Crater Lake-Deepest Lake in United States

When the volcano Mazama erupted some 7,700 years ago, it was a catastrophic event. It erupted with pyroclastic flows of pumice and ash devastating miles of the surrounding areas. The ash penetrated as far away as central Canada and forty miles away in all directions. After the eruption, the middle dropped into the basin, creating the caldera. It then took several hundred years for rain and the melting snow to create the lake.

Mt. Mazama had a history of 400,000 activity with smoke and lava flows. Mazama was 12,000 above sea level when it erupted. Over half a million years ago, when it first erupted, it formed Mt. Scott which is east of Crater Lake and now extinct.

The Klamath natives believe Crater Lake to be a very spiritual place, and only the holiest can worship there. They believe the formation appearing above the lake surface is the spirit they believe created this lake for them. The Native Indians had lived in the area for thousands of years, believing it to be magical.

The Lodge is located at 570 Rim Village Dr., 866-292-6720. It is open May through October. Over 500,000 visitors travel to view this wondrous site. The Lodge has a long and historical history. Originally, it opened in 1915, and in 1967, the National Park Service acquired the property. Extensive renovations and upgrades have been made over the years. Also, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as of 1981.

There is swimming allowed but only at the Cleetwood Cove Trail.

The Pacific Ocean is about one hundred miles to the west. The two closest major cities are Klamath Falls, Oregon, about 60 miles southwest, and Medford, Oregon, about 80 miles southwest. At the lodge, a gift shop, cafe, and dining are available. There is hiking, biking, fishing, shopping, and lake tours.

Mazama Campgrounds offers camping such as:

Tent camping $21.00

RV, no hookup $32.00

RV, electric $37.00

RV, full hookup $43.00

Available are restrooms, water, showers, laundry, gas station, payphone, and dump station

So many varieties of birds and mammals can be found throughout the area. Some of the birds found include hairy woodpecker, blue grouse, ravens, mountain chickadees, nuthatches, and Canadian jays. Squirrels are abundant. It is asked not to feed and of the wild birds or animals. By feeding them, they will no longer be wild and neglect to forage for themselves. Even just a small potato chip can disrupt their wild behavior. So, it is stressed not to feed wildlife.

There are fish in the lake, Rainbow Trout and Sockeye Salmon.

Crater Lake is truly a magnificent place to visit and a must-see on your bucket list.