Crater Lake National Park - map, photos and other informations
Table of Contents
Description
Crater Lake National Park is a national park in Oregon, USA. The park was established in 1902 and covers an area of 183,224 acres (741 km2). It is the fifth-oldest national park in the United States and the only national park in Oregon. The park is named for its centerpiece, Crater Lake, a remnant of a destroyed volcano, Mount Mazama. The lake is the deepest in the United States and is famous for its blue color and water clarity.
The park is located in the Cascade Range, about 100 miles (160 km) east of the Oregon-California border, in Deschutes and Klamath counties. The park is adjacent to the Deschutes National Forest in the west and the Fremont-Winema National Forest in the east. The park received about 1 million visitors in 2016.
Crater Lake National Park is famous for its blue color and water clarity. The lake is the deepest in the United States and is fed by rain and snowmelt. There are no rivers or streams that flow into or out of the lake. The only outlet isevaporation. The lake is 1,943 feet (592 m) deep at its deepest point, making it the deepest lake in the Western Hemisphere and the third deepest in the world.
The caldera rim ranges from 1,000 to 1,500 feet (300 to 460 m) above the lake surface. There are two islands in the lake, Wizard Island and Phantom Ship. Wizard Island is a cinder cone that erupted after the main soda water lake had formed. Phantom Ship is a tree-covered island that is the remnant of a lava dome.
The lake has a surface area of about 20 square miles (52 km2). The average depth of the lake is 1,148 feet (350 m). The maximum depth of the lake is 1,943 feet (592 m).
The lake is popular for fishing, camping, hiking, and boating. There are several boat tours of the lake, as well as a 33-mile (53 km) Rim Drive that circles the lake. The lake is also home to several species of fish, including kokanee salmon and rainbow trout.
Crater Lake National Park is open all year, but the best time to visit is from June to September.
Photos of Crater Lake National Park
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Crater Lake National Park
Where is Crater Lake National Park located?
Crater Lake National Park is located in southern Oregon, about 100 miles (160 km) from the nearest city, Medford. Other nearby towns include Klamath Falls (40 miles, or 64 km), Bend (130 miles, or 210 km), and Eugene (180 miles, or 290 km).
What to do at Crater Lake National Park?
There are many things to do at Crater Lake National Park. Some of the most popular activities include hiking, camping, fishing, and sightseeing. There are also many ranger-led programs offered at the park, such as guided hikes and talks about the geology and history of the area.
Are dogs allowed in Crater Lake National Park?
Dogs are allowed in the park, but must be on a leash at all times.
Can you swim in Crater Lake National Park?
Yes, you can swim in Crater Lake National Park, but there are no lifeguards on duty, so swimming is done at your own risk.
Average weather in Crater Lake National Park
Temp max
|
Temp min
|
Rain
|
Snow
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2 °C | -5 °C | 29 mm | 74 mm |
| Feb | 2 °C | -6 °C | 25 mm | 65 mm |
| Mar | 4 °C | -5 °C | 33 mm | 60 mm |
| Apr | 6 °C | -3 °C | 31 mm | 32 mm |
| May | 12 °C | 1 °C | 44 mm | 9 mm |
| Jun | 18 °C | 5 °C | 32 mm | 1 mm |
| Jul | 25 °C | 9 °C | 14 mm | 0 mm |
| Aug | 25 °C | 10 °C | 15 mm | 0 mm |
| Sep | 20 °C | 6 °C | 36 mm | 1 mm |
| Oct | 13 °C | 2 °C | 48 mm | 10 mm |
| Nov | 5 °C | -3 °C | 47 mm | 39 mm |
| Dec | 1 °C | -6 °C | 36 mm | 89 mm |
Other parks nearby
-
Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site15.2 mi (24.4 km)|state park -
Collier Memorial State Park23.3 mi (37.5 km)|state park
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Prospect State Scenic Viewpoint24.4 mi (39.3 km)|state park
-
Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area31.7 mi (51.0 km)|state park
-
Casey State Recreation Site35.8 mi (57.6 km)|state park
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