Crater Lake

Crater Lake is a deep caldera lake in south-central Oregon within Crater Lake National Park, formed when Mount Mazama collapsed about 7,700 years ago. It is the deepest lake in the United States, with a maximum depth of 1,949 feet (594 metres).

The dramatic blue water is viewed from multiple rim overlooks reached by the roughly 33-mile Rim Drive, with popular viewpoints at Watchman and Rim Village. Boat tours operate in summer and visit features such as Wizard Island, and the stark volcanic shoreline and small islands like the Phantom Ship are major photographic subjects.

Hiking, scenic drives and ranger-led programs are the principal visitor activities; direct access to the lakeshore is restricted to the official trail and landing at Cleetwood Cove.

The lake formed after the climactic eruption and collapse of Mount Mazama around 7,700 years ago; subsequent volcanic activity produced features such as Wizard Island within the caldera. The surrounding area was set aside as Crater Lake National Park in 1902 to protect the caldera and its rim vistas.

Crater Lake sits in southern Oregon within the Cascade Range; the park is in a remote mountain area roughly 60 miles (about 100 kilometres) northwest of Klamath Falls and accessible by road from regional gateways in summer.

• Origin and depth: Formed by the collapse of Mount Mazama about 7,700 years ago and now contains the deepest lake in the United States, with a maximum depth of 1,949 feet (594 metres).
• Rim Drive and boat tours: Rim Drive is roughly 33 miles (53 kilometres) and provides the main scenic viewpoints; boat tours to Wizard Island operate seasonally from Rim Village during the summer months.
• Shore access: Cleetwood Cove Trail is the park's only official access route to the lake shore and boat landing, so shore access and boat trips are limited to that location.

What to See #

• Wizard Island: A volcanic cinder cone rising above the lake that is accessible by boat on seasonal park-run cruises and provides short hiking routes on its shore.
• Phantom Ship: A small, craggy island resembling a ship that rises from the lake near the western shore; it is visible from many rim overlooks.
• Rim Drive: The paved road that circles the caldera rim for about 33 miles, offering multiple overlooks and trailheads along the lake's rim.
• Cleetwood Cove Trail: The only legal trail that reaches the lakeshore and the seasonal boat landing for lake cruises; the trail provides direct access to the water.