Name: Crater Lake National Park
Address: Oregon
Telephone: (541) 594-3000
Rating: 4.9

183,224-acre park containing America's deepest lake, striking geologic features & a historic lodge.

Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States, reaching a depth of 1,943 feet. Its depth was first measured in 1886 using a lead pipe and piano wire, and later confirmed with multibeam side scan sonar in 2000.

Deepest Lake in the US

Crater Lake is home to Wizard Island, a volcanic island that rises 767 feet above the lake's surface. Visitors can take boat tours to the island during the summer, offering stunning views and hiking opportunities.

Volcano in the Lake

Crater Lake is known for the 'Old Man of the Lake,' a full-sized tree log that has been bobbing vertically in the lake for over a century. The cold water has slowed the decomposition of the wood, allowing it to persist for such a long time.

Floating Log

Crater Lake was initially devoid of fish until it was stocked in 1888. Today, the lake is home to two species of fish: kokanee salmon and rainbow trout, with kokanee salmon being the most abundant. Fishing is encouraged as these species are not native to the lake.

Non-Native Fish

Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park, nestled in the heart of the Cascade Mountains in southern Oregon, is a geological marvel formed by the cataclysmic eruption of Mount Mazama some 7,700 years ago. The park's centerpiece, Crater Lake, is the deepest lake in the United States, reaching a staggering depth of 1,943 feet. Its pristine waters, renowned for their intense blue hue, are a testament to the lake's volcanic origins and lack of inlets or outlets.

Beyond its breathtaking beauty, Crater Lake National Park offers a wealth of outdoor activities. Hiking trails wind through old-growth forests, past cascading waterfalls, and along the rim of the caldera, providing panoramic views of the lake and surrounding peaks. For those seeking a more immersive experience, boat tours navigate the crystal-clear waters, offering close-up encounters with Wizard Island, a volcanic cinder cone rising from the lake's center.

Crater Lake National Park is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Black bears, mule deer, and a variety of bird species call the park home. The park's diverse ecosystems, ranging from alpine meadows to subalpine forests, support a rich tapestry of life.

In winter, Crater Lake transforms into a wonderland of snow and ice. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding are popular activities, while the park's lodge offers cozy accommodations for those seeking a winter retreat.

Crater Lake National Park is a testament to the power of nature and a reminder of the transformative forces that have shaped our planet. Its unique beauty, diverse ecosystems, and abundance of recreational opportunities make it a destination that will captivate visitors for generations to come.

Introduction

Crater Lake National Park in Klamath County, Oregon, boasts a diverse network of hiking trails catering to all skill levels, offering breathtaking views and unique experiences. The park's crown jewel, the Cleetwood Cove Trail, descends 700 feet to the lake's edge, providing unparalleled access to its pristine waters. This challenging 2-mile roundtrip hike rewards visitors with stunning panoramas and opportunities for swimming and fishing. For a more leisurely stroll, the Castle Crest Wildflower Garden Trail meanders through vibrant meadows bursting with colorful blooms, offering a gentle introduction to the park's natural beauty.

For those seeking a moderate challenge, the Watchman Peak Trail ascends to an elevation of 8,000 feet, offering panoramic views of the crater, Wizard Island, and the surrounding Cascade Mountains. The 3.4-mile roundtrip hike features switchbacks and a steady incline, making it suitable for experienced hikers. For a unique perspective, the Plaikni Falls Trail leads to a cascading waterfall nestled within a lush canyon. This 2.2-mile roundtrip hike is wheelchair-accessible for the majority of its length, making it an inclusive option for visitors of all abilities.

Beyond these popular trails, Crater Lake National Park offers a plethora of hidden gems for adventurous hikers. The Garfield Peak Trail, a strenuous 8-mile roundtrip climb, rewards those who reach the summit with breathtaking 360-degree views. For a more secluded experience, the Lightning Spring Trail winds through meadows and forests, offering glimpses of grazing deer and the namesake spring. The park's diverse terrain and varied trail lengths ensure that there's a perfect hike for every visitor, from families with young children to seasoned adventurers.

