Mar. 3-5, 2023
by Ann Truax, Co-leader
As 30 people boarded the luxury bus heading to Crater Lake, we all had expectations of what the trip might bring. Some of us imagined skiing along the West Crater Rim with a view of the unfathomable, picture-perfect, blue depths of the lake itself. Others hoped to telemark down the southwest side of Garfield Peak. Some of us were prepared with skins to attempt the steep climb up the Raven Trail. Others might have worried about the potential for avalanches. Even others were making plans to ski from the park headquarters, lower down from the crater, on the East Rim drive.
Spirits were high as we set out. The rolling potluck didn’t disappoint. We passed the various dishes, cheese platters, pizza, spanakopita, noodle salad, …… from one to another over the seat backs. Wine and beer added to the fun. We arrived at the Prospect Inn along with plenty of snow. After checking in, many of us hung out in the cozy fireplace room, enjoying each other’s company, getting to know new friends and making predictions about the day ahead.
The snow continued the next morning. After breakfast, we loaded onto the bus with Harold, our congenial driver, a man, possibly in his 70’s, with at least 26 years’ experience driving big rigs. We headed toward Crater Lake in deeper and deeper snow. We had heard the early morning ranger report that the road to the rim was closed, so we planned to park at the Headquarters and ski from there. About halfway up, the bus lost traction, which meant it was time for chains. Harold, in his street shoes, proceeded to lay down on a tarp and attempt to attach the chains, a harder task than expected, even with the help of some of the skiers. The chains fell off twice, increasing the tension on and off the bus. Finally, success!
Meanwhile, forest service plows were continually trying to keep the road clear, a losing battle. A tall ranger, with his statuesque bearing and in a Stetson hat, who would put John Wayne to shame, stopped us and informed us that the entire road was closed. He doubted the bus could make it up the “screwdriver” section of the road ahead. He reported that the rangers had been keeping track of us and monitoring our progress, a somewhat comforting thought. We followed his plow to a turnaround and headed back down the mountain to a snow park called Thousand Springs.
We all piled out of the bus, eager to finally ski or snowshoe. Most of us headed up a side road. At the trailhead sign, there were avalanche warnings and even a device to test transceivers. Not long after, a small plow cleared the road, which was obviously used mostly by intrepid snowmobilers (although none ventured out that day). The snow was perfect! Some of us forged ahead, past steep, potentially hazardous, slopes. Others were more cautious and turned around. When we all finally returned to the bus, everyone seemed happy and invigorated and ready to get back to the lodge for the prime rib/ salmon/ lasagna dinner.
That evening after dinner, a few of us ventured out to a bar down the street, The Trophy Room. The owners had arranged for a band that night, but unfortunately the drummer worked for ODOT and needed to be out plowing roads. The Trophy Room was a sight to behold, with extensive taxidermy and antlers on every wall, including a cougar attacking a deer. The owner explained, when he bought the bar, it had been closed for several years and much of the taxidermy had been buried in dust
The next day brought more snow and extreme weather warnings of a storm covering Medford to Eugene. More of the same as yesterday to get to Crater Lake, and then home to Portland, what to do? Our leader, Johanna Lovell, after collaborative discussions with many of the skiers and Fred, the hotel owner, finally decided to go back up the road to another snow park called Farewell Bend. From there we skied along the Rogue River past the Rogue River Gorge toward the Natural Bridge, where the Rogue disappears into a lava tube and reemerges lower down. The scenery was spectacular as the Rogue thundered through the narrow gorge past collapsed lava tubes. Many of us then circled around to Becky’s Cafe, where the pie was equally impressive!
We left an hour early to beat the weather, but the predicted storm never happened, and we had an uneventful return to Clackamas Town Center, where our cars were parked.
Highlights of the trip were: the participants’ patience and flexibility as we had to change plans on the fly; the hospitality at the Prospect Inn; the addition of Shelley, from Wy’East Nordic, and her husband, Dave Hakanson; Harold’s excellent driving and willingness to accommodate our change in plans; and finally, the beauty of the scenery amidst the abundant snow.
