1. Around the Rim. From the rim road there are several interesting trips. The Watchman, which has a fire lookout at its summit, is a short climb of less than half an hour by trail, starting on the north side from the parking area by the road. A splendid view and a chance to learn something of the work of a fire lookout are the reward. The ranger-naturalists conduct scheduled walks to this objective. Firemaps, binoculars, the vantage point of a lookout tower, and an enthusiastic green-clad dispenser of information are valuable aids. Just north of the Watchman is Hillman Peak, 8156, an interesting, easy climb. So, too, is the walk up the grassy slopes to the summit of Llao Rock. On the opposite side of the lake a trail leads from the junction of the Cloudcap Spur to the summit of Mount Scott, 8938, the highest point in the park, which is also surmounted by a fire lookout. From it there is a magnificent view along the crest of the Cascades from Mount Jefferson and the Three Sisters to Mount Shasta. To the west, one gets a bird’s eye view of Crater Lake and its relation to the remnant slopes of old Mount Mazama. Beyond are the Calapooyas and the Siskiyous. To the east are block fault mountain ranges and desert pumice flats.
On the south side of Crater Lake is Sun Notch, only a quarter of a mile above the big loop in the road. The Notch was cut by a glacier existing on Mount Mazama before its destruction. Its U-shaped form is characteristic of a glacially scoured trough. The view from this place of vantage is well worth the few minutes needed to make the trip. From the Notch it is easy and worth while to climb along the edge of the rim to the summit of Dutton Ridge.
Another easy hike is to follow the old road and the crest of Munson Ridge to Park Headquarters or all of the way to Annie Springs, if desired. At places the crest is knife-edged, and opens up surprising views. A return hike to the Rim can be made via the trail that leads through the Castlecrest Gardens.
2. The Northwest Section of the Park. Red Cone, 7372, is a very easy climb that can be made from the north entrance road; the slopes are open and there is no need of following any trail. From this elevation come most of the volcanic bombs, big and small, which are found in the park. There is an old crater on the summit which has been almost completely filled with volcanic ejecta.
In the extreme northwest part of the park on the boundary line are Boundary Springs, the source of the Rogue River. This is an enticing, flowery spot, which can be reached by following the Castle Creek and Bald Crater motorways for seven miles from the north entrance road at a point four miles below the rim drive. The springs can also be reached by a much shorter trip from the Diamond Lake Highway to the north.
