|
Free Traveling Guides » States » Oregon » Greater Oregon
The Watchman
The Watchman is a spectacular viewpoint located to the west of the Wizard Island. The Watchman was so named in 1886 after a watch point was set up in this area by the U.S. Geological Survey. Initially, it was also known as the Cleetwood Cove or the Dutton Cliff.
The Watchman offers breathtaking views of the magnificent Mount Shasta (14,162 ft) located in Northern California. The Hillman Peak (8,192 ft), the highest peak on the rim of the crater, is situated to the North of the Watchman. The viewpoint also offers scenic views of the Llao Lake. In short, the Watchman is the best Viewpoint in the Crater Lake National Park. The Watchman’s lookout tower located high on the western rim of the Crater Lake offers a spectacular view across the astonishingly blue lake to the Wizard Island. It was built in 1932 and is staffed with several rangers who answer hikers’ questions and help spot fire.
There is a 1400-yard (1.3 km) long path that leads to the top. The precipitous climb up the Watchman is one of the most favorite paths in the National Park. Yet another 2-mile path leads to a viewpoint above the Devils Backbone. Pets are not allowed on any of the Park Trails. The Watchman Trail starts at a large, rail-fenced parking area and ends at the viewpoint on Crater Lake's Rim Drive. The parking area can be found easily by driving either 4 miles north of the Rim Village or 2.2 miles (3.5 km) south of the junction with the north entrance road.
There are beautiful snowfields along the trail till the month of August. Other major attractions you will come across along the Trail include the Mt. Hemlock, patches of pinkish 5-petaled Phlox, and white lupine. The Watchman Viewpoint area has a lot to offer and is full of wildflowers, meadows, rock fields, snow patches, and scenic views across the Pumice Desert to the Three Sisters. Cat-sized marmots and the famous bird called the Clark’s Nutcracker can be spotted in the area.
The Crater National Park is open from Mid-July to October and the entrance Fees is merely $10 per day per car, or $25 per season.
|
