Crater Lake National Park

Unlike any other place on earth, Crater Lake National Park has been a destination location for hundreds of years. The deep, clear, pure, blue lake with its high, rugged surrounding cliffs – some nearly two thousand feet high – combined with two islands, appears to be a postcard upon first sight.

It remains today as it was thousands of years ago as a place of awesome beauty.

The basin that contains Crater Lake in Southern Oregon was formed over 7,700 years ago when the high Mount Mazama collapsed following a large volcanic eruption. Crater Lake is located on the top of the Cascade Mountain range. Due to the large amount of snowfall in the winter – averaging 533 inches each year - the lake is continually supplied with fresh water. Unlike most high mountain lakes, Crater Lake has no inlets or outlets. The depth of the lake is kept nearly constant due to the melting snow and evaporation and seepage.

Crater Lake National Park is the National's sixth oldest park having been designed as such in 1902. Crater Lake and the surrounding 180,000 acres were dedicated by the US Congress in that year. Today, the Park is a place where the visitor can enjoy numerous activities surrounded by fantastic natural scenic wonders.

Visitors can hike on trails through old, dense growth forests, take part in interpretive activities, enjoy camping in the natural surroundings or stay at the Historic Crater Lake Lodge. During the long winters, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing.

Due to its geology, Crater Lake National Park continues to be studied by the National Park Service to explore the ecology of the lake, the forest ecosystems, and the ongoing geologic processes.

Crater Lake National Park is a place for activity and quiet contemplation. The awesome beauty is magical. Moreover, when you consider the power that created this beauty, you will be humbled.

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