor services were provided at Crater Lake for the first time in 1907 as a result of efforts initiated by Steel. In April he wrote of his plans in Steel Points:
For many years we have tried to induce some one to establish hotels and other accommodations at Crater Lake, but without success. When a National park was created renewed efforts were put forth to accomplish the purpose, but with no better results. While in Washington City recently, the matter was taken up with the Secretary of the Interior, and a plan outlined to accomplish the end in view. These plans will require the entire time and attention of some one whose heart is in the work. This is exactly what we have been endeavoring to avoid, but many friends have urged us to take it up, and after mature deliberation we have decided to do so, relying implicitly on the interest and loyalty of the commercial bodies and citizens generally of Southern Oregon for support.
As soon as final authority is received from the Government, steps will be taken to form a corporation, and an immediate canvas will be made for stock subscriptions. With that end in view we will visit Jackson, Josephine and Klamath Counties, and will not stop with the getting of stock subscriptions, but will personally see that the work in the park is done in a creditable manner. What is accomplished in the way of improvements will depend entirely on the amount of money realized by the sale of stock. One thing is certain. Permanent camps must be established this year, and they must be comfortable and clean. Food must be well cooked and well served, and rowboats must be placed on the lake. During the present season plans must be matured for improvements next year, and the money must be in sight to meet expenses. At least one building must be constructed this year to house the property in Winter, and also a shelter for the boats. Water must be brought to the camp at once, and in permanent form. Next year at least one first-class naphtha launch must be placed on the lake, and the construction of buildings must be actively under headway. Within a very few years railroads will be in the vicinity of the park, and facilities for the accommodation of guests will be taxed to their utmost capacity, and Crater Lake will divide honors with Yellowstone and Yosemite for tourist trade. [7]
After considerable lobbying by Steel the Department of the Interior authorized and licensed him to personally conduct camping parties from the railroad terminus at Klamath Falls to various tent camps within the park from May 1 to November 30, 1907, using wagons, carriages, or other suitable conveyances. He was also permitted to maintain permanent camps on sites designated by the park superintendent. [8]
