McNair Scholars

Crater Lake National Park: Who Goes There?
An Exploration into How Park Visitors Overcome Videophilia.

Abstract

Crater Lake National Park has an international reputation and attracts visitors from far beyond state and national borders. Why do they come and what do they do? As a 2009 McNair Summer Research Internship I will interview park visitors on their experiences with nature, the park and technology use. Beyond basic demographics, questions include length of stay, sites visited, learning experiences, attitudes toward environmental issues. The presentation covers the park background, the survey instrument devised and what we hope to learn about the deepest jewel in the National Park crown. I will look to answer questions about the differences between local and tourist park use, and whether nature, technology, spirituality or hobbies inspire park visits.