Lava Beds/ Crater Lake Equinox
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Start date: 09/20/2018
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Start time: 12:00 AM
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End date: 09/23/2018
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End time: 11:59 PM
Description:
This is a 4 day, 3 night trip to the Lava Beds National Monument & Crater Lake National Park (this is the leader's first visit to Lava Beds so the first part of the trip is exploratory). Lava Bed's two main attractions are the historical sites of the Modoc War and exploring up to twenty the lava tube caves. Most of the caves have ladders and walkways. Some will involve crawling, stooping through low sections, and walking across rough floors. Only one cave has lighting. At Crater Lake, we will enjoy stunning views from the western rim. Then celebrate the Autumnal Equinox with dinner at the historic Crater Lake Lodge. The final day we'll visit Mount Scott the only location where the entire lake will fit into a regular camera's view finder. Expect bright nights as a Harvest Moon will be approaching with each evening.
Trip cost (campsite fess) will be determined in early September.
Day 1: Thursday, September 20
We'll depart Eugene at 8 am and drive to the Lava Beds National Monument where we'll arrive between Noon and 1 pm. The driving route will be 58 to 97 to Klamath Falls the over the California border to Lava Beds. Camping is first-come-first-served at the Monument's Indian Wells Campground so finding 2 spots will be our first priority. Afterward, we can hike the trails and explore some of the many caves. Pack light, we might need to hike a quarter mile into the backcountry to camp if the campground is full (this is very unlikely, but it is a possibility). There are no stores nearby. The campground has running water and flush toilets, but no showers.
Day 2: Friday, September 21
Spend all day exploring caves and hiking.
Day 3: Saturday, September 22 (Autumnal Equinox 6:54pm)
Break camp by 9 am, if time and the route allow, drive to the Petroglyph section to see some of the largest concentration of petroglyphs in the US. Our drive to Crater Lake's western rim will take about 2.5 hours, including a stretching stop. At Crater Lake, we will explore the Watchman that overlooks the lake, and the picturesque Annie Creek Canyon near the campground. We will be overnighting in two tent camping areas at the Mazama campground. This is great opportunity to get cleaned up and enjoy a shower. Celebrate the equinox with 7 pm dinner reservations at the Crater Lake Lodge. Those who prefer to eat in the campground are welcome to do so.
Day 4: Sunday, September 23
Break camp by 9 am and drive to the eastern rim where we'll start at the Mount Scott trailhead (hiking 5 miles round trip, and 1,300 feet of elevation gain) to the summit of Mount Scott (elevation of 8,929) for breathtaking views of Crater Lake. The drive back to Eugene is 3.5 hours. Plan to return late afternoon.
NOTE 1 : There will not be a pre-trip meeting for this trip. About 3 weeks before the departure date the trip leader will touchbase with participants via email. The departure location will be provided,
NOTE 2 : If you are very uncomfortable with dark small spaces, or elevations of ~9,000 feet, you might want to reconsider this trip.
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Event Leader: Mark Hougardy
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Event Leader Phone: 541-206-9532
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Event Leader Email: hougardy@gmail.com
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Assistant Leader:
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Event category: Trips
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Area Type:
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Departure Location: See Trip Description
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Rating: Moderate
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Roundtrip total drive miles: 420
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Season: 2018
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Permits Required:
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Event Status: Passed
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Supplies and Equipment Required: For the caves you should bring the following gear: long sleeves, long pants, closed-toed shoes or boots, gloves, helmet (a hard hat), a compass, and two flashlights. Kneepads are optional, but might be needed in some caves. The park store does sell hard hats and flashlights. # Bring your camp or hiking stoves for preparing meals; campfires will be dependent upon conditions at the time. # Campsite costs for the 3 nights will be $20 per person; payable to the trip leader. # At Lava Beds, plan for temperatures down to the 40s (inside the caves and possibly at night). # Weather at Crater Lake can change overnight, be prepared for cold, wet, and even snow. # We will be carpooling from southeast Eugene (details to be sent to participants closer to the trip date). # Dinner at the lodge is additional; menu is here: www.craterlakelodges.com/assets/Lodge-Dinner-2018.pdf
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participant prerequisites:
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Conditions:
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Total Distance: 12
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Member Fees: 2
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Elevation Gain: 1300
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Non-Member Fees: 10
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Committee: Trips
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Junior member fees: —
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