Hiking Trails

Crater Lake National Park boasts a unique ecosystem shaped by its volcanic origins and isolation. The caldera lake, formed by the collapse of Mount Mazama, is the deepest in the United States and the seventh-deepest in the world. This remarkable depth, combined with minimal inflow and outflow, creates a crystal-clear lake with exceptional water quality. The clarity allows sunlight to penetrate deep, supporting a diverse ecosystem of algae and plankton that form the base of the food chain.

The lake's isolation has also fostered the evolution of unique species, including the Crater Lake copepod, a tiny crustacean found nowhere else. This endemic species plays a vital role in the lake's food web, consuming algae and serving as prey for fish. The cold, deep waters also support populations of kokanee salmon and rainbow trout, both of which are popular with anglers.

The surrounding forests of Crater Lake National Park are equally unique, characterized by a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees. The park's high elevation and volcanic soils create a harsh environment, but one that has fostered the growth of resilient plant communities. Whitebark pine, a keystone species, thrives in the park's harsh conditions, providing food and shelter for wildlife. Other notable species include mountain hemlock, lodgepole pine, and various wildflowers that bloom throughout the summer months.

The unique ecosystem of Crater Lake National Park is a testament to the power of nature to adapt and thrive in even the most challenging environments. The park's isolation, volcanic origins, and deep, clear lake have created a haven for biodiversity, offering visitors a glimpse into a world unlike any other.

Unique Ecosystem

Crater Lake National Park's crown jewel, the Scenic Rim Drive, is a 33-mile loop that encircles the caldera rim, offering breathtaking vistas of the deepest lake in the United States. This historic road, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, seamlessly blends with the natural environment, boasting gentle curves and rustic stone guardrails that harmonize with the rugged terrain.

The drive begins at the park headquarters in Munson Valley, ascending to the rim and the Rim Village visitor area. Here, the Sinnott Memorial Overlook provides panoramic views of the lake. As you continue along West Rim Drive, the speed limit drops to 35 miles per hour, allowing ample time to soak in the scenery.

The Discovery Point viewing area offers stunning perspectives of Wizard Island, a volcanic cinder cone rising from the lake's center. Further along, the West Rim Summit presents breathtaking views of the surrounding Cascade Mountains.

The drive then transitions to East Rim Drive, where the landscape transforms into a series of seven vista points with breathtaking views of Crater Lake. These viewpoints, including Grotto Cove, Skell Head, and Cloudcap, offer unique perspectives of the lake's pristine waters and the surrounding volcanic peaks.

As you approach the northern end of the loop, the road cuts across the east face of Dutton Ridge, revealing panoramic vistas of the Klamath Basin. The drive concludes near the park headquarters, offering a final glimpse of the majestic Crater Lake.

Beyond its scenic beauty, Rim Drive is a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. The road's construction in the early 20th century was a remarkable feat of engineering, overcoming the challenges of the rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions. The Civilian Conservation Corps played a vital role in shaping the road's unique character, incorporating rustic stonework and observation points that seamlessly blend with the natural environment.

Today, Rim Drive stands as a testament to the park's natural beauty and human ingenuity. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of Crater Lake and the surrounding Cascade Mountains, creating lasting memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Scenic Rim Drive

Crater Lake National Park in Klamath County, Oregon, is home to the deepest lake in the United States, Crater Lake. This awe-inspiring body of water boasts a maximum depth of 1,949 feet (594 meters), making it the seventh deepest lake in the world. Formed approximately 7,700 years ago by the collapse of Mount Mazama, a massive volcano, Crater Lake is a geological marvel.

The lake's remarkable depth is attributed to the caldera, a massive volcanic basin, that was created by the eruption. This caldera is nearly symmetrical and reaches a depth of 4,000 feet (1,200 meters). The lake's depth is further enhanced by the relatively moist climate of the Cascade Range, which contributes to significant precipitation in the form of snow and rain.

