Crater Lake - Oregon's sapphire

Crater Lakes blue is the bluest of blues. It is unquestionably Oregon’s jewel. Its amazing geological formation, the lake rests inside an ancient Volcano (Mount Mazama) is responsible for the color of the lake. At a depth of 1943 feet it is the deepest lake in the United States and one of the deepest lakes in the world.
The magic of our planet that takes a scene of overpowering destruction and turns it into one of the most spectacular landscapes known to men always amazes me. The pinnacles, remnants of volcanic activity, have turned into bizarre colorful landscapes.
Just outside the park, you will find magnificent waterfalls. Among the most beautiful of them is Toketee Falls.

Location and Information

GPS: N 42° 55.239 W 122° 09.414

Crater Lake is located in south Oregon close to California between Highways 62, 230 and 138 about 2 hours form Interstate 5. Thanks to its height, you can find snow up here as late as July.

Most parts of the Rim drive will be closed in winter, due to heavy snow and may open as late as July. It is always best to call the park service for up to date information (541-594-2211). The south entrance (from Highway 62) is open year round.

The parks website: www.nps.gov/crla .

The Park

Crater Lake is Oregon’s only National Park, but it is one of the most magnificent of all parks. Thanks to its depth and minerals it is the bluest water I have ever seen. When you first lay your peepers at the lake, you cannot help but gasp in awe. While you get out of your car, and after absorbing the shock of cold air, you can watch the bold Chipmunks playing near the North Entrance.

The Rim Drive

Every visitor to the National Park enjoys at least the Rim Drive, a 33-mile loop around the lake. Consider at least 3 hours for this drive (if you rush it), since it will lead you to a great number of viewpoints. Each is different from the other and the views are breathtaking. The average height of the rim is approx. 1000 feet above the water level.

If you enter the park from the north, you first stop will be Merriam Point. It does not get much better than this. This is where I took the shot of the Chipmunk with the Lake in the Background. To your right you will see Wizard Island. The island is a cinder cone from the last eruption. If you turn to the right (towards the Rim Village) you will soon get to the Wizard Island Overlook. From here you will have the best view of this Island and its inhabitants (trees up to 800 years of age). Wizard Island rises approx. 700 feet above the water. You are easily deceived by the size of the lake into thinking that this is a small island.

Continue your drive towards the Rim Village. Rim Village is where you will arrive at the crater if you enter the park from the south. Along your way you will pass a great number of overlooks. Each one rivals the other in its beauty.

Rim Village serves as a visitor center in the summer. Here you can buy souvenirs, books and get something to eat (it’s not much, its expensive but it’s the only place in the park where you can get some food).

From here you can continue your drive around the lake. Another remarkable landmark in the lake is the so-called “Phantom Ship”. It is a small island, whose shape resembles that of a ghost ship. Naturally there is an overlook called “Phantom Ship Overlook”, so you cannot miss it. The highest overlook of the park is the so-called Cloudcap Overlook. The snowy mountain picture was shot along the Rim Drive close to the Cloudcap Overlook in mid-July!

The Pinnacles

Most people miss the Pinnacles Overlook. If you are unlike them, you are in for treat. The turn-off is near the Phantom Ship Overlook on the Rim Drive. Drive down the road all the way to the Pinnacles Overlook. The pinnacles are spiky towers that have been formed by erosion of volcanic ash. Together with the surrounding nature, these bizarre colorful shapes make nice photo subjects. In fact you can find these formations all along Sand Creek, but the most impressive sight is at the end of the road at the overlook.

Hikes

You will find lots of trails in the park. Each of them is worth taking, so you cannot go wrong. One of the most popular hikes starts at the Crater Lake Lodge (near the Rim Village) and leads to the top of Garfield Peak. You should plan around 2 hours of hiking time. In July and August you will find colorful Wildflowers on the Meadows. The most important thing is to come prepared for the icy cold winds.

You can also hike down to the water and take a boat tour. It is best to ask for reservations at the visitor center.

Outside the Park

When you enter the Park from Highway 138, you should check out Toketee Falls. They are the most famous falls in the area, the most photographed and the most beautiful. The falls are easy to find. Simply look for the sign on Highway 138 (at around 16 miles west of Diamond Lake). Toketee Falls consists of two falls. The upper one (28 feet) and the lower fall 85 feet that drops into a magnificent blue pool. To reach the falls you have to take on a short hiking trail. The hike won’t take longer than 15 minutes.

There are a few more waterfalls in the area. The tranquil Clearwater Falls look very unspectacular but when photographed reveal their true beauty (check out my website).

The Watson Falls are the tallest falls in the area at around 270 feet. The Watson Falls are located about 2.2 miles east of Toketee Falls.