Pacific Crest Trail
The Pacific Crest trail spans 2638 miles from Mexico to Canada, along
the
Sierra-Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges. Thirty three miles of
the trail
travel through Crater Lake National Park. However, up until 1995,
the
trail did not offer any views of the lake. In June of 1995, an
alternate
section of trail was opened to bring hikers closer to the lake.
The
alternate trail follows the caldera rim for six miles, and as a result,
offers
the hikers fine views of the lake. Hikers planning to spend the
night in
the park must receive a backcountry permit. Uhler (2002) provides
a fine
history of the Crater Lake portion of the Pacific Crest trail here.
At the midway point of the alternate trail, you can also access the
trailhead to
The
Watchman.
Click HERE to see the map!
Sunset from the Pacific Crest Alternate Trail. Photo credit: B. Walker