By Lauren Himiak
National & State Parks Expert, about.com
Contact Info:
P.O. Box 7, Crater Lake, OR 97604
Phone: 541-594-3000
Overview:
It
is hard for visitors to forget their first view of Crater Lake. On a
clear summer day, the water is such a deep blue many have said it looks
like ink. With stunning cliffs towering over 2,000 feet above, the lake
is tranquil, stunning, and a must-see for all who find beauty in the
outdoors.
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The lake was formed when Mount Mazama – a dormant volcano
- erupted in about 5700 B.C. Eventually rain and snow accumulated and
formed a lake for than 1,900 feed deep – the deepest lake in the United
States. Around the lake grew wildflowers, pine, fir, and hemlock leading
to the return of an active ecosystem. Black bears, bobcats, deer, eagles, and hawks soon returned and are always exciting to see.
Crater
Lake is a gorgeous destination with a lot to offer visitors. With 100
miles of trails, stunning scenery, and active wildlife, this national
park should be visited by all.
[post_ads]History:
Local Native Americans witnessed the collapse of Mount Mazama and
kept the event alive in their legends. The legend talks about two
Chiefs, Llao of the Below World and Skell of the Above World, who engage
in a battle which ended up destroying Llao's home, Mt. Mazama. That
battle was witnessed in the eruption of Mt. Mazama and the creation of
Crater Lake.
The first known European Americans to visit the lake
were those looking for gold in the 1850's. Later, man named William
Gladstone Steel took a deep interest in Carter Lake. A native of Ohio,
he campaigned Congress for 17 years to designate the area as a national
park. In 1886, Steel and geologists organized a United States Geological
Survey expedition to study the lake. Steel is known by many as the
father of Crater Lake National Park.
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Crater Lake National Park was established May 22, 1902 by President Theodore Roosevelt.
When to Visit:
For
the best and most colorful view of the lake, plan a trip during summer.
Keep in mind the drive around the lake usually closes in October due to
snow. But those who enjoy snow and cross-contry skiing may enjoy a trip
in the winter.
Also, late July and early August are peak wildflower months.
Getting There:
Major
airports are located in Medford and Klamath Falls. (Find Flights) From
Medford, the park can be reached on Oreg. 62 and is about 85 miles away.
You can enter the park from the south – Klamath Falls - from Oreg. 62,
or from the north on Oreg. 138.
Fees/Permits:
A standard seven day pass for a car is $10. Annual and standard park passes may also be used to waive the entrance fee.
Major Attractions:
Rim Drive:
This scenic drive circles Crater Lake providing more than 25 amazing
overlooks and nice spots to picnic. A few great overlooks are Hillman
Peak, Wizard Island, and Discovery Point.
Steel Bay: Visit the commemoration of William Gladstone Steel who helped establish the national park.
Phantom Ship: A 160-foot high island consisting of 400,000 year-old lava flows.
The Pinnacles: Spires of hardened volcanic ash create a stunning scenery.
Godfrey Glen Trail: An easy one-mile hike that leads through forest that developed on a flow of pumice and ash.
Mount Scott Trail: Perhaps the most popular trail in the park, the trail ascends 2.5 miles to the park's highest point.
Wizard Island Summit Trail:
Less than a mile to the island, the trail is full of hemlock, red fir,
wildflowers leading to the inside of the 90-foot-deep caldera.
[post_ads]Accommodations:
Two
campgrounds are located within the park, both with 14-day limits. Lost
Creek is open mid-July to late September while Mazama is open late-June
to mid-October. Both are first come, first serve and fees range from
$10-$18 per night.
Overnight backpacking is also permitted in the
park, but a permit is required. Permits are free and may be obtained at
the Steel Information Center, the Rim Village Visitor Center, and on the
Pacific Crest Trail.
Inside the park, check out Rim
Village/Crater Lake Lodge which offers 71 units that vary in price. (Get
Rates) Or visit Mazama Village Motor Inn which offers 40 units from
early June to mid-October.
Other hotels, motels, and inns are
available outside the park. Diamond Lake Resort, located in Diamond
Lake, offers 92 units, 42 with kitchenettes. Rooms run around $80 per
night while cabins range from $165-$195 per night. Studios are also
available for about $90 per night.
Chiloquin offers many
affordable accommodations. Melita's Motel offers 14 units for $42-$58
per night as well as 20 RV hookups for $21.
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Areas of Interest Outside the Park:
Oregon Caves National Monument:
Located about 150 miles away from Crater Lake National Park is an
underground treasure. Guided tours are available showcasing the “Marble
Halls of Oregon” which were formed by groundwater dissolving marble
bedrock. Open mid-March through November, the monument may be contacted
at 541-592-2100.
Rogue River National Forest:
This national forest is located in Medford, only 85 miles from Crater
Lake National Park, and highlights sugar pines and Douglas firs. The
forest contains six wilderness areas, many lakes, and a portion of the
Pacific Crest Trail. Activities include hiking, boating, fishing,
horseback riding, scenic drives, camping, winter and water sports. Call
541-858-2200 for ore information.
Lava Beds National Monument:
Rugged terrain, lava-tube caves, and cinder cones sum up this national
monument. The area is a fantastic spot for spring and fall
bird-watching. Other activities include hiking, camping, and summer
tours. Open year-round, the monument may be reached at 530-667-2282.
