Crater Lake National Park

Set in the Cascade Mountains in southern Oregon, Crater Lake National Park’s stunningly blue, rain and snow-fed lake is the deepest in the United States. The result of a volcanic eruption — witnessed by Native Americans some 7,700 years ago — Crater Lake was born when Mount Mazama collapsed. Today, aquatic moss thrives in its waters. And otherworldly fumaroles — tubes, holes, pits and depressions up to 120 feet thick — have appeared on the surface of dead moss layers, which are several thousand years old.

The Flora and Fauna

Rich with wildlife, and you may spot an array of golden-mantled ground squirrels, Canada jays, bees and butterflies at the park. In autumn and late spring, black bear sightings are more common since animals are either about to hibernate or just waking up. When winter arrives, keep your binoculars at the ready, watching for snowshoe hares, Douglas squirrels and American martens.

Amphibians flourish in the park’s wetlands, ponds, streams and along the lakeshore. Some reptile species call dry habitats and Wizard Island home, the latter a volcanic cinder cone at Crater Lake’s west end.

From its forests to its meadows, plant life abounds at Crater Lake — more than 700 species of native plants, in fact. During the short growing season, glean splashy wildflowers on hillsides and along creeks and rivers. Marvel at the ancient, majestic trees that fringe the caldera’s rim. Wet, dry and somewhere in between, the park’s meadows host grasses, blooms and sedges. There’s even a pumice desert along North Entrance Park Road.

The Weather

Often hidden by clouds, Crater Lake is fully visible approximately half of the year. Winters here are long and snowy, with storms from the Pacific pummeling the park with an annual average of 42 feet of snowfall. Short but sunny summers stretch from July through September and are generally warm and dry. May, June and October see sunny days that alternate with rainy and snowy conditions. Be sure to track park and road conditions before you go.

The Hikes, Drives and Viewpoints

Rim Drive Scenic Loop

Offering outstanding views of the park’s volcanic formations, Rim Drive — a 33-mile scenic loop — encircles the caldera and was listed as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. Set high in the Cascade Mountains, it ascends from 6,500 feet to about 7,900 feet at Cloudcap, one of four observation points right off the main road. Consider taking a stroll down the .4-mile Castle Crest Wildflower Trail, which loops around a bowlshaped meadow below Castle Crest Ridge.

Jenn Wood

Pinnacles Trail

Short and easy, the mile-long, out-and-back Pinnacles Trail reveals natural chimneys formed by volcanic ash, as well as an impressive collection of volcanic rock spires.

Annie Creek Canyon Loop Trail

Step away from the lake to traverse the Annie Creek Canyon Loop Trail, which intersects a picturesque canyon below the crater rim.

Discovery Point Trail

Among the easiest and most scenic walks is the 2.4-mile, out-and-back Discovery Point Trail, which starts at the west end of Rim Village; travels through a Whitebark pine and mountain hemlock forest that encircles Crater Lake; and affords spectacular views of the shockingly blue water and volcano-within-a-volcano, Wizard Island.

Wizard Island

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Watchman Peak Trail

The 1.6-mile, out-and-back Watchman Peak Trail features a short, moderate climb to the mountaintop, where a historic fire lookout — still in use by rangers today — offers magnificent views.

Discovery Point and Rim Trails, Combined

For a more strenuous day hike, set out on the 7.5-mile Discovery Point and Rim Trails to Watchman Peak for unobstructed, close-up views of impossibly blue waters.

About the Park

Location - Cascade Mountains, southern Oregon

Established - May 22, 1902

Area - 183,224 acres