There are some places that are simply astounding; places that instill a sense of wonder and awe in all who visit. Crater Lake in Oregon is one of those wondrous places. At 1,949 feet deep, it’s the deepest lake in the United States; a pristine pool of deep azure. The lake’s history is as deep as its waters, tracing back over 7,700 years to when a powerful eruption collapsed an ancient volcano, forming what we know as of today as Crater Lake, Oregon’s first national park. Today, Crater Lake National Park attracts upwards of 750,000 visitors each year, inviting all to revel in its resplendence.
Known for its captivating cobalt waters, Crater Lake is the largest, cleanest lake in the U.S.
Bartfett/iStock via Getty Images The lake’s water is supplied completely from snow and rain; there are no inlets from other water sources. This means that no sediment or mineral deposits are carried into the lake, making it one of the cleanest and clearest lakes in the entire world.
Crater Lake is also one of the most accessible national wonders in the country, as it’s actually designed to be visited by car.
Bruce Shippee/EyeEm Collection via Getty Images The lake is circumnavigated by the 33-mile Rim Drive, which also happens to be the highest paved road in Oregon. The full loop is usually open from June through October, and features 30 scenic pullouts.
Along the way, you’ll pass by several gorgeous geographical features, including Hillman Peak.
JeffGoulden/E+ Collection via Getty Images At 8,151 feet above sea level, this basalt peak on the rim of the Crater Lake caldera is also the highest.
You’ll also pass Sun Notch Overlook, where you can gaze upon the mysterious “Phantom Ship” formation.
bpperry/ iStock via Getty Images Plus This 300-foot island in Crater Lake derives its name from its resemblance to a ghost ship – especially in foggy and low-light conditions. Emerging 160 feet above the lake’s surface, Phantom Ship is absolutely captivating.
Hiking is an ideal way to explore the magnificent landscape of Crater Lake National Park – all 183,224 acres. From short, accessible trails to longer, backcountry treks, there are some pretty amazing hikes you can do in the park.
Travel Crater Lake/Facebook In fact, there’s a surprisingly large variety of hiking options, as this national park has an incredibly diverse biome.
In addition to Crater Lake’s stunning turquoise waters, this state park also has expansive, emerald-green forests.
Posnov/Moment Collection via Getty Images You’ll get an up-close look at Oregon’s old-growth trees on one of the many hiking trails at Crater Lake State Park.
Clocking in at an easy (and flat) four miles, Discovery Point Trail is one of the most accessible and popular hikes in the park. It begins at the west end of Rim Village, where the paved path turns into a dirt trail that leads to an amazing overlook.
Joshua Hawley/500px Collection via Getty Images This hike is as much about the journey as it is the destination. Along the route, the views of Crater Lake and Wizard Island will take your breath away.
And Crater Lake National Park is full of surprises, too; it’s home to three secret waterfalls!
Steen Jensen/500px Collection via Getty Images Plaikni Falls (which is easily accessed via the eponymous trail), is utterly majestic, cascading down a glacier-carved cliff.
For an unforgettable Crater Lake experience, definitely plan to take a boat tour.
Travel Crater Lake/Facebook Crater Lake Cruises typically last a couple of hours, and take visitors around the perimeter of the lake, taking in up-close views of Wizard Island, Phantom Ship, and other notable formations. These boat tours allow for an unparalleled panoramic experience of this natural wonder. From the boat, passengers can truly take in the magnitude of Crater Lake: the sheer power of the events of thousands of years ago, when a fiery volcano collapsed, and an illustrious lake was born.
And if you want to really revel in the splendor of the cleanest, largest lake in the country, you can do that, too.
Cavan Images/Cavan Collection via Getty Images Park visitors are allowed to swim at designated areas, and there are even several rocks for adventurous souls who are ready to jump in, feet first. This is a bucket-list moment you should seize if conditions allow. (Bring a warm change of clothes, however, as the water here is very cold!)
Of course, hammocking in Crater Lake State Park offers a similarly sublime experience, albeit much warmer.
Travel Crater Lake/Facebook
And if the thought of waking up to a pristine pool of blue sounds absolutely dreamy, book a night (or two) at Crater Lake Lodge.
JeffGoulden/iStock via Getty Images Plus Built in 1915, Crater Lake Lodge (also listed on the National Register of Historic Place) is located along the southwest rim, 1,000 feet above Crater Lake. Not only is this lodge incredibly winsome, it also offers guests a front-row seat to the most dazzling views of Crater Lake.
Long before it became a national park, Crater Lake was a sacred space.
James Ronan/foap Collection via Getty Images The Klamaths and other Native American tribes considered the lake to be a spiritual place – so special that only those with great wisdom and stretch could view it.
Today, Crater Lake remains a sacred place, but one that’s open to all.
Cavan Images/Cavan Collection via Getty Images
The Germans have a word, waldeinsamkeit, that’s used to describe the feeling of “being at one” with the universe. It’s a big word, with a big meaning.
