Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is home to the deepest lake in the United States, formed 7,700 years ago by a volcanic eruption that collapsed Mount Mazama. The park features stunning blue water, dramatic volcanic geology, diverse wildlife, and scenic trails for all seasons.
Overview
Crater Lake National Park inspires awe with its deep blue, pristine lake formed by the collapse of Mount Mazama after a massive volcanic eruption 7,700 years ago. Fed solely by rain and snow, the lake is the deepest in the USA and one of the most pure on Earth. The park is perched atop the Cascade Mountain Range and offers artists, photographers, and sightseers a stunning natural setting .
Key facts include:
- The park is open year-round but is snow-covered most of the year, with an average snowfall of 41 feet.
- Visitors must pay an entry fee or use a pass, and no reservations are required to enter.
- Major entrances include West, South, and North (the latter is closed in winter).
- Cell reception is limited within the park, so visitors are advised to get directions beforehand.
- The lake is often hidden by clouds; a live webcam is available to check visibility before visiting .
Geology and Formation
Crater Lake was formed approximately 7,700 years ago when a violent eruption of Mount Mazama caused the collapse of a towering volcanic peak, creating a caldera that eventually filled with rain and snow to form the lake .
Mount Mazama Eruption
- The eruption was one of the largest in the last 10,000 years, ejecting massive amounts of volcanic material and collapsing the volcano into itself.
- Over subsequent centuries, the caldera filled with precipitation, forming the lake known for its remarkable depth and clarity.
- The volcanic history is visible in the surrounding cliffs, cinder cones like Wizard Island, and submerged volcanic features .
Geological Features
- The lake is 1,943 feet deep, making it the deepest in the United States and seventh deepest in the world.
- No rivers flow into or out of the lake; water leaves only by evaporation and seepage, balanced by precipitation.
- The park also includes features such as the Cleetwood Cove Trail, Meteor Crater, and various viewpoints along the Rim Drive that highlight its volcanic origins .
Wildlife and Ecology
The park supports a variety of wildlife adapted to its high-elevation, volcanic environment. Animals in the park include deer, bears, marmots, and numerous bird species. The lake itself supports only a few fish species, including those introduced by humans, as no rivers feed into it .
Plan Your Visit
Crater Lake National Park offers numerous activities and scenic spots for visitors to explore, from rim drives and overlooks to hiking trails and water tours.
Key Scenic Spots and Trails
Rim Drive
A 33-mile scenic road encircling the lake, offering multiple overlooks such as Watchman Overlook, Wizard Island Viewpoint, and Discovery Point. The drive is typically open from late June through October, depending on snow conditions.
Cleetwood Cove Trail
The only trail leading down to the lakeās shore. It is a steep, 1.1-mile hike that descends 700 feet and provides access to the lake for swimming and boat tours.
Garfield Peak Trail
A popular hike offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding caldera. The trail is 3.4 miles round trip and gains 1,000 feet in elevation.
Mount Scott
The highest point in the park, offering a 3.6-mile round-trip trail to the summit with 1,150 feet of elevation gain. On clear days, views extend to the Pacific Ocean.
Sadler Point Trail
An easy, 0.2-mile accessible trail leading to a dramatic overlook of the lake, featuring sheer cliffs plunging into the blue water.
Camping and Lodging
- Crater Lake Lodge: Located at Rim Village, offering historic accommodations with views of the lake. Open late June through mid-October.
- Mazama Village Campground: The largest campground, located 7 miles from the lake, open late June through September.
- Lost Creek Campground: A smaller, more remote campground open seasonally.
- Campsites: Reservations may be required for some sites. Additional lodging and camping options are available in nearby communities .
Additional Resources
- Crater Lake National Park ā NPS.gov
- Is the Lake Visible Right Now? (Webcam)
- Plan Your Visit ā NPS
- Scenic Drives and Overlooks
- Camping, Cabins, and Crater Lake Lodge
- Things to Do
- Cleetwood Cove Trail
- How Did Crater Lake Form?
- Mount Mazama Geology
- Protecting the Lake
Links
Hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Last updated: Sat Jun 7, 2025
