Welcome to the deepest lake in the USA! in central Oregon.
“A lake so vibrant in color that it looks like a fine art painting.” – Stefanie Payne
Crater Lake was formed by a massive volcanic eruption 7,700 years ago which resulted in a deep hole where Mt Mazama once stood. Over time, rain and snow have been the only way the lake has acquired its water. There is no incoming water from any surrounding source and yet the lake can hold 4.9 trillion gallons of water. Nature does nothing in vain!
Fortunately or unfortunately… we chose to visit Crater lake on the Memorial day weekend and it was cloudy, foggy, dark and grey. Instead of luminous blue water under bright blue skies, the lake was a brooding scene of cloudy skies and equally cloudy water. But it wasn’t bad at all, just beautiful in a different way!
The Rim surrounding the lake is a 33 miles circular road that gives unique views from each vantage point. To drive around the whole lake, with stops, it can take anywhere between 2-3 hours. During the winter there are far more road closures due to heavy snowfall/ice. The Northern Entrance to the park is closed, as well as the West Rim and East Rim drive. The Annie Spring Entrance located in the south of the park is open year round. As beautiful as the snow is, the best time to visit would be during the summer months July – September when the lake is crystal clear and leaves you in awe!!
