Crater Lake is Oregon’s most famous jewel, and it’s truly a magnificent natural wonder. It’s a favorite for both locals and tourists, but not everyone can see it in person. Here are 14 photos of the lake that will remind you of its beauty.
Crater Lake National Park covers 183,224 acres. Its most famous feature is Crater Lake.
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Crater Lake fills the caldera of Mount Mazama. It’s an azure jewel in south-central Oregon, and with a depth of 1,949 feet, it has the distinction of being the deepest lake in the country.
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Crater Lake was formed fairly recently - just 7,700 years ago, when the volcano erupted and collapsed one of the tallest peaks. Native Americans witnessed the event.
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There are few places in the world as stunning as Crater Lake. The water is incredibly clean and clear, so sunlight is able to penetrate far into its depths.
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Two islands stand as landmarks in the lake. Wizard Island welcomes visitors who arrive via ranger-led boat tours.
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You can see the other island, Phantom Ship, up close on a boat tour, or view it from above.
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To take one of the boat tours, visitors must be able to hike a steep path down to Cleetwood Cove.
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The cove is the only spot to access the lake’s shore. Visitors can fish, swim, and wade in the clean, clear water.
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Some of the other features of the lake include Hillman Peak, the highest point on the rim at an elevation of 8,156 feet…
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…and The Pinnacles, some unusual pumice spires created by the volcano.
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Crater Lake National Park is home to many animal species, and visitors often see squirrels and chipmunks begging for treats.
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At night, the skies are almost as clear as the water of the lake.
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Crater Lake is stunning year-round, and is especially magical during winter months, though some of the roads are closed.
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A visit to Crater Lake is a must for all Oregonians, but if you can’t visit in person, you can check it out on the park’s web cams.
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Have you seen Crater Lake in person? Share your photos with our readers in the comments.
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Jeff Goulden/E+ via Getty Images
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Bruce Shippee/EyEm via Getty Images
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Cavan Images/Cavan via Getty Images
Posnov/Moment Collection via Getty Images
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Thomas Winz/The Image Bank via Getty Images
Son Gallery - Wilson Lee/Moment Collection via Getty Images
Amanda Richter/Moment Collection/via Getty Images
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Address: Crater Lake, Oregon 97604, USA
