Event Information 活动信息
- Event Name: Crater Lake NP - Redwood NP, Mt. Rainier (Multi-day trip)
- Location(s): Crater Lake NP, RedWood NP and Mt. Rainier
- Date(s): September 8 - 16, 2026
- Leader in Charge: Patrick Ni
- Leader in Assistance: N/A
- Max. Number of Participants: 8
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate (No technical climbing, scrambling, or backpacking experience is required)
- Accommodation Plan: 3 nights at Crater Lake, 3 nights at Redwoods, 2 nights at Mount Rainier NP
Why Join This Expedition?
This is a premier Pacific Northwest and Northern California adventure combining dramatic volcanic geology, the tallest trees on Earth, and striking glaciated alpine peaks.
- Hike along the rim of Crater Lake, the deepest and clearest lake in the United States.
- Walk among ancient, towering Coast Redwoods and explore lush, fern-draped canyons.
- Tackle classic subalpine trails on the formidable slopes of Mount Rainier.
- Enjoy a well-supported and safely coordinated group road trip expedition.
Requirements 体能要求
- Hike 10-15 km in a day while carrying a day pack.
- Gain and lose up to 500-800 m of elevation in a day.
- Walk on uneven terrain, including roots, rocks, loose gravel, and muddy sections.
- Be on their feet for 4-8 hours per day.
- Tolerate long road-trip days (up to 10-11 hours in a vehicle).
- Independently manage personal medications and basic health needs.
- Follow Leave No Trace and group safety practices.
Itinerary 行程安排
The itinerary is preliminary and is subject to change depending on weather condition. 行程安排(根据天气条件可能会有变化)。
Day 1 - Tuesday, September 8: Vancouver to Crater Lake Area
Depart from Vancouver and drive south to the Crater Lake area.
Base Accommodation Options:
- Mazama Campground
- Union Creek Resort (rustic cabins)
Explore general park logistics and trail outlines at the AllTrails Crater Lake National Park Guide.
Day 2 - Wednesday, September 9: Crater Lake
Explore the stunning viewpoints and hubs of the caldera. Rim Village serves as a focal attraction and the trailhead for multiple hiking options today:
- Discovery Point Trail: 3.5 km, 96 m elevation gain, 1 hour, Out & back
- The Watchman Peak Trail: Includes Watchman Overlook, 2.7 km, 122 m elevation gain, 1 hour, out and back
- Crater Peak Trail: 10.6 km, 356 m elevation gain, 3 hours, out and back
- Sunset photography, reaching the lake shore, and swimming (all activities are strictly weather permitting).
- Cleetwood Cove Trail: 3.2 km, 187 m elevation gain, 1 hour, out and back — (CLOSED)
Day 3 - Thursday, September 10: Crater Lake
Continue checking off key viewpoints and high points along the rim paths:
- Garfield Peak Trail: 5.6 km, 327 m elevation gain, 2 hours, out and back (Fee and seasonal closure rules apply)
- Mount Scott Trail: 7.1 km, 390 m elevation gain, 2.5 hours, out and back (Fee and seasonal closure rules apply)
- Lady of the Woods Trail: 1.1 km, 36 m elevation gain, 30 minutes, loop
- Castle Crest Wildflower Garden Trail: 1.9 km, 35 m elevation gain, 30 minutes, loop
- Rim Trail and Discovery Point Trail: 7.2 km, 261 m elevation gain, 2 hours, out and back
Day 4 - Friday, September 11: Crater Lake to Redwoods
Drive south toward Crescent City, California.
Suggested En-Route Stop: Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve
Accommodation Options:
- Jedediah Smith Campground
- Hiouchi area motels
- Curly Redwood Lodge
Day 5 - Saturday, September 12: Redwood
Immerse the group beneath giant old-growth coastal canopies with these iconic routes:
- Stout Grove: 1 km, 10 m elevation gain, 30 minutes, loop
- Grove of Titans: 2.9 km, 50 m elevation gain, 30 minutes, out and back
- Fern Canyon: 1.9 km, 38 m elevation gain, 30 minutes, loop
- James Irvine Trail: 16.7 km, 427 m elevation gain, 5 hours, out and back (More references on Redwood Hikes)
Day 6 - Sunday, September 13: RedWood
Explore deeper coastal loops and beautiful scenic overviews:
- Tall Trees Grove: 6 km, 237 m elevation gain, 2 hours, loop
- Klamath River Overlook: 1.6 km, 107 m elevation gain, 30 minutes, out and back
- Coastal Trail and Yurok Loop: 3.7 km, 43 m elevation gain, 1 hour, loop
Day 7 - Monday, September 14: Drive to Mount Rainier NP Corridor
Break camp and drive north into Washington state toward Mount Rainier National Park.
Base Accommodation Options:
- Packwood Lodge (Packwood)
- Stone Creek Lodge at Mt. Rainier (Ashford)
- Cowlitz River Lodge (Packwood)
Day 8 - Tuesday, September 15: Hike at Mount Rainier NP
Explore the alpine meadows and subalpine vistas. Important: Group must arrive before 7 AM to avoid parking headaches and summer crowds!
- Skyline Loop: 9.2 km, 543 m elevation gain, loop (via Paradise Visitor Center)
- Reflection Lake to Narada Falls via Lower Lakes Trail: 6 km, 291 m elevation gain, 2 hours, out and back
- Nisqually Vista Trail: 1.8 km, 55 m elevation gain, 30 minutes, loop
Day 9 - Wednesday, September 16: Return to Vancouver After One Hike
Complete a final spectacular northeast alpine trail loop before the final journey back across the border:
- Sunrise Rim Trail Loop and Mount Fremont Lookout: 14.5 km, 608 m elevation gain, 5 hours, loop
Return to Vancouver directly following the completion of the hike.
Equipment 装备
Participants must bring robust day-hiking essentials prepared for both damp coastal climates and chilly alpine elevations. Please review our mandatory requirements guide before registering: hikewithpatrick.ca/before-hiking-with-patrick.html.
- Layered clothing (moisture-wicking base layers, fleece insulation, waterproof rain jacket).
- Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with good traction.
- Trekking poles (highly recommended for elevation changes).
- Daypack (20-30L) with water filtration, headlamp, bear spray, and personal first-aid kit.
Registration 注册
Ready for an unforgettable Pacific Coast & Volcanoes adventure? Spaces are limited to 8 participants.