Page Type:
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Mountain/Rock |
|---|---|
Lat/Lon:
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42.97200°N / 122.132°W |
Season:
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Summer, Fall |
Elevation:
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8049 ft / 2453 m |
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Overview
Narrow ridge descending from Llao Rock to a clifftop overlook. Evaluate carefully and use extreme caution (maybe a belay) if you choose to descend.
Llao Rock (pronounced "lao") is a prominent high point (8049') on the northwestern side of the Crater Lake Caldera. It is roughly north across the crater from the Rim Village and Wizard Island. While Hillman Peak (8151') is the highest point on the crater rim, Llao Rock does clock in as the 83rd highest point in the state of Oregon.
List of Oregon high points.
Approach
Summer:Any approach to Llao Rock is probably fine -- although two good starting points are the parking lot near North Junction or just pulling off the Rim Road north of Llao Rock.
Winter:
In winter the Rim Road is closed per snow, so you will likely need to start at Rim Village. Follow the circumnavigation route clockwise around the lake past the Watchman and Hillman Peak for ~6mi to North Junction and then head up about 1mi additional to the top of Llao Rock. 14mi RT. Llao Rock is mostly easy open terrain and could probably be included on a ski tour around the lake. Beware in winter as a cornice may form on the steep cliffs on the south side of Llao Rock.
Route Description
Head up through open grassy terrain wherever is easiest. Distance will be about 1.5-2mi RT. Once atop the long grassy summit, head east to a grove of trees and locate a narrow ridge heading downwards to a rocky clifftop overlook.Evaluate the ridge carefully and use extreme caution if you wish to descend to the final rocky clifftop overlook. The ridge is eroding and the cliffs drop virtually straight down into the lake below. A fall here would most likely be fatal - and in dry conditions even loose scree can be treacherous. You may want to consider a belay for safety.
1 Trip Reports
neumannart - Sep 12, 2016 11:53 am - Hasn't voted
Llao Rock ClosureThe National Park Service has closed Llao Rock to any travel when there is less than one foot of snow on the ground. Llao Rock is home to unique plant species that can be easily damaged and killed by foot traffic. Llao Rock is open during the winter but closed when snow levels drop to protect the fragile environment.