Explore Crater Lake

CRATER LAKE, Oregon

4.9/5

based on 18 reviews

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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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Explore Crater Lake Reviews

Gaby Colletta

Explore Crater Lake

09/21/15

One of the most magical places I have ever seen. Believe it or not, being there is MORE beautiful than the photos can even begin to depict.

5.0

Amberly Steiner

Explore Crater Lake

09/12/15

Such a beautiful view. Good place for pictures. I went when it was snowy and it was so pretty.

5.0

Sasha Smirens

Explore Crater Lake

08/17/15

Not a single picture or description can do this place any justice. Crater lake was one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen: the water is this extreme shade of blue and yet its nearly see-through at the shallow portions along the rim. I came here in mid august and yes the fires and smoke are easily visible from the western rim and the northern entrance, however it was perfectly clear over the lake for great photos. We did a drive through trip going through only a portion of the rim and taking photos but I would recommend planning to spend at least a night here as there is so much to explore, and after seeing the lake you will definitely want to find one of the trails to go down and even swim in it!

5.0

Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

Snowshoe or XC Ski to Watchman Overlook

Starting at the Rim Village parking area, this snowshoe/cross-country ski trip (whichever you choose) heads out on snow-covered West Rim Drive, bound for the saddle between Hillman Peak and The Watchman, overlooking Wizard Island. The path is not terribly steep (this is, after all, a drivable road in summer), but it can be a bit long: four miles out and four miles back along rolling terrain is ...

Watch the Sunrise at Crater Lake

Drive to the overlook at Crater Lake well before sunrise. Actually, you should probably just sleep in your car for a bit to make sure you're not late for this incredible sight. Witness the changing colors and light as the sun creeps over the east side of the lake, throwing shadows and reflections around the rim.You can hike up the ridges near the parking area for to get a different perspective ...

Bike around Crater Lake

I forgot how large Crater Lake was. Wikipedia said it was only 6 miles in diameter, multiply X 3.14 or C = πd and boom its only 18.84 miles around, that's cake, or pie. Imaging a NASCAR track with a pond in the middle.WRONG, hindsight being 20/20, dramatic landscape rarely equates to flat, cycle friendly roads. It was really around 40 miles, 5,200 ft elevation gain and about 7,900 ft elevation ...

The Rim at Crater Lake NP

Why Go? Avoid the crowds in summer and have the entire 33 mile long rim and 21 square miles of beautiful Crater Lake to yourself. Sunrises and sunsets that will take your breath away; stars and a milky way you can get lost in for days. Expect solitude and beautiful scenery, nothing less. The 360 degree views from top of Watchman Peak, Hillman Peak, Mt Scott and Garfield Peak are breathtaking. ...

Hike the Garfield Peak Trail

Crater Lake is one of the most visited natural wonders in the U.S. Anyone who has gone will tell you, it strikes a magic chord. Where there was once the volcanic Mount Mazama, now sits the deepest lake in the States. It's brilliant blue color and incredible depth of clarity leaves visitors from all over the world in a state of awe.The Garfield Peak Trail leads to the 2nd highest peak in the par...

Visit the Lady of the Woods at Crater Lake

Start your adventure behind the Steel Visitor Center, halfway between the Mazama Village entrance of Crater Lake National Park and the lake itself. It won't take long before you stumble upon the mystery that is the Lady of the Woods: a dazzling, intricate sculpted rock that experts are unsure whether it's natural or man-made. Loop your way back to the visitor center through colorful wildflowers...

Explore Crater Lake

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Explore Crater Lake Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Snowshoe or XC Ski to Watchman Overlook

Watch the Sunrise at Crater Lake

Bike around Crater Lake

The Rim at Crater Lake NP

Hike the Garfield Peak Trail

Visit the Lady of the Woods at Crater Lake

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