Photo by: Jacob Lips
Crater Lake National Park is not the biggest national park in America but, certainly makes up for it in terms of exquisite imagery. This 183,224 acres of natural beauty in southern Oregon, welcomes over 700,000 visitors a year.
History
Before going into early human settlements, the geological one should be discussed, as this gave the Crater Lake National Park its identity. Many volcanic activities shaped Oregon’s Mount Mazama, but it was the major volcanic eruption in 5700 BC that had it collapsing into itself, leading to the formation of a caldera. After 740 years, that caldera was filled and it became the Caldera Lake that tourists love today.
According to lore, Native Americans witnessed the collapse of Mount Mazama, which means they were the earliest settlers in the area. It wasn’t until the 1870s that attention was given to the lake, after much lobbying by American journalist William Gladstone. It was a long and arduous campaign, as it took President Theodore Roosevelt to finally sign the law, creating the Crater Lake National Park on May 22, 1902.
Photo by: Jacob Lips
Things to do
There is something for everybody at this park: hikers and backpackers will enjoy the trek amid a strikingly beautiful backdrop, families will have a blast bonding in such geological marvel, and artists will enthusiastically capture picturesque scenes at this national park, which is just as magnificent during the summer or winter.
Blissful Summers
There will be more activities during the summer-fall season, and of course, the park is more colorful. During the summer, families and couples spend time together driving around the lake via Rim Drive, a 33-mile road around Crater Lake. Visitors may stop along the way—there are over 30 stops—to capture beautiful scenes from the lake. For those who enjoy fitness activities, there are challenging hiking trails in the park that goes through forests, meadows and rocky peaks. One of the more popular and strenuous trails is the Cleetwood Cove.
For photographers, one of the more popular spots to click pictures is the colorful volcanic spires, at the southeast corner of the park. These spires were reportedly formed with the lake. History enthusiasts will enjoy the historic walk-through at the Crater Lake Lodge, which was first opened in 1915.
If the lake’s blue water is a sight to behold, imagine how it feels to swim in it. And visitors can do that—swim, wade or just touch the water. For sunset lovers, the Watchman Peak is the perfect setup.
Winter in Crater Lake National Park
The Crater Lake National Park turns into a winter wonderland and the vista is just pure perfection. Compared to the summer-fall activities, the winter-spring edition may be limited. But as most snowy mountains are, the park becomes the perfect venue to bundle up and ski, sled, snowboard and snowshoe.
After rolling around in the snow, visitors can also watch a 22-minute film called “Crater Lake: Into the Deep,” which details the lake’s “violent” past. The film is also available during summer.
Other activities include lake viewing at Rim Village, however, the view may be dimmed by the clouds when the skies aren’t clear. Snowmobiling is also available but routes are limited, because of the thick snow in the region. Adventurers who enjoy the cold may also try out some backcountry camping at the park, even during winter.
Places to see
Wizard Island – This cinder cone is the top of a submerged volcano, where tourists can visit on a boat. It’s a rare sight: a volcano within a volcano.
Lightning Spring – This trail is for those who get excited at the prospect of meeting a deer. There are amazing meadows famous for spotting deer.
Castle Crest Wildflower Garden – This spot showcases a long stretch of meadows that gets filled with wildflowers during spring.
Plaikni Falls – One of the more popular spots at Crater Lake because of its beautiful cascade, sandwiched between old-growth fir from the hemlock forests.
Garfield Peak – Though it takes a while to reach the peak, visitors are rewarded with the great view of Wizard Island as well as the Phantom Ship, which is a small island at Crater Lake, shaped like a ghost ship.
Fauna
Depending on what season it is, the following can be seen at the Crater Lake National Park: American dippers, bald eagles, beavers, black bears, bobcats, Canadian lynxes, chipmunks, coyotes, deer, elk, foxes, muskrats, Peregrine falcons, porcupines, spotted owls and squirrels, among others.
Photo by: Jacob Lips