Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park is home an ancient volcano named Mount Mazama. In the hallowed out caldera of this volcanic peak lies one of the most visually striking lakes in the world, known world-wide for its clear deep waters and its title as the deepest lake the in United States.
Guide to Crater Lake
Crater Lake National Park
An early addition to the national park idea, Crater Lake National Park has welcomed visitors to its breathtaking vistas for more than a century. The volcanic lake’s 21 square miles of crystal clear blue water, encompassed by the surrounding 2,000 foot-high cliffs of Mount Mazama, form the deepest lake in the United States, at more than 1,900 feet deep.
Crater Lake provides a most scenic mountain retreat in the Pacific Northwest as Mazama is flanked by lush green forests and sheer rocky cliffs. The lake sits proudly and firmly imprisoned within the steep slopes of the inner caldera, while Wizard Island rises from the water in an apparent attempt to eventually pear over the caldera’s crest and into the outside world.
Consisting of water solely accumulated from rainfall and snowmelt, with an average of 44 feet of snow falling annually on Mt Mazama, this lake provides habitat for an array of flora and fauna, and during warmer months, its banks burst with colors from wildflowers, along with hemlock, fir and pine trees.
Wildlife finds an inviting environment on this mountain as well. Black bears, bobcats, fox, deer, yellow-bellied marmots, elk and snowshoe hare make homes here, while the foul of the air seem pleased with their pickings as well. Numerous eagles and hawks scour the lands in search of easy prey, as woodpeckers, finches, owls and jays are sought-out by birdwatchers in this mountain paradise.
Visitors can take leisurely drives on the park’s famous Rim Drive, stopping at scenic overlooks that offer views of more than 100 miles on clear days.
Others may enjoy a short trek to the lakeside complete with a dip in the chilly waters, or taking a boat tour on the lake, while fishermen cast from its banks for kokanee salmon and rainbow trout.
Hikers can delight in more than 140 miles of trails that lead to secluded vistas and backcountry sites, mostly on the western flanks of the park.
The park offers a lodge and restaurant that sits on the crest of the caldera and most services are available in the park.
See ya there…
Guide to Crater Lake
Relevant Links
National Park Guides
All content found on Park Junkie is meant solely for entertainment purposes and is the copyrighted property of Park Junkie Productions. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited without the express written consent of Park Junkie Productions.
YOU CAN DIE. Activities pursued within National Park boundaries hold inherent dangers. You are solely responsible for your safety in the outdoors. Park Junkie accepts no responsibility for actions that result in inconveniences, injury or death.
This site is not affiliated with the National Park Service, or any particular park.
