Fatpacking

7,700 years ago in Southwest Oregon, a volcanic caldera formed what is now Crater Lake National Park. The beauty of Crater Lake's extremely deep, pure and blue water make it a life-list destination. We will be hiking atop the surrounding cliffs, 2000' above the lake for sweeping views of the lake and island.

We'll also spend a few days on the famed Pacific Crest Trail on our weeklong excursion to this amazing wonderland.

The Crater Lake National Park Fatpacking Trip will be from Aug 3-10, 2013. Here is the proposed itinerary.

Our journey will begin at the Grouse Hill Trailhead on the Northwest side of Crater Lake. We’ll head west on the famed Pacific Crest Trail to Red Cone where we'll leave the PCT and hike a 17 mile 2-day loop around Bald Crater. We'll re-join the Pacific Crest Trail, eventually leaving it to head up the steep and gorgeous Lightning Springs Trail where animals abound. The last 3 days will be spent hiking on the rim above Crater Lake where we'll summit 8094' Garfield Peak as well as the 8054' Watchman and be exposed to continual expansive lake and mountain views.

The trails around Crater Lake, including the Pacific Crest Trail are very well groomed with occasional blowdowns in some sections. And while there are certainly terrain changes, the overall daily elevation changes are moderate, except for the day on the Lightning Springs Trail and summiting Garfield Peak which both involve fairly long uphill climbs.

Weather is always an important concern when hiking. Expect daytime hiking temperatures in the 60s & 70s and nighttime temperatures in the 40s and 50s. However, be prepared for the possibility of freezing temperatures overnight. You can also check out the historical weather conditions.

Deb Lusk, lives in Phoenix, AZ and has hiked all over the Arizona Desert. She had guided Fatpacking trips to the White Mountains in NH, The Four Peaks Wilderness in AZ, Shenandoah National Park, VA, and Olympic National Park, WA. Deb is a WMI certified Wilderness First Responder and a Certified Food Handler.

2nd Guide to be determined

Here is a list of equipment we suggest you bring. The list is extensive and can seem daunting, but please don't let this deter you from the trip. You can rent top notch quality gear for reasonable prices from Lower Gear. It may also be possible for us to provide some gear for you at a nominal fee if you let us know far ahead of the trip. Unfortunately, we're not in the gear business so the selection of our available inventory is unpredictable. Please feel free to discuss any gear with us before the trip.

We don't believe in austere eating regimens. Backpacking is a rigorous, rewarding activity. You must feed your body in order for it perform. Your body will dictate that you eat often, so it's important to have fuel to feed it. Please check out the sample menus. This list is not comprehensive and may be altered or augmented. If you want to bring personal food, say a 5 pound chocolate cake, go for it. You'll not only hate carrying it over 40 miles through the wilderness, your body will reject the empty calories and prefer nutritious food.

$1225 per person double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share a room with another participant during the 2 hotel nights. You will only be responsible for transportation to and from Klamath Falls, OR (LMT), personal equipment and any restaurant meals eaten off the trail.

Covered expenses include 2 hotel nights, 7 days of trail meals, ground transportation, Park entrance fees, National Park permits, insurance, and 2 awesome guides.