Crater Lake National Park
From World travel guide
Crater Lake National Park [1] is a United States national park located in southern Oregon, in the United States. The centerpiece of the park is Crater Lake, the deepest lake in North America known for its deep blue color.
Contents |
Understand
History
Crater Lake was formed from the collapse of Mount Mazama, a volcano in southern Oregon that once stood about 11,000 feet tall. A series of destructive eruptions around 5000 BC caused the mountain's peak to collapse into its lava chamber, resulting in a caldera nearly six miles wide. Over time, snowmelt and rain collected in the crater to form the lake.
The first known white man to reach the lake was prospector John Hillman, who found the lake in 1853. Largely through the efforts of naturalist William Gladstone Steel, the United States declared Crater Lake a national park in 1902.
Landscape
Flora and fauna
Climate
Crater Lake's location high in the Cascade mountains (about 6,000 feet above sea level) means that snow is often visible year-round. The lake is often enveloped in heavy snow during the fall, winter, and spring, forcing the closure of roads and trails. In fact, the lake averages 533 inches of snow a year. Consequently, the best time to visit Crater Lake is in the summer months, when all facilities, roads, and trails are open.
Get in
By plane
The nearest major airport to Crater Lake National Park is Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport, located three miles north of Medford and 80 miles south of the park.
By car
From the north
- From Eugene, Portland, and points north on I-5: Follow Interstate 5 south to Roseburg, then take Oregon 138 east to the park's north entrance.
- From Bend and Central Oregon: Follow U.S. 97 south to Oregon 138 west to the park's north entrance.
The north entrance is typically closed for the winter season (mid-October to mid-June).
From the south
- From Medford and points south on I-5: Follow Interstate 5 north to Medford, then take Oregon 62 north and east to the park's west entrance (open year round).
- From Klamath Falls: Follow U.S. 97 north to route 62 north and west to the park's south entrance (open year round).
Fees/Permits
Entry fee is US$10.00 for seven days. National Park Passes and Golden Passports are accepted.
Get around
See
Do
Buy
Eat
The Crater Lake Lodge Restaurant offers spectacular views of Crater Lake. Dinner entrees emphasize the Pacific Northwest. Crater Lake Lodge Restaurant pictures and information
Drink
Sleep
Lodging
Camping
Backcountry
Stay safe
Get out
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