Crater Lake National Park in southern Oregon is one of the oldest national parks in the US, covering 183,224 acres and attracting 500,000 visitors annually. The park features the deepest lake in the US, created over 7,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption, and offers hiking trails, fishing, and scenic Rim Drive. Winter activities include skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
Located in southern Oregon 100 miles (about 160 km) from the Pacific Ocean, Crater Lake National Park is a United States national park. Established in 1902, Crater Lake National Park is one of the oldest national parks in the country. The national park encompasses 183,224 acres (about 741.5 square km). Each year, the park attracts 500,000 visitors. The park is highlighted by scenic Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States.
The lake was created more than 7,000 years ago when the Mazma volcano erupted. The 12,000-foot (about 3,660 m) volcano subsequently collapsed and then lava sealed the geological structure basin. The eruption left behind a volcanic basin that over the centuries was eventually filled with 5 trillion gallons (about 19 trillion liters) of water from rain and melting snow. At its deepest point, the depth of Crater Lakes is 1,943 feet (about 592 m). The freshwater lake is revered for its brilliant blue color. Because the water in the lake is so pure and contains no sediment, algae, or pesticides, the water absorbs every color of the spectrum except blue.
The fish are not native to the lake. Between 1888 and 1942, the lake was stocked with over 1.5 million fish. The only fish species that survived were rainbow trout and kokanee salmon. Visitors can fish in the lake using lures, so no new species are introduced to the lake. A license is not required to fish and visitors can catch as many fish as possible.
Crater Lake National Park offers more than 90 miles (about 145km) of hiking trails. Many of the trails can be hiked in a day. The routes are divided into four categories: easy, moderate, difficult and strenuous. The highest peak is Mount Scott, which stands at 8,929 feet (about 2,722 m). On a clear day, hikers can enjoy views that stretch more than 100 miles (about 160 km) and allow visitors to see the entire lake.
The scenery of Crater Lake National Park can be enjoyed along Rim Drive, which stretches 33 miles (approximately 53 km) around the lake and offers various viewpoints of the park. Boat rides and picnic areas can be found along the scenic route. Rim Drive is open from July to October. Camping and biking are also allowed in the park.
Crater Lake National Park is generally buried in snow for eight months of the year. Annual snowfall in the region is 533 inches (about 1,350 cm). Popular winter activities include skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
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