Wildlife in the park includes Roosevelt elk, black bears, mule deer, and various small mammals like pikas and marmots. Over 150 bird species have been recorded, including the rare peregrine falcon and northern spotted owl. The lake itself contains introduced populations of rainbow trout and kokanee salmon, though no fish naturally occurred in the lake. Despite the harsh winter conditions, many species have adapted to survive year-round.
The park hosts diverse vegetation zones determined by elevation and exposure. Old-growth forests of Ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, and mountain hemlock dominate the landscape. Wildflower meadows burst with color during the brief summer season, featuring species like Indian paintbrush, lupine, and mountain heather. The unique Crater Lake currant and Pumice moonwort are endemic to the park, found nowhere else in the world.
Crater Lake occupies the caldera of Mount Mazama, formed after the volcano's catastrophic eruption and collapse 7,700 years ago. At 1,943 feet deep, it's the deepest lake in the United States and ninth deepest in the world. The lake's exceptional blue color results from its remarkable purity and depth, with no rivers flowing in or out. Wizard Island, a cinder cone formed by subsequent volcanic activity, rises 767 feet above the lake's surface.
Native Americans witnessed the violent eruption of Mount Mazama approximately 7,700 years ago, preserving the event in their oral traditions. The lake was first discovered by European Americans in 1853, with gold prospector John Wesley Hillman being credited as the first to document it. President Theodore Roosevelt established Crater Lake National Park in 1902, making it America's fifth national park. The historic Crater Lake Lodge, built in 1915, stands as a testament to the park's early tourism development.
Wizard Island, the park's iconic volcanic cinder cone, offers hiking opportunities and stunning views. The 33-mile Rim Drive encircles the lake, providing access to numerous viewpoints including the famous Watchman Overlook. The Phantom Ship, a natural rock formation resembling a small sailing vessel, emerges from the lake's eastern waters. The Cleetwood Cove Trail provides the only safe and legal access to the lake's shore, where visitors can swim or take boat tours during summer months.
Crater Lake experiences distinct seasonal changes, with cold, snowy winters and mild, sunny summers. Annual snowfall averages 43 feet, making it one of America's snowiest inhabited places. Winter temperatures typically range from 19°F to 35°F, while summer temperatures average between 48°F and 71°F. The lake rarely freezes due to its depth, though snow typically blankets the rim from October through June, with many facilities and roads closed during winter months.
USA
42.9410°, -122.1370°
May 22, 1902
741.5
Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States, formed in the caldera of Mount Mazama after its collapse following a massive volcanic eruption. The lake is known for its pure blue water, surrounded by cliffs almost 2,000 feet high. The park offers hiking trails, boat tours, and scenic drives with spectacular viewpoints.