Call in advance: The phones are staffed each weekday at Crater Lake and I highly recommend calling to work out the details to your trip in advance at 541-594-3000.

Accessing Paulina Lake Hot Springs requires either a moderate hike—at an elevation of 6,350 feet—or a paddle across the span of the lake. But that's not all.

The mountain highways leading to the park feature waterfalls, hot springs and snow adventures. Urness offers a roadmap to some of his favorite spots along the way and returning from Crater Lake.

The Paulina Lake Hot Springs is a two-mile walk along the east shore of the lake, starting from the trailhead parking spots at the far end of Little Crater campground. The springs are on Hot ...