FIND A PARK

BY LOCATION:

BY CATEGORY:

BY THEME:

BROWSE ALPHABETICALLY:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Crater Lake National Park

, Oregon

NPCA REGION: Northwest Regional Office

Acreage: 183224.05

Category: National Park

Date Established: 05/22/1902

More Info: http://www.nps.gov/crla

Crater Lake National Park, in Southern Oregon, is a rare and breathtaking natural wonder. The lake was created almost 8,000 years ago when the collapse of the Mt. Mazama volcano formed a 6 mile wide volcanic basin. Melted snowfall filled the basin with freshwater and Crater Lake was born.

At nearly 2,000 feet deep Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States. An impressive 20 mile ring of cliffs encloses the basin and adds to the magnificence of the lake.

Crater Lake National Park, located among the Cascade Mountain Range, is a remarkable and beautiful site. It is well worth the visit on any exploration of the American Northwest.

—Caroline Griffith

Visitor Feedback

Share your park story today. Post your park experiences, recommendations, or tips here.*

Comments

A local, I try to get to Crater as often as possible, usually bringing friends and family, amazing them. Was just there 2 weeks ago and, although the temp was in the high 70's--t-shirt/sandal weather, there were still large patches of snow! And mosquitoes! That's a new one for me--take lots of repellent. The trails are excellent, the view can't be beat. The water is crystal clear however there were also large swirls of yellow on the surface--pollen! The water is so clear that rocks that appear only a few feet below are actually a hundred feet from the surface. Sorry--no private boats alloweed... no scuba diving. You hike down to take a private launch to Wizard Island--the hike back up to the rim is a killer! But worth it. If you haven't been there, put it on your life list of places you want to visit!

Submitted by CHERIE at: July 8, 2009

Crater Lake was one of the most Spiritual places for a Indian man to become a Warrior. He would have to go stay there until, he was a man. Then return to the Tribes. The Klamath,Modoc, & Yahshkin Band of Snake Indians.

Submitted by debrinconcita at: May 25, 2009

It looks like a very nice park to go to. the picture looks nice too.

Submitted by Sammi at: April 29, 2009

crater lake national park is very beautiful and i know many information about crater national park.And i want to know more information about crater lake national park and i want to visit once again.If any family didn't went to crater lake national park please visit this place.

Submitted by tara at: April 19, 2009

I understand that the Water is the Purist in the Nation...Also, every Boat must be Checked Out prior to boating on Crater Lake...However there are Homes on the Shore...May you Scuba Dive... Please Advise...Bill

Submitted by whmpublish@hotmail at: April 10, 2009

I have many wonderful memories of the area from a camping trip in the snow over 35 years ago. Some members of our Church wanted to go moose hunting (I am a vegetarian not a hunter but the chance to go to the area was to good to turn down) after the first snow and I will never forget the experience. No one by the way found any moose but the park was gorgeous in the snow. The views were stunning and I felt like I was in a land untouched by human hands. This was long before snowmobiles were allowed in parks so it was pristine. When I think of the park I think of Nat King Cole singing Unforgettable! Even after all these years I remember standing on the shore line looking out across that unbelievable magnificent lake and breathing in real cool fresh air and feeling like I was the first person to have discovered the beautiful place on earth.

Submitted by Crater Lake at: February 28, 2009

Oregons only National Park and by far a must see location. A winter wonderland and a summer delight. Whether you bicycle, or motorcycle around the rim of this creater you will never see another set of unique images anywhere else in the United States.

Submitted by Medivacpilot at: February 27, 2009

I love Crate Lake NP. It is a breathtaking view once you get to the 'rim'. I was there on June 7, 2008 and was greeted by snow on the ground of over a foot deep. It is a must see in anyone's lifetime.

Submitted by barrybenjamin at: July 1, 2008