Mount Mazama is a world famous volcanic complex in Central Oregon and is mainly known as Crater Lake. At one time it was around 12,000 feet but 7,700 years ago lost over 3,000 feet. What was first an eruption quickly collapsed into a massive crater which slowly filled with rain water. Now Crater Lake is the deepest freshwater lake in the United States and sees tourists from around the world. The Klamath Native Americans believed that Mount Mazama was inhabited by Llao, their “Chief of the Below World.” The English name for the volcano, “Mount Mazama”, came from William G. Steel who was the founder of The Mazamas climbing club
Ski Touring Around Mount Mazama
After a great day ski touring on Lassen Peak we spent the night camping on the Crater Rim of Mount Mazama. Being next to the edge I slept on the concrete outside of Amar’s Car and woke up to the early morning light. Being that it was my first time in the area I wanted to take in the sunrise. Before long the high clouds started changing colors as I made my morning coffee.
Soon enough the sun started climbing over the northeast horizon. It was a nearly clear sky without any wind and soon enough the snow would soften to perfect corn. Within minutes we would be in the sun for the rest of the day but at the moment it was quite cold.
Finally the early morning sun lit up the mountains to the east. It was a dramatic drop as the mountains collapsed into Crater Lake below. On the left hand side of the photo below we could see the upper slopes of Mount Scott. After a few days we would head that way to ride the open bowls but our attention for the day was Hillman Peak and Watchman Peak.
Starting our Day on Mount Mazama with a Summit of the Watchman
After an hour of watching the early morning sun it was time to start packing for the day. Our plans were to head to the western side and hit the high points of Mount Mazama. It would be a mixture of ski turns as well as taking in the stunning scenery. Though the National Park system had started plowing out the road they still had a long ways to go before finishing clearing the route.
We decided to start our day by heading towards the summit of the Watchmen. We weren’t exactly sure what aspect we would ride but figure it out as we got there. Working our way across the Crater Rim the terrain was unique and stunning. Soon we would be skiing the two peaks in the middle of the photo.
Following the rim of Mount Mazama we kept running into the road which was bare pavement. With over three feet of snowpack the biggest challenge was getting back on the snow. In the distance we could barely make out the lookout tower on top of the Watchman.
Soon enough we were on the summit of the Watchman and looking at the deep blue of Crater Lake. Directly to the east was Wizard Island with Mount Scott in the far distance. It was both a stunning and dramatic view of the Mount Mazama complex.
Skiing the North Slopes of the Watchman
From the summit of the Watchman we decided to head down the north slopes. While a short descent it would take us back to the plowed out road and towards Hillman Peak. Dropping in we were able to find great turns on the semi firm surface.
Once riding down to the road we decided to walk along it to the north side of Hillman Peak. It would be an easier climb to the summit proper. Soon enough we were back on the snow and skinning towards the top. In the distance Mount Bailey stood higher then the surrounding peaks.
For the last few steps we decided it would be easier to boot pack to the summit. While we would have been able to skin up it was faster just to kick our way up.
Our Second Summit on Mount Mazama via Hillman Peak
Arriving at the summit of Hillman Peak we had stunning views in every direction. To the north we had a clear view of Mount Bailey and Mount Thielsen. It was amazing to see how the volcanoes stood out among the low hills with endless forest until reaching the higher slopes.
Standing on the Crater Rim of Mount Mazama it looked like there was a nice run all the way down to the water. Although it seemed like a great descent it was illegal and by now dangerous slush. There was no way that it would be a safe descent as a wetslide could take you all the way into the water.
Looking to the southeast we could see our route of the day on the rim of Mount Mazama. For the most part the terrain was easy and flat but there were steep faces here and there. The parking lot we had slept in is open all year round but the Crater Rim road is only open during the summer.
Soon enough it was time to transition for our final descent of the day. It had been a short but scenic morning with only two ski runs but we were mainly there for the views. Finding some warm rocks I sat there and slowly transitioned to snowboard mode.
Our Final Ski Run of the Day on Crater Lake
Finally it was time for our final descent of the day on Mount Mazama. Walking to the Crater Rim Amar snapped a scenic shot of me before we snowboarded down. Walking along the narrow ridge the terrain dropped off to the east and west.
Finally we were skiing down the west side of Hillman Peak and it’s wide open slopes. Being only a few hundred feet we were soon back at the road and preparing for a long and flat tour back to the car.
Skiing Hillman
Attempting to stay on the snowpack we followed the Crater Rim road. Knowing that the southern slopes of both Hillman Peak and the Watchman were melted out there was no reason to climb them. Before long we were back at the car and preparing for our next day. We would be heading South to California to ride the southern most volcanoes of the Cascade Range.
