The temperature last night while in my tent at the Mazama Campground in Crater Lake National Park hit a low of 36 degrees, which was quite welcomed and refreshing given I am carrying my heavier camping gear.  After breaking camping then hiking Lassen Peak in Lassen National Park yesterday, then riding 250 miles, followed by setting up camp again, I probably could have slept through the night with a marching band surrounding me.  No bands were seen or heard, but I did fall asleep and awake to the sound of water (woo-hoo!!!) which was just beyond my campsite and down a short but steep cliff: Unlike yesterday's spontaneous hike of Lassen Peak, I actually scheduled to spend today hiking in Crater Lake National Park, specifically the Mount Scott trail, which is the highest point in the park.  After finishing a hearty breakfast and sorting my gear, I fired up my FJR1300 motorcycle and headed for the Mt Scott trailhead.  I made a stop at the Visitor Center to not only re-acquire another National Park Passport stamp (I obtained the first one while on my way to Alaska in 2007).  While in the VC I picked up a hiking guide to the area, which showed there were 3 top-rated “strenuous” hikes: En route to the Mt. Scott trailhead (which is on the east side of the lake), I stopped to take a few photos:   While I was taking pictures a car pulled into the turnout and out popped an older couple who excitedly declared “We saw you in Lava Beds National Monument yesterday!!”.  They didn't seem like the stalking kind so at ease you worriers.  They did suggest that perhaps they should take a photo of me, which undoubtedly will make for one happy 86 year old Matriarch!   Here's the info at the Mt. Scott trailhead: Ready for a 5 mile hike with an elevation gain of 1,250 feet? Heck yeah, going to the top.... To the left of the snow patch in the above pic is a fire tower on the peak....yup, going there!: The trail was a switchback climb... ...which afford wonderful views of Crater Lake when stopping to catch your breathe and looking at the view behind:   The higher you go, the better the views!: As stated in the park brochure, it's a rather steep 2.5 mile ascent... Always an odd sight to see birds (which are specks) flying below me. The thin gray line to the right is the East Rim Drive: The time for this hike as listed by the park service was “3 hours”.  After exactly 46 minutes of hiking, I rounded a blind corner and saw this.... the tower!  I made it!  Woo-hoo!!  Enjoyed a snack at the summit with grand views.... A view to the east of Crater Lake from the fire tower: Posted on the tower: It was windy at the summit, but I was able to wedge my camera between some rocks and get this: Trail on the way down was just delightful: I was back at the bike in less than an hour and half, which included a plethora of stops for photos.  I didn't expect to make such good time and since it was only noon, I thought I'd ride around the rest of the East Rim Drive.  This section was closed when I was here last due to snow. Stopped at a few overlooks for more close-up pics of the lake... This was taken on the west shore looking back at Mt Scott, where I had just finished hiking:   Yet again, while stopped someone asked if I'd like for them to take my picture.  Geez, this is a record – 3 pics of me in the same day.  The Matriarch might start doing backflips: Another look at Mt. Scott from another overlook along Rim Drive: Mo wanted to join in the photo taking party: A shot of Wizard Island (which is named for its unique resemblance to a wizard's cone-shaped hat); the island is a smaller volcano inside a bigger volcano. Top of Wizard Island:   At one of the lookout's I looked across the lake and saw what was marked on my map as “Garfield Peak”.  I pulled out the hiking guide I picked up earlier and saw that the Garfield hike was 3.4 miles, elevation gain of 1,010' and listed as taking “2-3 hours”.  Being that I smoked Mt. Scott, I had plenty of sun and supplies, well, you guessed it... off I went to the Garfield Peak trailhead.  I didn't see any signs other than the one off the road designating the start of the trail.  I swapped motorcycle gear for hiking gear once again, covered the bike, and off I went! More steep ascent and more great views! Not many places can you find water this blue and this clear: Amazing geology in this place:   As I was hiking up Garfield Peak, it was odd to look across and see Mt. Scott knowing I was standing at the top of it earlier in the day: If you don't like steep ascents then this isn't your hike... ...but, wow, the views you can get when stopping to look back!: This hike afforded more great views of Crater Lake: I guess if cliff edges aren't you're thing it's best you avoid this hike: A shot of Phantom Ship (small island) in the distance: Nice trail indeed: A shot of Rim Dr West... hmm, wonder why motorcyclists like this road?? Comin' 'round the corner to the peak.... Twenty nine minutes after leaving Mo to watch the bike... I made it to the peak!! (alright, there better be one happy 86 year old with the pics!):  Time to head back down... End of trail at Garfield Peak looking west at Mt. Scott: Photos from my hike back down (yes, that's snow in the bottom of the photo).... The trail actually starts near the Crater Lake Lodge.  I parked the bike in the parking lot, which I could see almost the entire way up and back....albeit with binoculars or a super zoom camera! The FJR is in the first space closest to the building: As I neared the start of the trailhead I heard a strange noise ahead.  I couldn't figure out what it was until I actually saw it: While leaving the lodge parking area I passed by two parked motorcycles.  Who knew Samsonite made motorcycle luggage?? So, after last night's fandango with my banana and the peak critter, I decided once back at my campsite that I'd go walk up to the general store near the entrance to the campground to see if by chance they had a banana: Whaddya know, out in the middle of nowhere, a banana was found!: I decided to eat my banana and drink the carton of milk I had just purchased on the way back to my campsite just in case the little thief happened to go psycho and attack me and my banana.  Ya'll think I'm kidding, huh?  I got back to camp, set my empty milk carton with the banana peel in it on the picnic table, and bent down to unlace my shoes.  When I stood up and went to pick up the milk carton again, I felt a resistance, much like you'd feel when there is a fish on the end of your line:   This little guy would NOT let go of my banana peel!  I was able to grab my camera with my right hand and take these two photos while he chomped away: After 9 miles of hiking, I'm ending my day just like I started it.... listening to the sound of flowing water! AGirl   If you wish to receive direct emails from me whenever a new Journey Report has been posted than simply click: This Link Copyright © 2006-2012, All Rights Reserved.