Crater Lake National Park

Imagine a blue mountain lake that contains two islands encircled by two thousand foot-high sheer, rocky cliffs covered with trees. Crater Lake is a deep, pure lake of immeasurable beauty, that also serves as a living outdoor laboratory and classroom.

At the crest of the Cascade Mountains, in Southern Oregon Crater Lake is 100 miles/160 km fom the Pacific Ocean. Born in the caldera or volcanic basin, that is the result of Mount Mazama's 12,000ft/3,660m collapsed 7,700 years ago.

Crater Lake maintains its ranking as the seventh deepest lake in the world, with winter snow, that averages 533in/1,354cm yearly. With no inlets or outlets, the lake measures 1,943ft/592m the deepest in the United States. Evaporation and seepage prevent the lake from becoming any deeper.

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Video by Bluedanube2000 Courtesy YouTube.com

When to Visit Crater Lake

Crater Lake's location high in the Cascade mountains (about 6,000 feet above sea level) means that snow is often visible year-round. The lake is often enveloped in heavy snow during the fall, winter, and spring, forcing the closure of roads and trails. In fact, the lake averages 533 inches of snow a year. Consequently, the best time to visit Crater Lake is in the summer months, when all facilities, roads, and trails are open.

Facts:

Established: 1902

Location: Southern Oregon, 60 miles northwest of Klamath Falls, OR

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Fees:

If you're cycling in or on foot, it'll cost you $5 to enter the park, $10 per car. A backcountry permit is required but is free of charge.

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Regulations:

No mountain bikes or off-road vehicles allowed off paved roads. Pets are allowed in the park but only on leash and not in the backcountry at all. Private boats are not permitted, nor is the feeding or hunting of animals. No climbing or hiking inner caldera wall except for designated areas of Cleetwood Cove Trail.

Dogs and other pets are allowed in the park but not allowed on park trails.

Smoking is not allowed on any trail.

Feeding wild animals, including birds, is prohibited. Feeding animals is dangerous for you, bad for them, and harmful for the ecosystem.

Leave all rocks, plants and artifacts undisturbed for the enjoyment of future hikers.

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Hours:

Park is open daily year-round, Steel Visitor Center is open daily, but its hours vary seasonally, Rim Village Visitor Center open June-Sept. daily 9:30-5.