CRATER LAKE
REFLECTIONS

Junior Rangers

Park Rangers have a very interesting and exciting job. They study and protect the water, plants, and animals at Crater Lake National Park. They also provide information and services to many visitors. Unfortunately, we don't have enough park rangers to talk to each visitor, or to make sure that the park stays clean and the animals stay safe. We need your help. The following activities will help you learn more about Crater Lake. You'll still need to complete a Jr. Ranger booklet (available at park visitor centers) to become an official Jr. Ranger and receive a badge, but these activities will help you learn more about this exciting place. Once you know more about the park you can help us protect it. Good luck. We're counting on you!

I'm a tree!
I'm a tree!

During the long winter season of Crater Lake, we get a lot of snow — so much snow that many of the trees have to adapt to the deep and heavy amounts of snow that fall on their branches. Pretend you're a tree. Hold your arms out to the side and ask an adult to try to push them down. What should you do as a tree to keep the snow from breaking your branches?

Check below for answers.

Pretend you're an animal that lives at Crater Lake National Park. Draw a picture of yourself. Include where you live, what you eat, and where you sleep.

If you enjoyed doing these activities, when visiting the park get a Jr. Ranger book from one of the visitor centers. After finishing the book and attending 2 programs, you will receive a Jr. Ranger Badge!

A Touchy, Feely Hike

This is a fun idea for any trail in any park. We suggest the Castle Crest Wildflower trail, the Godfrey Glen trail or the Annie Springs trail.

Here's what you do:

Start walking!
After a minute, STOP.
What do you hear?
Name 2 different things that you can hear.
Okay, start walking again.
After a minute, STOP.
Reach out and touch 3 different things (like tree bark, a rock, or flower petals).
Remember, don't pick them take them with you.
What do they feel like?
Okay, time to start walking again.
After a few minutes, STOP.
Look around.
Does the trail look different now than it did when you started?
What are 2 things that look different?
Talk to a ranger or an adult about what you noticed during your stops. Congratulations! You're done!

The Animals Need Your Help

Wild animals are only supposed to eat wild food (grass and seeds that naturally grow the park). Unfortunately, people still feed them. Feeding animals is bad for animals and for people. Many animals store their food and save it for winter. When they store "people food" it doesn't last long and rots before the animals can eat it. With their stored food gone, they starve during winter. Plus, animals do bite the hands that feed them. In order to protect people and animals we try to stop people from feeding them. But, we need to make a sign that lets everyone know it is dangerous to feed wild animals. Can you draw a sign that will help us?