Help is needed to assist park visitors by disseminating park information to visitors on the rim (or by providing roving visitor services at various overlooks along the rim).

Each summer we help maintain or build a trail in the park. In previous years we have helped reroute the Pacific Crest Trail to include a portion for lake viewing, rehabilitated the North Junction Overlook, and helped maintain existing trails.

1996's project was trail sign inventory and culvert removal on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). We hiked the Annie Creek connector trail which follows a portion of the old wagon road that went from Fort Klamath to Jacksonville in 1865. We made a significant contribution to the park and had a lot of fun!

The trail project for 1997 was working on the Annie Creek Canyon Trail. Trail work included bridge replacement, installation of water bars, trail inventory wtih a mileage wheel and basic trail enhancement. The Sunday morning project was trail enhancement of the Discovery Point Trail (along the Rim) and additional work on the Annie Creek Canyon Trail.

The trail project for 1998 had to be delayed until early August due to a lingering snowpack in the park. We spent the weekend working on the ever popular Castle Crest Wildflower Garden Trail, doing trail tread and drainage work and replacing a creosote-treated bridge with a natural wood bridge using a historical design for the structure.

Also due to heavy snowpack, the 1999 trail project was held in mid-August and involved the construction of the first interpretive trail in the park since 1963 -- the Park Headquarters Historic Walking Tour in the Munson Valley Historic District. Visit our photo page for a look at Friends-in-action at 1999's event.

Our 2000 Trail Project Weekend started off the new century with relocating the trailhead to Crater Peak. The old trailhead was on the busy Loop Drive and had inadequate parking. The new trailhead is now in the Vidae Falls Picnic Area. See our photo gallery for all the fun and hard work. We continued this project in 2001, including installing new picnic tables plus additional trail work.

2002 marked the centennial year of the creation of Crater Lake National Park. The Friends played an integral role working with the National Park Service and other park partners in celebrating this year-long event.

The year 2003 brought us back to Lost Creek Campground to install bear-proof storage lockers. This was a fun and rewarding weekend and the end result will help improve the safety of both campers and black bears alike. See our photo gallery for all the fun and hard work.

2004 brought us back to work on the ever popular Annie Creek Trail. One of the foot bridges crossing Annie Creek needed to be replaced, and we were just the group to do it! We also spent some time working on water bars, trimming brush, and doing general tread repair.

2005's event involved installing "Danger" signs to remind visitors to be careful around the caldera, cleanup/rehab of a backcountry campsite, and our ongoing Adopt a Highway project.

The park contains miles and miles of trails and boundaries, all desperately needing attention. Friends "adopt" a portion of a trail and/or boundary system, either as individuals or as groups. Duties include light minor trail maintenance, litter patrol, sign inventory (sometimes maintenance), photography and reporting condtions to park staff.

This is a fun way to sepnd a day or several days. Do this solo or with others. Pick your favorite trail or boundary or go exploring new country. The annual training session is designed to prepare you for working safely in the backcountry.

The park provides a radio and "flight following". That is, they keep track of us so if anything does go wrong, they know when and where to come looking. You will be signed up as in official "Volunteer in Park", thus protected just as employees are under Workman's Compensation and the Tort Claim Act (liability).

In 2003, the Friends have a limited amount of housing (a rustic two bedroom historic stone house) to offer Volunteers who are working in the park. Work a couple of days and then stay another day or two without working to reward yourself. Housing is on a first come, first serve basis with priority given to higher priority projects so you must reserve ahead of time.

It is best to e-mail George Buckingham.

In past years, we've participated in special projects ranging from planting rare Collomia Mazama, to holding seminars, workshops, or walks hosted by experts in their field. Guided walks are usually given on the Sunday afternoon following the trail project weekend. In 2002, the park celebrated its 100th anniversary and the Friends played a key role in organizing a number of events.

In 2002, to commemorate the centennial of the founding of Crater Lake National Park, the State of Oregon authorized the creation of a Crater Lake license plate for Oregon residents.

The funds raised go to establish an endowment that will support the new Crater Lake Science and Learning Center. The Center will facilitate research in the park and, just as important, put scientists, educators, artists, and students of all ages together toward a common goal of inspiration, appreciation of natural and cultural resource stewardship.

The Friends role is to supply volunteers to facilitate the purchase of license plates in the park. Visitors will be given information at the entrance gates encouraging them to stop at the Community House. There, all the visitor has to do is write a check. We do all of the paper work and mailing. Training will be provided.

Friends of Crater Lake National Park have also adopted a highway. We meet 3 to 4 times a year to help keep the south entrance road clean.

Each winter many Friends have enjoyed staffing this desk in the cafeteria during winter weekends. A short training meeting is usually held in mid-November for those interested in participating.