Crater Lake. A very unique national park! This place just fascinated me as I read about its origin and various facts about it. Â
- This was a mountain estimated to stand approx. 12,000 feet tall that erupted about 7,000 years ago.
- The resultant caldera (hole) left over was 3/4 a mile deep and 6 miles in diameter.
- Over time the snow and rain has filled the caldera and formed a lake. It is known for how clear and blue the water is.
- The deepest point is 1,949 feet making it the deepest in the United States, worldwide it is ninth for maximum depth and 3rd for overall average depth.
What helps to keep the water so pure is that there are no rivers that flow into or out of the lake.  Evaporating water is replaced by rain and snow fall. Â
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When you stand at the rim of the lake you can’t help but wander what is down under the surface? See the image (source Wikipedia). Very interesting. You will see Wizard Island in my pictures. We drove the rim of the lake which is about 33 miles around. Â
We drove and stopped at Cleetwood trail which is about 1 mile back and forth until you reach the water. Michelle turned back about 1/2 way down because she knew what we would be facing having to climb all the way back out. The boys stayed in the car at the top but Kelsey and I went all the way down to the water and to Cleetwood Cove.  After staring at the water from many stops along the rim it was great to actually get down to the water itself and touch it. I put my hand in and really could not believe how clear and blue/turquoise colored it was! Below, you will see a picture of my hand and the color of the lake. You also can get a sense for the scale of the lake as you see a couple of the boats on the lake. Â
To really appreciate the beauty of the lake and surrounding area, click on some of the images below to view them full screen.
I am very thankful that we took the time to drive down here from Bend (1.5 hours). It’s a place that I am not sure that many people from my part of the country realize exists. I was fortunate to come across it as I prepared for the trip. If you are near this park I encourage you to visit – I will certainly go back if I am ever near it again!
