Crater Lake National Park

The deepest lake in the United States, a deep-blue caldera lake formed by the collapse of Mount Mazama, with spectacular scenery along Rim Drive, Wizard Island and rim trails.

Crater Lake National Park lies in the Cascade Range of southern Oregon. Established in 1902, it was the fifth national park in the United States. About 7,700 years ago, Mount Mazama erupted violently and collapsed, forming a caldera about 9 km across; rain and snow filled it to create Crater Lake, about 594 m deep — the deepest lake in the U.S. With no rivers flowing in, the water is exceptionally clear and a rare deep blue. The essential experience is driving the 53 km Rim Drive and looking down on the lake from Rim Village, Watchman Peak, the Phantom Ship Overlook and other viewpoints; if you're fit, climb Garfield Peak or Mount Scott, the park's highest point, or take the Cleetwood Cove Trail down to the shore to swim and catch a boat to Wizard Island. The Pinnacles and Plaikni Falls in the southeast corner see fewer visitors; outside the park are Diamond Lake to the north and the Rogue River Gorge to the west, and along Highway 138 you can visit Toketee Falls. Seasons: the park averages about 13 m of snow a year, and July–September is the only period when everything is open; Rim Drive usually opens fully in early July and closes in late October. In winter only the stretch from the south entrance to Rim Village is accessible, good for snowshoeing. Getting there: the nearest airports are Medford (about 2 hours' drive) and Klamath Falls (about 1.5 hours); there's no public transportation in the park, so you'll need a car. Entrance fees are charged per vehicle, and the America the Beautiful annual pass is accepted. Lodging options include Crater Lake Lodge, the cabins at Mazama Village or towns outside the park; book months ahead for summer. Plan on 1–2 days. The park sits above 2,000 m, with big temperature swings between day and night, so bring warm layers and sun protection.

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Itineraries