Met Todd, the main historian for the museum, at a Star Party they hosted on the grounds. Beautiful dark sky area and we could see so many amazing stars and planets. Todd was very hospitable and knowledgeable. The grounds of the museum are beautiful and rich with history. Todd makes effort to share the areas history from multiple perspectives and it sounds like he and the local community have done admirable work in the last 10 years to repair the relationships with local native tribes, honoring their ancestors burial grounds at the Fort and telling their stories.
If you’re entering Crater Lake from the south you’ll drive right by it. I recommend the stop!
Site has no water so pack in plenty. High Desert, plan accordingly. We were there in mid-August and only 3-4 of the 66 sites were occupied. Plenty of space to spread out. Not many trees. Site 26 and 47 had some trees and light shade cover. Weekends are nice. I assume all weekdays are noisy. Got there Sunday night and it was nice and quiet. Just the coyotes, occasional cow and car driving by the main road. Monday was relentless. There is a commercial aggregate operation across the road and they run big trucks between sites non-stop 24 hours starting Monday morning and all Monday night through Tuesday until we left. I assume this happens on all weekdays. Bathrooms were clean (even the portapoties). Didn’t interact with camp host much but he seemed nice and was respectful of our space and privacy.
This place is special and amazing. Not the largest falls, not the grandest views, but the most unique I’ve seen, the most lush and magical. Plus the smell! Herbaceous and fresh. You can do a 2.9 mile out and back that has a bridge but If you don’t mind fording a river (1-2.5 feet at the time of writing) You can start at the parking lot for Hedge Creek falls, and then it’s barely a mile from the start. Walk down past the little creek (Hedge) falls, keep following the trail down to the river. Cross the river. Go right and follow the train tracks to the bridge. Take a right down the ledge before the rail bridge. Enjoy! I might post pictures later but you should just go!