High in the Cascade Mountains of southern Oregon lies Crater Lake National Park, home to the deepest lake in the United States and one of the purest bodies of water on Earth. Formed nearly 7,700 years ago after the eruption and collapse of Mount Mazama, the lake’s impossibly blue waters fill a vast volcanic caldera surrounded by sheer cliffs and forested ridges. At its center rise Wizard Island and Phantom Ship, remnants of the volcano’s fiery past. The clarity of Crater Lake and its intense sapphire color create a scene that feels otherworldly, a place where fire gave way to serenity.
Beyond its iconic lake, the park is a landscape of volcanic peaks, alpine meadows, and dense forests teeming with life. In summer, wildflowers bloom along Rim Drive, framing breathtaking views of the lake below. Black bears, elk, and bald eagles inhabit the surrounding forests, while winter transforms the park into a snow-covered sanctuary ideal for cross-country skiing and solitude. Each season at Crater Lake reveals a different side of its beauty — a reminder of the delicate balance between power and peace that defines this ancient landscape.
Conservation remains central to Crater Lake’s identity. The National Park Service continues to monitor water quality, manage forest health, and protect the fragile volcanic ecosystem from the effects of climate change and pollution. Efforts to reduce air contaminants, restore native vegetation, and support scientific research ensure that the lake remains one of the clearest and cleanest in the world. Visitors are encouraged to experience Crater Lake with care — to stand in quiet awe and reflect on the immense natural forces that shaped it. In every sense, Crater Lake is a mirror of time, depth, and resilience.
Our Experience
We have been fortunate enough to have visited this park twice now and it's an absolute favorite! Our first time offered crystal clear skies but our second time gave us the chance to hike down to the lakeshore and jump into the freezing waters! We were lucky enough to visit both times before the lakefront trail shutdown until 2028! The first time, our dog Butters even got to join and enjoy some snow on the ground for the first time.