Bartfett/iStock via Getty Images
The lake’s water is supplied completely from snow and rain; there are no inlets from other water sources. This means that no sediment or mineral deposits are carried into the lake, making it one of the cleanest and clearest lakes in the entire world.
Bruce Shippee/EyeEm Collection via Getty Images
The lake is circumnavigated by the 33-mile Rim Drive, which also happens to be the highest paved road in Oregon. The full loop is usually open from June through October, and features 30 scenic pullouts.
JeffGoulden/E+ Collection via Getty Images
At 8,151 feet above sea level, this basalt peak on the rim of the Crater Lake caldera is also the highest.
bpperry/ iStock via Getty Images Plus
This 300-foot island in Crater Lake derives its name from its resemblance to a ghost ship – especially in foggy and low-light conditions. Emerging 160 feet above the lake’s surface, Phantom Ship is absolutely captivating.
Travel Crater Lake/Facebook
In fact, there’s a surprisingly large variety of hiking options, as this national park has an incredibly diverse biome.
Posnov/Moment Collection via Getty Images
You’ll get an up-close look at Oregon’s old-growth trees on one of the many hiking trails at Crater Lake State Park.
Joshua Hawley/500px Collection via Getty Images
This hike is as much about the journey as it is the destination. Along the route, the views of Crater Lake and Wizard Island will take your breath away.
Steen Jensen/500px Collection via Getty Images
Plaikni Falls (which is easily accessed via the eponymous trail), is utterly majestic, cascading down a glacier-carved cliff.
Crater Lake Cruises typically last a couple of hours, and take visitors around the perimeter of the lake, taking in up-close views of Wizard Island, Phantom Ship, and other notable formations. These boat tours allow for an unparalleled panoramic experience of this natural wonder. From the boat, passengers can truly take in the magnitude of Crater Lake: the sheer power of the events of thousands of years ago, when a fiery volcano collapsed, and an illustrious lake was born.
Cavan Images/Cavan Collection via Getty Images
Park visitors are allowed to swim at designated areas, and there are even several rocks for adventurous souls who are ready to jump in, feet first. This is a bucket-list moment you should seize if conditions allow. (Bring a warm change of clothes, however, as the water here is very cold!)
JeffGoulden/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Built in 1915, Crater Lake Lodge (also listed on the National Register of Historic Place) is located along the southwest rim, 1,000 feet above Crater Lake. Not only is this lodge incredibly winsome, it also offers guests a front-row seat to the most dazzling views of Crater Lake.
James Ronan/foap Collection via Getty Images
The Klamaths and other Native American tribes considered the lake to be a spiritual place – so special that only those with great wisdom and stretch could view it.
It’s good to be reminded, every once in a while, of how wide and wonderful the world really is. Life can feel so big and unmanageable at times, that standing at the precipice of a place as wondrous as Crater Lake has a calming, grounding effect. It connects us to the world and gives us perspective.
General Information:
Accessibility: Accessibility varies within the park, but there are several areas of which you’ll want to take note. Godfrey Glen Trail is the park’s fully accessible trail; it’s a one-mile loop that’s relatively flat. East Rim Drive offers several accessible adventures, including an accessible campground and scenic trails.
Pet Friendly: Pets are welcome at Crater Lake National Park, but only in certain areas. There are a few dog-friendly trails, including Godfrey Glen. Read Crater Lake’s full pet policy, including dog-friendly attractions and trails, on the NPS website.
Parking: The National Park Service operates two small visitor centers, both on the south side of the lake. Go to the Steel Visitor Center in the Park Headquarters area to view a 22-minute park film as an introduction to the geological and human history of Crater Lake. In the summer months (May-October), this visitor center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; in the winter, it’s open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Note that parking here is limited — especially for oversized vehicles.
Seasonal Access: Crater Lake is open year-round, but some of the park’s roads, trails, and facilities are closed seasonally. The park sees roughly 70% of its visitors between Memorial Day and Labor Day, so expect crowds if you’re planning a trip during the summer. Winter is a beautiful time to visit, but be ready with your snowshoes: the annual average snowfall in the park is 43 feet! September is the ideal month to visit: crowds are down, and the weather is picture-perfect. Visit Crater Lake’s current conditions page on the NPS website to find out what’s currently open in the park.
Cost: Admission to Crater Park varies by season. For private vehicles, you’ll pay $30 in the summer (May 22-Oct. 31) and $20 in the winter (Nov. 1-May 21), and this pass is good for seven days.
Learn more about Crater Lake by visiting its page on the National Parks Service website. And as you’re planning your next adventure in the Pacific Northwest, definitely put the Columbia River Gorge on your Bucket List.
Feeling inspired to fill your Bucket List? Check out our previous features of Molokini Crater in Hawaii, Redwoods National Park in California, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan, then subscribe to our weekly Bucket List newsletter to discover new destinations across the country that definitely deserve a visit.
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Address: Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, USA
