Beginning of the trail...

Beginning of the trail leading to the summit of Crater Mountain- look carefully for footprints leading through the brush. First destination is the saddle seen in this photo (attained after multiple switchbacks up the slope), from which a steep pumice slope leads to the summit plateau. The trail at first goes up this drainage for perhaps 100-200' before veering right across the mountainside to begin the switchbacks. 17 July, 2005