Snowmobiling
Provisions for use of snowmobiles and snowcoaches within the park would remain as under existing conditions. Under this alternative, the only snowmobile/snowcoach route in the park would continue to be between the north entrance and North Junction (Route SI). Snowmobile/snowcoach use would not be eliminated under this alternative; however, no additional access would be provided.
Cross-Country Skiing
Under this alternative, the existing ungroomed trail network would be maintained. Unrestricted cross-country ski use would be allowed throughout the park. A groomed trail system would be created at Mazama Village (Route GC 1) within existing campground roadways. The purpose of this area would be to provide a more sheltered location for beginning cross-country skiers. The visitor experience could be enhanced by including an interpretive component designed to educate users about the Mazama Village area and surrounding ecosystem. Cross-country ski instruction could be provided if sufficient demand existed. Instruction would not be provided by the NPS. Year-round lodging, food service, and equipment rental at Mazama could be supported under this alternative since greater winter visitor use in this area would increase the demand for such services.
Snowshoe Walks
Same as Alternative 1, with the option for additional snowshoe walks from Mazama Village.
Overnight Camping – Front Country
Overnight recreational vehicle parking or camping would be prohibited in Rim Village or Munson Valley. Facilities or spaces for overnight RV and car camping would be provided in Mazama Village.
Overnight Camping – Back Country
The existing overnight back-country permit camping system would be maintained. In addition, the NPS would explore development of a hut-to-hut cross-country ski system within the park to increase opportunities for winter back-country use.
Figure 4. Alternative 3, Expanded Cross-Country Skiing.
Expanded skiing and Altemative 4 – Expanded Cross-Country Skiing and snowmobiling Snowmobiling (Figure 5)
Snowmobiling
In addition to the existing snowmobile/snowcoach route from the north entrance to the North Junction (Route S 1), snowmobiles would be allowed access to the rim via Pinnacles Road (Route S2). Snowmobiles would enter and exit the park via the former east entrance and travel on Pinnacles Road to and from the Phantom Ship overlook at Kerr Notch. This would provide an additional 12-mile roundtrip route for snowmobile use in the park. A route along the northeast portion of Rim Drive linking Pinnacles Road with the North Junction is not proposed because of steep terrain and avalanche hazards in the Dutton Cliffs area.
Cross-Country Skiing
In addition to the cross-country skiing described under Alternative 3, the NPS would explore development of a groomed trail system on Rim Drive. Alternatively, a groomed trail could be set on Rim Drive east to Vidae Falls (Route GC2) or Sun Notch, and possibly west to the Lightning Springs trailhead (Route GC3) along the Dutton Creek trail.
Snowshoe Walks
Same as Alternative 3.
Overnight Camping – Front Country
Same as Alternative 3.
Overnight Camping – Back Country
Same as Alternative 3.
Figure 5. Alternative 4, Expanded Cross-Country Skiing and Snowmobiling.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Your written comments regarding the WUP and this document are welcomed and are an important component of the decision-making process. Written comments will be accepted until February 27, 1994. Please send all comments to:
Mr. David Morris
Superintendent
Crater Lake National Park
P.O. Box 7
Crater Lake, OR 97604
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