Crater Lake in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, is
one of the more stunning sites to be seen in Oregon and
in the Pacific Northwest. Crater Lake is the deepest lake
in the United States and as with most crater lakes was
created with the collapse of a volcano. Crater Lake Oregon
is more than 594 meters deep, or 1,948 feet, and is the
seventh deepest lake in the world. Visitors to Crater
Lake National Park are almost never disappointed by the
view. Not only is the lake a deep, alluring shade of blue,
but it is surrounded by a forest of crisp green trees,
making quite a vision.
Guests can visit Crater Lake National
Park throughout the year. If you plan to visit Crater
Lake in the winter, you might consider joining one of
the ranger-led snowshoe walks. These walks are offered
completely free of charge, though you will need to bring
your own snowshoes. Each Saturday and Sunday at 1 pm from
Thanksgiving until the end of March, the friendly rangers
of Crater Lake National Park take willing hikers around
sections of the lake. Along the way, they point out interesting
wildlife, flora and fauna, and offer other information
about the area. This is a great way to see Crater Lake
Oregon during the quiet of the winter, when it is surrounded
by snow.
Crater Lake was formed when Mount Mazama,
a volcano, exploded and then caved in upon itself. The
collapse of the Crater Lake volcano left a huge crater
in its place. Over time, water from melting snow, melting
ice, and rain filled the crater and created Crater Lake.
Although there is nothing left of the old Crater Lake
volcano, the shape of a new Crater Lake volcano is growing
up from the water. Known as Wizard Island, the mound of
land is slowly building its way back up to a volcanic
state. The depth of Crater Lake Oregon was first measured
in the year 1886. A sounding machine was attached to a
piano wire and lowered into the lake using a crane. This
first measurement was only a few feet off of the measurement
taken in the year 2000 with newer equipment.
If you do plan to visit Crater Lake National Park, you
should know that you will need to pay a fee. A seven day
pass for one car will cost $10, and you will be given
a pass that you will want to keep visible through your
car’s window. The visitor center at the park is
open from April until November, from 9am until 5pm. During
the winter, from November until April, the center is open
from 10am until 4pm, except December 25th.
There is a small café at the visitors center serving
drinks and a few light snacks, but it is a good idea to
also bring along your own food and especially water, particularly
if you plan to do any extensive hiking
in the area.
Mazama Village is a nearby camping
and RV area, and in the village travelers will find a
restaurant, lodging, and a small camp store with typical
camping supplies. Crater Lake Lodge has just over 70 rooms
and is open between May and October. It is a good idea
to make reservations in advance. Two campgrounds are also
found at the park. Mazama Campground has more than 200
sites and is open all summer long. Toilets, running water
and fire rings are provided. The Lost Creek Campground
is located further into the woods and requires a bit of
hiking. It features 16 tent sites and does not have many
other amenities.
