Medford Things to Do

Crater Lake is Oregon's only National Park. Winter is a special time to experience the park.

The road around the rim is closed with the first significant snow fall. Cross country skis or snowshoes are the best way to experience Crater Lake during the winter. Park rangers lead snowshoe hikes during the winter and even have loaner snowshoes. However, cross country skis glide a lot better than snow shoes. You will have to bring your own skis or rent them in the near by Rogue Valley or Klamath Falls.

During the summer and early fall, a bike ride around the rim road (about 50 km) is a wonderful way to experience the park and see the lake. Be prepared for a lot of elevation change.

Stretch: Hog Creek to Grave Creek
Difficulty: Class II+
Distance: 14.4 miles, 1 or 2 days
Flows: 800 - 3000 cfs, measured upstream at Grants Pass (USGS site)
Gradient: 4 fpm average, including flatwater in the middle
Put-in: at Hog Creek access, 750'
Take-out: at Grave Creek access, 690'
Shuttle: 15 miles (half hour) one-way
Maps: Rogue National Forest
Season: Year round, from springs and snowmelt