Amazing places in USA: Crater Lake Park - National Park Oregon
Located in southern Oregon, Crater Lake National Park offers the unique experience to see the deepest lake in the United States. There's no shortage of incredible things to do in Crater Lake National Park, from the vast, deep blue water to the panoramic summit views.
Crater Lake Park - National Park Oregon
Crater Lake is a caldera lake in the western United States, located in
south-central Oregon. It is the main feature of Crater Lake National Park and
is famous for its deep blue color and water clarity. The lake partly fills a
nearly 2,148-foot (655 m)-deep caldera that was formed around 7,700 (± 150)
years ago by the collapse of the volcano Mount Mazama.
Crater Lake: Deep Water in a Sleeping Volcano
Crater Lake inspires awe. Native Americans witnessed its formation 7,700 years ago when a violent eruption triggered the collapse of a tall peak. Scientists marvel at its purity—fed by rain and snow, it’s the deepest lake in the USA and one of the most pristine on Earth. Artists, photographers, and sightseers gaze in wonder at its blue water and stunning setting atop the Cascade Mountain Range.
There are no rivers flowing into or out of the lake; the evaporation is
compensated for by rain and snowfall at a rate such that the total amount of
water is replaced every 250 years. At 1,943 feet (592 m), the lake is the
deepest in the United States, and the seventh or ninth deepest in the world,
depending on whether average or maximum depth is measured.
Why you should visit Crater Lake National Park Oregon?
Famous for its beautiful blue color, the lake's water comes directly from snow or rain -- there are no inlets from other water sources. This means no sediment or mineral deposits are carried into the lake, helping it maintain its rich color and making it one of the cleanest and clearest lakes in the world.
Crater Lake is also known for the "Old Man of the Lake", a full-sized tree that is now a stump that has been bobbing vertically in the lake for over a century.
The low temperature of the water has slowed the decomposition of the wood, hence the longevity of the bobbing tree. Two islands are in Crater Lake; Wizard Island formed from a cinder cone that erupted after Crater Lake began to fill with water, and the smaller Phantom Ship has seven different trees living on it. There are also colonies of violet-green swallows and several varieties of wildflowers and lichens living there. While having no indigenous fish population, the lake was stocked from 1888 to 1941 with a variety of fish. Several species have formed self-sustaining populations.
Since 2002, one of the state's regular-issue license plate designs has featured Crater Lake.
The commemorative Oregon State Quarter, which was released by the United States Mint in 2005, features an image of Crater Lake on its reverse.
The best time to visit Crater Lake - National Park Oregon
The most popular months to visit Crater Lake are July, August, and September. That's when the park's roads, trails, and facilities are usually fully open. May and June are months of transition in the park, as winter slowly gives way to summer.
Before visiting the lake, you must check the website of the National Park Service - U.S. Department of the Interior, to avoid traveling during closing times of the park, as well as to ensure that closed roads and paths are not used to access the park.
Things to Do in Crater Lake - National Park Oregon
Visitors arrive at the park with anticipation of seeing Crater Lake, one of the world’s deepest, clearest, and bluest lakes. Whether day-tripping or spending a week, there are many ways to explore the park and enjoy the lake.
Ninety miles of trails meander through diverse forests and rise to peaks with views of the lake. The historic 33-mile Rim Drive circles Crater Lake with views from 30 overlooks. Opportunities to photograph landscapes, the lake, and wildflowers are countless. Stargazing, camping, and with some advance planning fishing are also options for things to do. Visit the pet webpage for safety tips and where to go with your pet.
You can check this amazing article about 13 Best Things to Do in Crater Lake National Park.
