Crater Lake was formed in the Caldera of a volcano that erupted on Mount Mazama more than 7,000 years ago. The lake is a breath-taking sight with the water a deep blue. The color in our photographs is not enhanced except for the use of a circular-polarizing filter to eliminate glare.

It was early July when we visited and snow was still present in surprising amounts. This photo shows a mound of snow over 4 feet high and a portion of the eastern Rim Road was still closed.

The lake water owes its clarity from snow and rain fall around the lake. Snow fall in present time averages around 40 feet annually. Total precipitation (snow melt and rain fall) averages around 67 inches.

Is that toasted Meringue or snow?

Crater Lake is one of the 10 deepest lakes in the world (1,943 feet at its deepest point) and the deepest in the United States. The lake is 6 miles across at its maximum and 4 miles at its minimum.

There is a 33 mile rim road circling the lake built by the National Park Service that makes it easy to circumnavigate the lake. Fortunately, pine trees that grow around the lake hide the road from sight. The Rim Road provides access to numerous scenic views and 16 hiking trails. This road is winding and has steep drop offs. There are no guard rails which led to white-knuckles in quite a few places.

If you plan to visit Crater Lake you should allow a minimum of three days. Try for five days if you like to hike. The rim road takes a minimum of 2.5 hours to cover without stopping. When you add time to stop at the scenic pull-off areas you can easily spend more than 5 hours on the road. Leave time to hike a few trails so you can get into the woods and experience the wonderful silence of being in the forest. Don’t anticipate any cellular phone or data connectivity.

If you enter from the north entrance you will be greeted with a fantastic view of the lake. Dry camping (Mazama Camp) is available in the park and there are cabins and a lodge. Dress warmly the average high temperature is 70 in July. Expect lows in the 40’s at night.

Crater Lake is 6th in the nation to be dedicated as a National Park. It is truly a wonder and well worth a visit. We are certain to return someday!