Crater Lake's depth has profound implications for its ecosystem. The cold, clear water provides a unique habitat for a variety of aquatic life, including the endangered Crater Lake cisco. The lake's depth also contributes to its remarkable clarity, with visibility often exceeding 100 feet.

The depth of Crater Lake is not only a geological and ecological wonder but also a popular tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, boating, and fishing. The park also offers stunning views of the surrounding Cascade Range.

In conclusion, Crater Lake National Park in Klamath County, Oregon, is a unique and captivating destination that is home to the deepest lake in the United States. The lake's remarkable depth, geological history, and ecological significance make it a truly remarkable place. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a scientist, or simply someone who appreciates beauty, Crater Lake National Park is a must-visit destination.

Deepest Lake in the United States

A volcanic cinder cone, Wizard Island, stands tall as the only landmass to rise above the surface of Crater Lake in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon. Reaching 6,933 feet above sea level, it offers breathtaking views of the deepest lake in the United States, plunging 1,949 feet into the caldera below.

Formed after the cataclysmic eruption of Mount Mazama approximately 7,700 years ago, Wizard Island is a geological marvel. Its summit features a volcanic crater, aptly named the "Witches Cauldron," adding to the island's mystique. Visitors can explore the island's two hiking trails, one traversing the cone's flanks and circling the crater, while the other meanders towards the western end, offering panoramic vistas of the lake and surrounding landscape.

During the summer months, boat tours provide access to Wizard Island, allowing visitors to disembark and explore its unique terrain. The island's isolation has fostered a distinct ecosystem, home to diverse plant and animal life. Visitors can observe wildflowers, birds, and even marmots, adding to the island's charm.

Beyond its natural beauty, Wizard Island holds historical significance. Its name, bestowed by William Gladstone Steel in 1885, evokes a sense of wonder and mystery. The island's unique formation and isolation have captured the imagination of visitors for generations, making it a cherished landmark within Crater Lake National Park.

Whether exploring its volcanic crater, hiking its trails, or simply admiring its panoramic views, Wizard Island offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors to Crater Lake National Park. Its geological significance, diverse ecosystem, and historical charm make it a must-visit destination for those seeking an immersive and awe-inspiring encounter with the natural world.

Wizard Island

Crater Lake National Park in Klamath County, Oregon, is a geological marvel formed by the cataclysmic collapse of Mount Mazama, a once-mighty volcano. This event, which occurred approximately 7,700 years ago, left behind a breathtaking caldera, now filled by the deepest lake in the United States. Crater Lake, with its stunning blue hue and remarkable depth of 1,949 feet, is a testament to the power of volcanic forces.

The caldera rim, ranging from 7,000 to 8,000 feet in elevation, offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscape. Visitors can embark on scenic hikes along the rim, marveling at the sheer scale of the caldera and the vibrant colors of the water below. The caldera's formation resulted in unique geological features, including Wizard Island, a cinder cone rising from the lake's surface, and Phantom Ship, a natural rock pillar that evokes a ghostly apparition.

Crater Lake's volcanic origins are evident in the composition of its water, which is exceptionally pure and free of pollutants. The lake's clarity allows for visibility of up to 140 feet, revealing the underwater world and the submerged remnants of Mount Mazama's past. The absence of inlets or outlets means that the lake's water is replenished solely by precipitation, creating a pristine and isolated ecosystem.

Beyond its scenic beauty, Crater Lake National Park offers opportunities for exploration and scientific study. The park's volcanic history provides insights into the Earth's geological processes, while the lake's unique ecosystem supports a diverse range of plant and animal life. Visitors can delve into the park's volcanic past through ranger-led programs and exhibits, gaining a deeper appreciation for the forces that shaped this remarkable landscape.

Crater Lake National Park stands as a testament to the power and beauty of volcanic activity. Its deep, blue waters, dramatic caldera, and unique geological features offer a glimpse into the Earth's dynamic history, inviting visitors to connect with the awe-inspiring forces that continue to shape our planet.

Crater Lake National Park

Did You Know?

Deepest Lake in the US

Volcano in the Lake

Floating Log

Non-Native Fish

Location