Full Moon Camping at Crater Lake National Park, 1 night

For many of us who've been here before, it's hard to describe to someone who hasn't, just how blue the blue is. Am I right? Come wintertime the national park and the surrounding area is magical. At the lake, the contrast of the blue water against the white of the snow is absolutely breathtaking. Imagine what it'll be like during a full moon?

So, I've posted this a couple of times last year, and each time it was thwarted by virtue of a winter storm, so much so, that Park admin closed the road to the rim, now only accessible via the Raven Trail (2.5 miles, 616' e.g.). I've looked at countless trail reviews and have seen nothing about what it's like pulling a sled over that distance given the conditions.

So, just like previous posts, I've listed two options. One, if the road is open, and two if it's not. Well, the road will be closed until late June or July. To that, we all must either pull our sleds, or pack up our gear to the rim. Last time I spoke with a ranger, he said its allowed certainly, but we must camp near or beyond Discover Point. That is approximately 1 mile more.

General itinerary:
Tuesday, 3rd
9:00 am Depart Oblivion Pour House Grill
11:30 Arrive southern entrance to Crater Lake NP: park/lake.
We must get a wilderness permit from the Steel Visitor center.
01:30pm arrive Discovery Point, make camp
* Of course we can leave earlier if the group agrees.

Wednesday, 4th
10:00am depart campground.
11:00am, breakfast at Beckie's (its known for homemade fruit pies).
We should be back up in Bend -or- drive back to Bend.
It takes 2.5 hours via the southern route (RT62 via Chiloquin), and 3 hours via Diamond Peak and south.

What to bring? ALL YOUR COLD WEATHER GEAR. DO bring extra guy lines and snow pegs. Microspikes just in case.

Monitor the conditions here. Here too.

I'll need a couple of drivers with "America the Beautiful" or similar passes to volunteer their 4WD, or AWD vehicles. We all pitch in $15 for gas. *I have an "America the Beautiful" Pass that will waive the park entry fee for at least four of us in one vehicle.

PLAN B, should we be thwarted once again, if we'd like to continue the Full Moon theme: April 1st, May 1st, June 29th, and July 28th. So we wait and see. Again, fingers crossed.

The end time is approximate.