Leave No Trace
John Broward

Crater Lake National Park is a special place worthy of protection. With so little federal land protected as wilderness, we must do everything we can to ensure there will be something left for future generations. To help us maintain the natural ecosystems of this magnificent wilderness, please follow the “Leave No Trace” (LNT) guidelines listed below. By living these principles you will help us maintain Crater Lake for this and future generations.

Plan Ahead and Prepare: Know the area and what to expect. Careless hikers not prepared for the conditions may damage sections of the park. For example, hikers on Garfield Peak have eroded fragile meadows in their efforts to avoid crossing snowfields. Learn the special regulations designed to protect Crater Lake’s backcountry. Select appropriate equipment. For example, waterproof boots and gaiters will help keep you on the trail when it is muddy. Repackage food to eliminate unintentional litter. Prepare for extreme weather and other dangers.

Camp and Travel on Durable Surfaces: Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites. Camp at least 200 feet from streams. Avoid areas where damage is just beginning. Avoid camping in sensitive areas such as meadows and near the rim. Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites. Stay on trail and do not shortcut. Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when it is wet or muddy. Remember: good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.

Properly Dispose of What You Can’t Pack Out: Dispose of human waste responsibly and pack out toilet paper. Minimize soap and food scraps in wastewater. Avoid contaminating water sources when washing. If you can pack in full food containers, you should be able to pack them out empty. Do not leave trash in fire rings. People mistakenly believe aluminum and tin will melt. It won’t! Inspect your campsite or rest area for litter or spilled foods.

Leave What You Find: Minimize site alterations. Avoid damaging live trees and plants. Leave natural objects and cultural artifacts for future generations to enjoy. Do not build structures or furniture or dig trenches. Avoid disturbing wildlife.

Minimize Use and Impact from Campfires: Decide whether you should even have a fire. Sometimes the wilderness can be enjoyed more without a fire. Use a camp stove and candle for cooking and light. If you decide to have a fire, be aware of regulations and weather conditions. Use small sections of dead wood and burn them completely. In high use areas, use existing fire rings. For remote areas, learn to use appropriate LNT fire techniques. Make sure fires are out cold and remove non-designated fire rings.

Respect Wildlife: Enjoy wildlife at a distance. Minimize disturbance as much as possible. Do not feed, harass, approach or follow any wildlife. Be aware of the special considerations for bear country. Hang food 15 feet off the ground and keep a clean camp to avoid attracting bears. Exposing animals to human food damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and makes them more vulnerable to predators. Do NOT bring pets into the backcountry. Dogs especially harass wildlife. All wildlife at Crater Lake is protected by law.

Respect Other Visitors: Use discretion in camp location. Reduce your impact on other visitors by being out of sight and sound of park trails when camping. Reduce noise and overly bright colored clothing. Make your campsite look like nobody has ever been there. Step to the down hill side of the trail when encountering pack stock. Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.

For further information on Leave No Trace, ask to watch the LNT video at the Steel Information Center; call the LNT information line at 1-800-332-4100; or visit www.LNT.org on the World Wide Web. If you are interested in a free group presentation in the Crater Lake area, contact Park Ranger John Broward c/o Crater Lake National Park, P.O. Box 7, Crater Lake, OR 97604.

Exploring the Backcountry
Opportunities for wilderness camping are abundant at Crater Lake National Park. All overnight campers must obtain a free backcountry permit, available from a ranger at any information desk during regular hours of operation. The ranger on duty will inform you of the current weather forecast, parking information, and any special conditions you may need to know about.
Please observe the following regulations in the backcountry:

• Groups are limited to 8 people.
• Open fires are allowed only if "dead and down" wood is used. Wood may be collected below an elevation of 6,800 feet. If possible, use an existing fire ring.
• Pack stock is permitted only in certain parts of the backcountry. Ask at an information desk for details, or read our on-line brochure.
• Pets, firearms, bicycles, and motorized vehicles are not permitted in the backcountry.
• Camping and open fires are prohibited within a mile of any paved road; within 100 feet of any water source, trail, or other camping party, except when using a designated campsite; between the Rim Drive and Crater Lake; on Wizard Island, Mt. Scott, or Garfield Peak; or in the vicinity of Sphagnum Bog.
• Pack out all garbage and leave a clean camp.