Crater Lake National Park, Oregon - August 17 - 21, 2009

We then moved on to a different volcanic story, that of Crater Lake. We entered Crater Lake National Park by the North entrance. All that we had read about going to Crater Lake spoke of entering the South entrance off Highway 62 and that the campground would be nearby. Since we were traveling from Idaho and going South, we couldn't see why we should go miles out of our way to enter the South entrance. Well, we probably should have as I would not recommend that entrance if you're driving a 40' RV with a car in tow! Entering from the North takes you right through the park which meant we were traveling up the large mountainous, narrow road with drops offs and no guardrails. We had seen signs that say "Abrupt Edge" -- very scary when you looked down at the steep drop offs. Rene did great, but I was hanging on and putting the breaks on and can say for the first time, I was nervous. But with a big sigh of relief, we made.

Crater Lake National Park protects the deepest lake in the US. Fed by rain and snow -- no rivers or streams, the lake is considered to be the cleanest largest body of water in the world. The water is exceptional for its clarity and intense blue color.

The lake rests inside a caldera formed approximately 7,700 years ago when a 12,000-foot-tall volcano collapsed following a major eruption. The eruption (known as the Great Mazama eruption) may have been the largest in North America in the past 640,000 years. Later eruptions formed Wizard Island, a cinder cone near the southwest shore.

There is a 33-mile loop around the top of crater with many pull offs for viewing the lake. There were also many different hikes to view from various vantage points.

We spent a day hiking on different trails -- did a couple short walks in the morning and then tackled the 3.3 mile hike up Garfield point. Sure was worth it -- what a view!

There is only one trail down to the water (a steep one) - Cleetwood Cove where you can take a guided boat ride around the lake, which we did. Tour was lead by a Park Ranger what pointed out interesting places/facts about the lake. They also allow you to swim in the lake -- water is about 55 degrees and felt refreshing when I put by feet in.

We were treated with viewing a bald eagle while touring on the boat.






I found it fascinating that the lake was strictly filled by rain water and snow melt considering the depth of the lake -- 1,943 feet, and six miles wide. After the floor of the volcano cooled, which took decades, it then took centuries to fill. The water level remains pretty constant. What was amazing about the lake was the color and why was the water so blue? Crater lake's depth and extreme clarity allow sunlight to penetrate many tens of feet into the water. Sunlight is made up of all colors, and as it passes through the water red light is the first to be absorbed. Orange, yellow, and green are absorbed next, leaving only blue light to be scattered back to the lake surface. The color of the lake changes as the sun and clouds shift, and the appearance of the lake's surface is also altered by wind and wave patterns.

We loved Crater Lake National Park and would recommend a visit to this unique place!