"All ingenuity of nature seems to have been exerted to the fullest capacity to build a grand awe-inspiring temple the likes of which the world has never seen before." Mr. William G. Steel used those words to describe Crater Lake, and any visitors who've been there know his words ring completely true. There's simply nothing in the world like it.

Mr. Steel is often referred to as the father of Crater Lake National Park for his work in getting the area under federal protection as a national park. Today, just over 100 years after its dedication as such on May 22, 1902, Crater Lake's beauty and clarity haven't diminished in the least. Visitors continue to come year around to enjoy spectacular views of the deepest lake in the United States (and one of the deepest in the world) at 1943 feet.

Formed approximately 7700 years ago, when the largest mountain in the state erupted and collapsed into itself forming a caldera over five miles wide, Crater Lake began filling with rain and melted snow to become the beautiful creation it is today. The original mountain, posthumously named Mount Mazama, erupted several more times over the following decades, forming Wizard Island (seen in the picture to the left) and the Phantom Ship (seen in the photo below), along with various other natural shapes around the edge of the caldera and beneath the water.

While access to the lake is available year round through the south entrance, the thirty-three mile long rim drive is open for vehicles from late June through mid-October only. During the winter and spring months, only experienced, well-trained cross-country skiers can enjoy the full rim view. With several viewpoints all around the rim drive, visitors can appreciate the lake from all sides - getting various views of the lake itself, the surrounding mountains that cradle the lake within their boundaries, Wizard Island, and of course, the Phantom Ship.

They may also find themselves looking for "The Old Man of Crater Lake". A rather large tree that was originally discovered nearly 100 years ago, the "Old Man" simply floats all around the lake, wherever the wind takes it. From the rim drive, it can be difficult to catch a view of the "Old Man", but if visitors keep their eyes open and look carefully into the water, he can be spotted - when he wants to be.

Surrounded by several mountains and cliffs, some towering as much as 2000 feet above the surface of the lake, Crater Lake National Park has more to offer than the spectacular lake itself - which often makes the trip worth it all by itself. While driving around the rim, visitors can enjoy Vidae Falls (seen here in mid-August and thus fairly light in waterflow) when heading out from the Visitor's Center around the east side of the lake.

They can also stop at Cloudcap Overlook - the highest point around the rim, or for the more adventuresome, boat rides are available around the inside of the lake, over to Wizard Island, and up to the Phantom Ship. However, visitors must be able to handle the 2.2 mile round trip hike from the Cleetwood Trail parking lot down to the boat ramp and more importantly back up when they're finished. Tickets are available in the parking lot and must be purchased at least 45 minutes before the tour is scheduled to begin.

For those who wish to explore more of the surrounding area, they can enjoy the Pumice Desert on the north side of the lake, by entering the park via the north entrance (or completing the full rim drive from the south side). This "desert" created by the numerous tons of ash spewed by Mount Mazama thousands of years ago offers an almost "painted desert" look to the north side of the caldera.

Also, just a few miles away (from the north entrance) stands the majestic Mount Thielsen (pictured), the nearly-as-tall Mount Bailey, and the nearby Diamond Lake, all of which create spectacular additions to an already gorgeous area. Visitors can follow the signs to these sights and enjoy more of the incredible surroundings of Crater Lake National Park.

With so much to offer, it's no wonder that literally thousands of visitors flock to Crater Lake National Park each year. Whether relaxing at the Crater Lake Lodge (open year round), driving along a rim full of spectacular viewpoints, or hiking down to the dock and traveling the inside of the caldera, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy at Crater Lake. Put simply by Mr. Frances Fuller Victor: "I say here, without exaggeration, that no pen can reproduce its image, no picture be painted to do it justice". Crater Lake - go enjoy the wonder.

All photos on this web site are ©2002, ©2003, ©2004, ©2005 as the exclusive property of the site designer, Julia (Harris) Ozab, and they may not be used in any form without her express written consent. If you wish to use any of the photos from this site, please contact her via e-mail at jozab@sansangnim.com.