Anne Creek starts at Anne Springs, well inside the south Crater Lake National Park boundary, and forms a small but scenic and deep canyon as it flows out of the park.

The canyon has been created because the rushing waters of Anne Creek flows over relatively soft pumice rock, gradually carving its way deeply to slightly harder rock below. In the process, the water erosion has produced spectacular spires of rock on the canyon wall, known as pinnacles. These aren't as large or pronounced as those found near the north entrance to the park, however they are breathtaking never the less, and easier to be able to see.

The erosion continues today. As the creek drops nearly a thousand feet, it picks up grains of pumice. This abrasive material scours and cuts into rock, creates swirling pools, and widens the stream in places.

Though the canyon is steep, Anne Creek still supplies water for a wide assortment of animals: Deer, elk, bears, raccoons, many kinds of birds, and other creatures. This is more pronounced near the National Park boundary, where the creek widens a little and the slope isn't as severe.

Anne Creek roughly parallels highway 62 in the park, and viewpoints are provided for spectacular views of the pinnacles.

About one and a half miles south of the boundary, it flows past a snow park, and a dirt access road from the snow park allows a person to get all the way down to Anne Creek.

In the early days of the park, a wooden bridge was built across Anne Creek just upstream from this spot, allowing access that eventually led to Sun Mountain. Today, an asphalt and cement bridge has replaced the old wooden bridge, and this is closed off for most of the year to protect the breeding herds of elk.

There are several unimproved campsites in this area. They are free for use, however people do need to be mindful of the fire restrictions that go into effect when the forest dries and the fire hazard increases. Always take special care with fire in the area.

The camping area is a beautiful place. Not only can people get down to the creek's cold fresh water, Ponderosa pines, firs, cottonwoods, aspen, and willow also surround the area. These give the area a fresh scent from spring until late fall. The wildlife previously mentioned frequents this area, along with coyotes, numerous squirrels and an occasional chipmunk.

Anne Creek does contain both brook and rainbow trout, however it usually requires substantial skill to catch them.

The creek continues to flow south, past and behind Wilson's Cottages. It eventually broadens even more as it combines with other streams, eventually flowing into Klamath Lake as a tributary of other rivers.

If you are planning a trip to Crater Lake National Park, and come in from the south, be sure not to miss the natural beautify of Anne Creek, and take advantage of the pullouts further into the park to see the scenic canyon this stream has carved. It is worth the stop.

Learn more about this author, Rex Trulove.
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