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Explore Crater Lake

CRATER LAKE, Oregon

4.9/5
based on 18 reviews

Description

Added by Eric Johnson

Deepest Lake in North America. Tons of breathtaking viewpoints to hike. A must for anyone that loves natural beauty.

Crater is a short 20min drive up Highway 62 off of the 97. We were chasing sunset and caught the last glimmers of twilight. Just driving around the west rim is amazing. Pictures did absolutely no justice to this place, you have to see it with your own eyes...it's MASSIVE!!! Every small pull-off/parking spaces have their own trails leading off them to different view points around the rim of the Caldera. So just pick your favorite and go exploring.

A few quick facts:
  • Crater Lake is the seventh deepest in the world. (1,996 ft)
  • Crater Lake is isolated from surrounding streams and rivers, thus there is no inlet or outlet to the lake
  • Formed around 7,700 by the collapse of the volcano Mount Mazama
  • The lake is 5 by 6 miles across
  • The Mazama eruption which eventually formed Crater Lake was 42 times more powerful than the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens
  • It took 250 years of rain and snow accumulation for the caldera(a large volcanic crater formed by a major eruption leading to the collapse of the mouth of the volcano.) to fill to its present-day lake level
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Features

Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Lake
Scenic
ADA Accessible

Explore Crater Lake Reviews

Visited in early spring and was so impressed. It was so cool to snowshoe along the rim and see the edges of the crater covered in snow. The snow embankments were so high!! I would love to come back and winter camp here!!

Crater Lake is a sight to see! The color of the water is something you can hardly imagine. The view from the lodge is lovely, but quiet crowded.

Like everyone else has said - you can't believe this place! The shades of blue are unlike anything else. It's huge and breathtaking. Check the NPS site for road closures. Even in July there was a decent amount of snow last year. So worth the stop and I look forward to going back someday soon!

I saw the most shades of blue as I was closer to God up on this gigantic volcano... I wanted to do more hiking but there was still a lot of snow cover in early June. Make sure you know the north entrance may be open or closed depending on weather conditions/snow cover so don’t be too set on getting in that way unless you check first. It was probably my favorite views I have ever seen anywhere...

Pictures don't do it justice. The color of the water just doesn't look real. It looks Photoshopped.

No matter what part of the Country you’re in, you absolutely have to visit this beautiful lake! Anytime of the year it’s amazing. My personal favorite is the sunrise, the colors it illuminates is unexplainable! Have to come for yourself to see the beauty! Love love!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Watch the Sunrise at Crater Lake

Bike around Crater Lake

Snowshoe or XC Ski to Watchman Overlook

The Rim at Crater Lake NP

Hike the Garfield Peak Trail

Visit the Lady of the Woods at Crater Lake