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Crater Lake is lucky to be located in one of the wildest locations
in the lower 48. Massive national forests border the park to make
an important and breathtaking ecosystem.
Fremont-Winema National Forest: This neat forest borders
the eastern flank of Crater Lake and covers 1,045,548 acres of
rugged Oregon countryside. Huge meadows and marshes teeming with
animal life make up the lower elevations of the forest while ominous,
snow capped volcanic peaks mark the high points.In 1993, the USFS
estimated the forest to be 711,000 acres of old growth - mostly
lodgepole and ponderosa pine. The forest receives 500,000 visitors
a year with ranger districts in Chemult, Chiloquin and Klamath
Falls. The Fremont-Winema National Forest contains several wilderness
areas. They are: Gearhart Mountain Wilderness (22,809 acres),
Mount Thielsen Wilderness (55,100 acres), Sky Lakes Wilderness
(113,590 acres), Mountain Lakes Wilderness (23,071 acres).
(541)947-2151
Rogue River-Siskyou National Forest: This massive national
forest covers 1,800,000 acres and borders Crater Lake National
Park on the west. This national forest drew 900,000 visitors in
2006. There are six wilderness areas on the forest. They are:
Copper Salmon Wilderness (13,700 acres), Grassy Knob Wilderness
(17,200 acres), Kalmiopsis Wilderness (179,000 acres), Red Butters
Wilderness (19,940 acres), Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness (33,200
acres), Siskiyou Wilderness (152,000 acres), Sky Lakes Wilderness
(113,590 acres), Wild Rogue Wilderness (35,818 acres).
The Rogue River-Siskyou also has the distinction of being the
first location for a bombing of the continental United States
by enemy aircraft. In September, 1942 the airplane dropped a bomb
on Mount Emily.
(541) 618-2200
TTY: 1-866-296-3823
Umpqua National Forest: A majestic 1,000,000 acres of douglar-fir,
hemlock, cedar, various conifers and hardwoods. The Umpqua lies
northwest of Crater Lake, and like the other forests and the park
itself is of a volcanic nature. There are three wilderness areas
in the Umpqua National Forest. They are: Boulder Creek Wilderness
(19,100 acres), Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness (33,000 acres),
Mount Thielsen Wilderness (55,100 acres).
The forest received 800,000 visitors in 2006.
Umpqua National Forest
2900 NW Stewart Parkway
Roseburg, OR 97471
(541) 672-6601
Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge: Located east of
Crater Lake on on county highway 676, this 40,646 acre wetland
area is teeming with wildlife such as waterfowl, great gray owl,
rocky mountain elk, bald eagle, American white Pelican, peregrine
falcon, wood duck, spotted frog, yellow rail, sandhill crane.
I really enjoyed my time in this beautiful refuge and I liked
how it bordered the Winema National Forest for an extra layer
of protection.
Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge: 15,000 acres of
open water and marsh, similar to the main Klamath Marsh Refuge.
Located south of Crater Lake via highway 62 to national forest
road 3237(5.5 miles before Fort Klamath heading south).
Diamond Lake: An absolutely beautiful 2,824 acre lake just
north of Crater Lake on state highway 138 in the Umpqua National
Forest. It's known for huge rainbow trout, campgrounds and resorts.
8,375 foot Mount Bailey rises 3,188 feet above Diamond Lake.
Looking towards the Winema National Forest from
Crater Lake.
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