If you wish to avoid the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures, October is a great time to visit Crater Lake National Park, Oregon's only national park (founded in 1902). Depending on when you visit, you may encounter wildfire smoke. We were fortunate that the fire season was slow this year and enjoyed stunning views of the pristine water. The water is so clear because it is fed by snow and rainfall rather than rivers and streams. It is truly spectacular and should definitely not be missed when touring southern Oregon. There are so many beautiful photographs and informative sites online that I will just summarize some of the other resources, interesting facts, and share some of our own images we captured from Garfield Peak trail.
The lake was formed by the collapse of Mount Mazama in a series of eruptions that occurred around 7,700 years ago. Ash from the eruption extends into Canada to the north, Nevada to the south, and Idaho/Montana to the east.
At a depth of 1,949 feet, it is the 2nd deepest lake in North America and deepest lake in the United States. No streams flow into or out of the lake. The lake is roughly 4.97 miles wide and 6.02 miles long with a volume of 5 trillion gallons.
Fish are not native to the lake. Six species were originally placed in the lake between 1888 and 1941, only two of which have survived: Rainbow trout and Kokanee Salmon.
Wizard Island is the top of a cone that formed from subsequent volcanism which occurred in the years following the initial eruption.
It is one of the clearest lakes in the world. The level of dissolved organic matter is so low that ultraviolet light penetrates to a depth of 320 feet. The average Secchi disk depth is 102 feet according to the National Park Service.
The Phantom Ship can best be seen from the Phantom Ship Overlook. The small island, comprised of 400,000 year old andesite lava, is the oldest rock above the surface of the caldera and was formed from lava expelled from a vent on the south wall of the caldera.
For additional information on the park and its history, check out the following websites:
1. National Park Service - This is the official website for the Park and includes a description and map of the hiking trails, hours of operation, Q&A for backcountry permits, lodging and camping options, and other basic information.
2. Crater Lake Institute - A very comprehensive, free guide and library about Crater Lake. The Crater Lake Institute is an independent, non-profit organization not affiliated with the National Park Service or Crater Lake National Park.
3. Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries - Provides a geologic guide and recreation map.
4. U.S. Geological Survey - Discusses the geology of Mount Mazama, its final eruption and formation of the lake.
5. Lonely Planet - Provides a summary of features, highlights and activities.
6. Crater Lake Digital Research Collection - A research collection of park-related scientific and historical/cultural materials.
