The Deepest Lake In The Americas
Written: Jun 18 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Very Beautiful
Cons: A Little Chilly in June
The Bottom Line: This lake is unique and beautiful. Be sure to have the cameras ready to go.
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| rbinck's Full Review: Crater Lake National Park |
Our Trip
In May 2001 the wife and I took a road trip from Houston, Texas to Washington State and back. The original route was to go down the Pacific coast to just below San Francisco and then cut over to the Sequoia National Park and see the big trees. When we got to Coos Bay, Oregon we decided we had seen enough coastline and we really wanted to see mountains anyway, so we cut inland back into the mountains. With the aid of a fortunate wrong turn, I studied the Oregon map and saw Crater Lake National Park was on route to Klamath Falls, Oregon, where we were headed. We ended up visiting Crater Lake National Park and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip.
Getting To The Park
Crater Lake is in south-central Oregon east of I-5 and north of Klamath Falls. If you are coming from the Portland area you would travel south on I-5 to the Oregon 138 exit at Roseburg. Head east and follow the signs to the park’s north entrance. Coming from California, you would travel north on I-5 to Oregon 62 and head northeast, again follow the signs to the park’s south entrance. From Klamath Falls, Oregon take US 97 north and turn on Oregon 62 and head northwest to the park’s south entrance.
Where To Stay
Probably the nearest town to stay in a motel is Klamath Falls, which is where we wound up. There are two facilities in the park Crater Lake Lodge and Mazama Village Motor Inn. For information or reservations, write:
Crater Lake Lodge, Inc.
PO Box 2704
White City, OR 97503
Campgrounds
There are two campgrounds at the park: Lost Creek Campground has 16 sites for Tents Only and Mazama Campground has 200 sites and will accommodate both tents and RVs. There are not any hookups.
Both campgrounds operate on a first come first served basis.
For information:
Crater Lake National Park
PO Box 7
Crater Lake, OR 97604
Phone: 541-594-2211 x402
TDD: 541-594-2261
Hiking
There are eight main hiking trails in the park from short easily made strolls to very strenuous hikes requiring a lot of effort. Crater Lake elevation is at 6176 feet above sea level, so hikers should bear that in mind as well.
The Cleetwood Cove trail is the most adventurous, in my opinion, because it is the trail that goes down into the crater to the lakeshore. It descends 700-feet and is considered very strenuous. They say you can swim and fish once there. I can see fishing, but swimming? We are talking a lake in the mountains here…cold!
About the Lake
Crater Lake was formed about 7,700 years ago by a violent eruption that blew off the top 5,000 feet of the Mount Mazama Mountain. The eruption was estimated to be over 40 times as powerful as the Mt. St. Helens eruption back in 1980. The lake is the deepest lake in the United States at a maximum depth of 1932 feet. The lake is about 6 mile across at it widest point and there is an island in the lake which was a result of a volcano within a volcano, if you will.
About The Park
The Crater Lake National Park was the United States fifth National Park, dedicated in 1902. Teddy Roosevelt signed the bill to create the park as he had done for the first National Park, Yellowstone National Park.
Observations In The Park
We drove through the park in early June and there was still quite a bit of snow patches on the mountainsides. The views were spectacular as the road wound its way along the side of the mountain. The trip can be pretty spooky even for drivers like me that are used to driving on the side of cliffs.
The lake is as pretty a site as you will ever want to see and photos are a must. Video is recommended as well. The blue of the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Hawaii only surpasses the blue of the lake. The deep blue color is due to the depth of the lake. With the rocky sides of the caldera and the patches of snow contrasting the blue of the lake, it makes a scene like few places on Earth. Definitely a photo op.
Other Facilities At The Park
There are a number of picnic areas scattered through out the park. Near the south entrance there is a visitors center and Park Headquarters that is open all year round. Further into the park at Rim Village there is another visitors center, cafeteria, and gift shop. This same location is where the Crater Lake Lodge is located. The Rim Village area is open during the summer only.
Wintertime Activities
Although we were not there in the winter, there are a number of trails for cross-country skiing with difficulties ranging from beginner to advanced.
Temperature
We visited the park in early June and the temperature was cold. It was not freezing, but with the wind it was cold. Too cold to enjoy an outdoor picnic without winter clothing. My guess is during the height of the summer would be the best temperature for picnics.
Summary
To think that we nearly bypassed this beautiful place makes me glad I made that wrong turn. It must have been fate that drew us to this wonderful place. We are thinking of planning a trip back already with the point of view that we will stay a little longer next time. If you get the chance to visit this National Park, by all means do so. I think you will be glad you did.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
rbinck
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Member: Richard Binckley
Location: Houston, Texas
Reviews written: 125
Trusted by: 26 members
About Me:
Retired A/V professional, likes Hawaii and Classic Cars
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