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Crater Lake is one of the most stunning sights I have ever laid eyes on. The lake and the park that
surrounds it are in an area of southern Oregon known throughout the world for its lush forests,
countless waterfalls, and incredible scenery. The lake itself, the deepest in North America, lies in a
caldera formed when Mount Mazama collapsed after a massive eruption over 7,000 years ago. Over
time, rain and snowmelt filled the massive crater left behind after the eruption. Because of cold
temperatures and lack of sedimentation, waters inside Crater Lake are spectacularly blue. Today, the
lake is the centerpiece of Crater Lake National Park, formed in 1922 as the country's fifth such park.
During my last visit in early summer 2007, snows blocked roads around the eastern portion of the
lake. Nonetheless, I managed to visit numerous spots within the park and the surrounding forests.
The photos below reveal the magnificent beauty of the region that can only be fully appreciated through
a personal visit.
surrounds it are in an area of southern Oregon known throughout the world for its lush forests,
countless waterfalls, and incredible scenery. The lake itself, the deepest in North America, lies in a
caldera formed when Mount Mazama collapsed after a massive eruption over 7,000 years ago. Over
time, rain and snowmelt filled the massive crater left behind after the eruption. Because of cold
temperatures and lack of sedimentation, waters inside Crater Lake are spectacularly blue. Today, the
lake is the centerpiece of Crater Lake National Park, formed in 1922 as the country's fifth such park.
During my last visit in early summer 2007, snows blocked roads around the eastern portion of the
lake. Nonetheless, I managed to visit numerous spots within the park and the surrounding forests.
The photos below reveal the magnificent beauty of the region that can only be fully appreciated through
a personal visit.
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By the time I finished taking photos, I realized the sun was falling lower in the horizon and that local
restaurants would most likely close by dusk. My friend and I quickly packed up and drove into the park
in order to catch our first glimpse of Crater Lake. Quite simply, we were stunned.
While attending UC Davis I often visited Lake Tahoe to enjoy its beauty and serenity. I had imagined
Crater Lake to be similar in color and scope, just without the extensive development of resorts and
private cabins. However, Crater Lake is completely different in nature. Its waters are calm, its color a
deep cerulean blue that even the best cameras struggle to capture accurately. The lake appears to be
perfectly round with tall, steep cliffs crashing to the lake below. Unfortunately, I didn't have much time to
grasp the sight that lay before me. We took a few photos, returned to Union Creek to eat and rest, and
drove in the next morning to the visitor center where we parked and set off on the Garfield Peak trail.
restaurants would most likely close by dusk. My friend and I quickly packed up and drove into the park
in order to catch our first glimpse of Crater Lake. Quite simply, we were stunned.
While attending UC Davis I often visited Lake Tahoe to enjoy its beauty and serenity. I had imagined
Crater Lake to be similar in color and scope, just without the extensive development of resorts and
private cabins. However, Crater Lake is completely different in nature. Its waters are calm, its color a
deep cerulean blue that even the best cameras struggle to capture accurately. The lake appears to be
perfectly round with tall, steep cliffs crashing to the lake below. Unfortunately, I didn't have much time to
grasp the sight that lay before me. We took a few photos, returned to Union Creek to eat and rest, and
drove in the next morning to the visitor center where we parked and set off on the Garfield Peak trail.
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