"Crater Lake is Oregon's 'National' Park" Top 5 Page for this destination Crater Lake National Park by mtncorg

Crater Lake National Park Travel Guide: 142 reviews and 399 photos

Wizard Island from Merriam Point - Crater Lake National Park

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.

Pros and Cons

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?!

Intro Updated Apr 10, 2009
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Reviews (13)

Somebody is hungry? - Crater Lake National Park

DON'T FEED THE ANIMALS Warnings and Dangers (4)

The Clark's Nutcracker is a pretty little bird that is probably bolder, in general, thatn even a blue jay, which says... more travel advice

Breaking the Rules? - Crater Lake National Park

DO NOT FEED THE ANIMALS Warnings and Dangers (4)

Birds and animals are a part of the natural ecosystem and you are not supposed to feed them. Depencency on human food... more travel advice

Photo opportunity presents atop Garfield Peak - Crater Lake National Park

GARFIELD PEAK Things to Do (8)

Atop this peak, 1.7 miles from the Rim Village, you gain some of the grandest views of the Lake. Wizard Island and the... more travel advice

Wizard Island from near the Watchman - Crater Lake National Park

WIZARD ISLAND Things to Do (8)

Rising 764 feet above the lake, Wizard Island - shaped as a sorcer's hat - is a classic cinder cone that formed after... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (1)
Mt Thielsen

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Comments (25)

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willy_wonka Dec 13, 2010 at 3:20 PM

wow mark, this is a fantastic page! absolutely loving the colors in your photos! you have been to many national parks, i would love to explore them one day. nice work.
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Rusket Oct 29, 2006 at 5:24 AM

Hm, maybe not on this trip, since we will be in the area late december!
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PinkFloydActuary Sep 5, 2006 at 10:37 AM

Great pictures and tips. I'm finally going to get here in the fall - looks like a great place!
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Faiza-Ifrah Feb 22, 2006 at 11:09 AM

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 :-)
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thecatsmeow Jan 4, 2006 at 5:30 PM

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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roamer61 Nov 28, 2005 at 6:07 AM

One of the western parks I want to visit. Problem is, how to do it? I dont drive. Great photos.
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karenincalifornia Aug 4, 2005 at 5:05 PM

Beautiful photos of such an amazing lake. Where else can you find ice cream cones looking for handouts? Maybe the German lady hasn't heard of bubonic plague? That came to mind when I saw the photo. :-/
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silvia_chang Jul 21, 2005 at 10:51 AM

Love your photos~
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Babcia Jun 13, 2005 at 1:40 PM

Wow!! Awesome photography!! Love those photos of Crater Lake. By the way, your pages are a veritable treasure of national parks in the USA - very impressive!! ~Alicja~
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tropicdiver Jun 3, 2005 at 5:32 AM

Always have wanted to go to Crater Lake. You've got some great photos and tips, here. I'll make sure to watch out for the Clark's Nutcracker. I had no idea they were bold enough to try to take a nut (I'll make sure to wear extra protection). Thanks. ;-)