Geo 365: Oct. 1, Day 274: Mount Scott

From Dutton Ridge, looking across Kerr Valley, Mount Scott dominates Crater Lake's southwestern horizon. This ridge between Kerr and Sun Valleys- both glacially modified- is deeply buried in Mazma tephra, which can easily be seen in the foreground. The excellent drainage this creates can make it difficult for perennial plants to get established, and results in vast, beautiful meadows with single and small clusters of trees standing out here and there. Additionally, the fact so much water simply goes into the ground means it has to come out somewhere, and springs are abundant around the area. One in particular that I visited once, Anderson Springs, was quite impressive. It was like a whole hillside gushing water. There was no trail, I just walked off the road. I don't know if the park either encourages or discourages this kind of bushwhacking, but I had the time and opportunity to do so, and felt well-rewarded.

Photo unmodified. August 18, 2011. FlashEarth location.