Craig, pretty sure I was on the right road. We met a Tacoma coming down and I talked with him briefly. He was hesitant when I asked him if he thought I could make it with a camper. I have seen photos of some of the stuff you drive, so I know your idea and mine about what is a rough road are far apart.
Darryl, the road may be worse this year. Talked to a guy with a jeep at Scott's Lake that said "that road is horrible" when I told him we tried to go to Crater Lake but didn't make it. We actually tried Crater Lake a while back, based on a trip report you made I believe. Between our lack of off-road driving skills and a heavily loaded truck (firewood, camper legs, all the usual gear), our transmission overheated before we got to the creek. We let it cool for a half hour and then tucked tail and went back down. I'd like to try it again when we get a new truck.
DLN, first thing I asked was whether they were staying overnight. If they were, we would have been gone in minutes. Can't figure out why people do that. I've been known to crank my music up, and have the hearing loss to show for it, but never anywhere that others have to listen to it. Sorry, I'll get off my soap box now.