Wander the West

Crater Lake National Park

	Crater Lake

November 2006

Few places on earth command overwhelming awe from observers, but Crater Lake, in south central Oregon, certainly does. Even in a region of volcanic wonders, Crater Lake can only be described in superlatives. Stories of the deep blue lake can never prepare visitors for their first breathtaking look from the brink of this 6 mile wide caldera which was created by the eruption and collapse of Mt. Mazama almost 7,000 years ago. Even seasoned travelers gasp at the twenty-mile circle of cliffs, tinted in subtle shades and fringed with hemlock, fir, and pine: all this in a lake of indescribable blue. -quoted from nps.gov

At 1996 feet deep, Crater Lake is known to be the deepest lake in the United States and the seventh deepest in the world. The 33 mile Rim Drive provides access to viewpoints, trails, campgrounds, visitor centers and lodges, and various natural wonders. The Crater Lake Lodge is one of the Wests grand lodges, and is particularly spectacular after being renovated in the mid 1990's.

Most visitors to the park are there for the magnificent scenery, the wonderful drive around the lake, and the many spectacular photo opportunities. For the more adventerous traveller, there is road biking on Rim Drive, and over 100 miles of hiking trails. Dogs are not allowed on the trails and permits are required for overnight trips. With over 500 inches of annual snowfall, winter is an eight month season at Crater Lake. Rim Drive is closed in the winter, but the road to the Crater Lake Lodge remains open and can accessed from highway 62. Cross country skiing can be enjoyed on the unplowed Rim Drive during winter months.

Click here for the Crater Lake National Park photo gallery

- Aaron Walton