Crater Lake

Crater Lake National Park protects the deepest lake in the United States, formed in the caldera of ancient Mount Mazama after a catastrophic eruption 7,700 years ago. The lake's stunning deep blue color, caused by its exceptional clarity and depth, draws visitors from around the world. The park encompasses diverse ecosystems from lakeshore to mountain peak, offering outstanding natural beauty and scientific significance.

The park supports diverse wildlife adapted to high-elevation forest and alpine environments. Black bears, Roosevelt elk, and mule deer inhabit the forests. Rare species include American martens and wolverines in remote areas. Clark's nutcrackers, gray jays, and mountain chickadees are common birds. The lake itself has no native fish but supports introduced species.

Forests of mountain hemlock, Shasta red fir, and whitebark pine dominate the park's high-elevation landscape. Wildflower meadows bloom spectacularly in mid-summer after snowmelt. Pumice fields support hardy pioneer plants. The park protects some of the finest old-growth montane forest remaining in the Cascades.

The lake fills a caldera formed by the explosive collapse of Mount Mazama 7,700 years ago, one of the largest volcanic eruptions in North America in the past 10,000 years. Wizard Island and other features within the lake are volcanic cones that formed after the main eruption. Thick pumice deposits blanket the surrounding landscape. The lake has no inlet or outlet, maintained by a balance of snowfall and evaporation.

The park experiences heavy snowfall, averaging over 40 feet annually, with snow covering the rim for about half the year. Summer temperatures are pleasant, typically in the 60s-70s°F at the rim. Winter temperatures remain below freezing for months. The deep snow explains the lake's remarkable clarity—few nutrients enter from runoff.

The Klamath, Modoc, and other tribes witnessed Mount Mazama's eruption and incorporated it into their oral traditions. The lake was considered sacred, and its existence was kept secret from Euro-Americans for decades after contact. John Wesley Hillman became the first non-Native to document the lake in 1853. William Gladstone Steel championed the lake's protection for decades.

Crater Lake became the sixth national park in 1902, following years of advocacy by William Gladstone Steel. The Rim Drive and historic Crater Lake Lodge were constructed in the early 20th century. The park has grown to encompass surrounding forest and volcanic features. Today it welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors annually to witness its remarkable beauty.

The 33-mile Rim Drive circles the lake with numerous viewpoints. Cleetwood Trail is the only route to the lakeshore, where boat tours visit Wizard Island. Historic Crater Lake Lodge offers food and lodging with unmatched views. The Pinnacles, Vidae Falls, and Watchman Peak provide additional attractions. Over 90 miles of trails explore the park's varied terrain.

The park offers camping at Mazama Village and Lost Creek campgrounds. Crater Lake Lodge and Mazama Village provide accommodations. Rim Village has a visitor center, cafeteria, and gift shop. Located about 80 miles northeast of Medford via Highway 62. The park is open year-round but most facilities and roads close in winter.

The National Park Service protects the lake's exceptional water quality and clarity. No swimming is allowed in most areas to protect this irreplaceable resource. Forest management addresses fire ecology and climate change adaptation. Scientific research continues to study the lake's unique chemistry and biology. Dark sky preservation protects outstanding stargazing opportunities.