Why is Crater Lake amazing?
A huge blue lake in the crater of a dead volcano, with a “volcano within a volcano” rising from the center of the tranquil water – this is the awesome crater lake. It is also America’s deepest lake.
Crater lake lies at the heart of the Crater Lake National Park in southern Oregon state. The extinct volcano which houses it, Mount Mazama, is 7,000 feet above sea level. The lake itself is very, very deep, almost 2,000 feet. It is almost a perfect circle with a perimeter of 32 miles. There are no rivers or streams running out of the lake. Water flows into it all year round from rains and melting snow and stays in the lake until it is lost to evaporation. The water is a lovely blue in colour, probably due to many minerals washed down into it over millenia.
What do you do at Crater Lake?
The best way to see the lake is to drive around it on the Rim Drive, which runs close to the shores of the lake. All along the way – this 33-mile drive that could easily take the whole day depending on how often, and for how long, you stop – there are numerous vantage points from where you can see the lake from different angles. There are too many such points to list, but notable among them are the Phantom Ship Overlook, Pumice castle overlook, Wizard Island and Cloud cap Overlook.
Best Stops on Crater Lake Rim Drive
The Phantom Ship Overlook is aptly named. You will see the tip of a jagged ridge that resembles a sailing ship. This formation at the foot of Dutton Cliff is made of volcanic ejecta and andesite lava. The best views are from the Sun Notch and the Kerr Notch.
At the Pumice Castle Overlook you will see an orange pumice formation that has eroded into an interesting shape, a medieval castle, which looks very beautiful with its orange colours standing out.
Wizard Island is a cinder cone rising 763 feet (233 meters) above Crater Lake, the tip of a submerged volcano that rises 2,500 feet (762 meters) from the bottom of the lake. Kayaking or canoeing is not allowed in Crater Lake, but you can go on boat tours to Wizard Island and/or around the lake, one of the fun things to do for kids.
If you are up to it, you can cycle around the Rim instead of driving. There are also many, many trailheads where you can go for a hike. And, of course, you can picnic just about anywhere, but no barbeque please!
Magnificent as the lake is during the day, we were told that the really superb sights can be experienced at sunrise from Cloud cap Overlook on the eastern side of the rim, and at sunset from The Watchman on the western side. The lake takes on ever changing colours and shadows in the rising or setting sun. The sky here is very clear at night because the mountain is so high and the nearest town is a hundred miles away, making the nights terrific for star gazers.
A star attraction not to be missed lies 6 miles away from the rim – the Pinnacles. They are a whole bunch of brown and yellow, and gracefully tapered, spires rising from the canyon far below. They are made of volcanic pumice, originally belched out by the volcano long, long ago. Hot gases baked the ash and pumice together, and millions of years of erosion wore away most of the material until the spires were formed. The canyon where they tower stands in sharp contrast to the lush greenery on all sides – a truly remarkable sight. Reminded us of the unusual rock formations in Arizona.
Awesome views await you at Plaikni Falls if you take a trail from Pinnacles Road. The trail is just over a mile each way, mostly easy but with a steep bit at the end. You will be hiking through an old-growth forest to reach the pretty waterfall.
The crater Lake Lodge is a charming place for resting your weary bones, and enjoying a drink and a meal, after all the effort at absorbing all the wonders of Crater lake, but alas, it is often tough to get a table!
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Amazing place! Definitely must go there next time we are in Oregon. Love your photos 🙂
Your first photo is stunning! Crater Lake is so blue (being so deep). I traveled there as a child and I still remember it. The pinnacles are quite an unusual formation!
Crater Lake is on my bucketlist. There are several National Parks on the west coast that I have yet to make it too. Mostly in the Oregon, & north Cali areas. I hope you enjoyed this beautiful place.
This lake looks amazing. We are going to Oregon this fall and this is one of the places I want to go. I am so pinning it so it will stay on my husband’s radar and when he sees these great pics I know he will want to go!
I have heard so much about crater lake! I would LOVE to go! The scenery and landscapes look simply amazing! There are so many places in the states I’d love to visit. This is certainly one of them 🙂
I’ve always wanted to visit here but feel I learned a lot more about it from your post. Phantom ship overlook seems like a cool spot to hang out for a bit.
I hadn’t realized that there were volcanic crater lakes in the US. I’ve been to one’s in Sumatra and that was one of my favourite sights on that island. There’s something about the vastness of these lakes that make them a compelling place to visit. If I ever make it up to Oregon then it’s on the list for sure.
While I’ve not yet had a chance to visit Crater Lake, another travel blogger sent in an everyday postcard of Crater Lake. So beautiful! Like always, your images are breathtakingly beautiful (and make me wonder just how majestic it must be to see this scenery in person)!
I’m not sure what time of year you were there, but in the summer there’s also a boat ride around the lake that’s wonderful! I agree that the Lodge is a perfect stop for a meal or even just to sit out on the veranda and take in the view. Thanks for sharing!
Crater Lake is on my bucketlist!! Your post has reignited my desire to see it even more and it may move up the list. Not sure how summer is around Crater Lake but I don’t take to too hot a weather. Thank you for sharing your experiences – have noted – the best way to see it to drive around the Rim Drive.
I visited Crater Lake a few years ago & it totally blew my mind! I remember learning about the lake during geography lessons at school but didn’t really appreciate it. When I saw the lake for the first time it took my breath away. I have added it to my list of “Unexpected wonders of the world!” I do wish I had read this before I went though as I clearly missed some of these vantage points & especially love the idea of sunrise & sunset. Thank you for reminding me!
I visited Crater Lake in the summer when I was RVing. It was so beautiful, but the mosquitoes – yikes! They were really bad! Such a beautiful drive and area! A must-see!
The first photo taken by you of Crater Lake has won me over for this place. I loved the blue color and also interesting to know volcano within a volcano. You have given ideas for many beautiful places to visit nearby to this place. I will keep in mind that the best views are from the Sun Notch and the Kerr Notch.
We are on the west coast frequently and will have to plan a visit to Crater Lake in Oregon the next time. It would be stunning to see this lake on the top of a volcano. I am sure the rim drive would provide so many great views. It would take us forever with all the stops we would make.
Such stunning views of the crater lake from the different points with the beautiful rock formations that add a character to the place making it worth a visit!
It’s in my bucket list for sure!Thank you for sharing Jan.
Your first photo is stunning! Crater Lake looks breathtaking. It’s on my bucket list for sure. I loved the blue colour and also interesting to know the volcano within a volcano. Loved this post.
I have never been to this part of the world even though it has been on my bucket list. The crater lake surely looks magical and so blue. I have seen one or two blue lakes and I know how beautiful they look in real life. I hope I can get here someday and see it for real.
During my travels, I never miss a chance to explore a crater lake. This one is no different! Looks surreal. Nicely organised pictures. Would like to explore Crater Lake National Park if I get a chance.
Wow what a beautiful place. I had heard about Crater Lake earlier but it’s the first time got a good feel. Must visit sometime to get the real feel.
I reckon that regardless of whether it’s during sunrise or sunset, the views will be uniquely magnificent and jaw-dropping. Seriously, this place is beautiful! I can just imagine driving around here listening to a nice playlist or meditating and just taking in all that serenity.
Crater lake is seriously so gorgeous! I really need to make a trip there and see it ! Thanks for the tips
I knew that Crater Lake was America’s deepest lake because we almost named my company’s data lake after it, haha. I’d love to see Crater Lake someday and explore more of this area; it has such a cool history and looks absolutely gorgeous! Xx Sara