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"Crater Lake is Oregon's 'National' Park " a Crater Lake National Park Travel Page by mtncorg

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"Crater Lake is Oregon's 'National' Park " a Crater Lake National Park Travel Page by mtncorg

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mtncorg    
live to learn; learn to live


Real Name: mark
Lives In: Portland, US
Member Since: Jul 03, 2002
VT Rank: 45

 

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Crater Lake is Oregon's 'National' Park

by mtncorg - last update: Apr 10, 2009

Wizard Island from Merriam Point
Oregon only has one 'National Park'. There is plenty of terrain that could probably be serving of the status, but it is probably better the way it is. National Parks have a way of attracting too much attention to a fragile piece of wilderness. By maintaining large tracts of 'wilderness' areas, the Federal government is probably performing a more useful method of protecting what we have.

Crater Lake is not unique, even in Oregon. It is the best example of a huge volcano that has imploded in on itself. Orginally, Mt Mazama, in size, was on the order of the nearby much younger Mt Shasta, in California. With time, the mountain collapsed on itself, leaving a huge basin - caldera - within which water collected forming the lake. The lake is almost 2000 feet deep with cliffs rising another 2000 feet above. The Park's activities are mainly located on the rim of the crater, especially in the SW corner of the rim next to the restored lodge. The drive around the rim, either from the car or on bike, is a highlight. To witness the lake from a myriad of viewpoints is to better appreciate the lake. There are several outstanding hikes of fairly short duration off the Rim Road you can take to even more spectacular views: the Watchman, Mt Scott or Garfield Peak. You can take a boat tour from Cleetwood Cove, accessed by a mile trail from the Rim Road above at the NW corner of the lake. Go early in the day if you can. Boat tours are usually fininshed when Labor Day weekend is over, the first Monday in September. Remember, though, that the elevation is at 7000 feet - actually higher than the ski areas on Mt Hood - Timberline Lodge - and as such, the entire Rim Road does not clear off until late in the summer and then for a short time only, as winter returns early up here.

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Pros:"Fantastic Lake and super study in Volcanism"
Cons:"Short season and with lots of late snow lying around"
In A Nutshell:"How do they make that water so Blue?!"
mtncorg's Crater Lake National Park Travel Tips

OverviewThings to Do
Tips: 8 - Photos: 8
 
RestaurantsHotels & Accommodations
 
NightlifeOff The Beaten Path
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1
 
Tourist TrapsWarnings Or Dangers
Tips: 4 - Photos: 4
 
TransportationLocal Customs
 
Packing ListsShopping
 
Sports TravelGeneral Tips

Comments for mtncorg about Crater Lake National Park
Rusket Sun Oct 29, 2006 13:24 UTC
 Hm, maybe not on this trip, since we will be in the area late december!
PinkFloydActuary Tue Sep 5, 2006 18:37 UTC
 Great pictures and tips. I'm finally going to get here in the fall - looks like a great place!
Faiza-Ifrah Wed Feb 22, 2006 19:09 UTC
 lots of information and nice pics. i liked ur tips on snows, blueness of water and animal feeding. 1 advantage of our living in ontario - we can sustain extreme weathers now :-)
thecatsmeow Thu Jan 5, 2006 01:30 UTC
 Mark Gosh just reading this makes me want to go back to Crater Lake. I have not been since 92. Beautiful area and you have some great pictures! Just what is a scree ski? Joyce
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