Crater Lake is probably my absolute favorite place to go when I need to completely disconnect. It's beautiful, it's truly awe inspiring, and it offers so many vantage points along the rim and down in the boat to gain a completely different perspective, not just on crater Lake, but on the power that our planet has been shaping itself and thus shaping us.
Mount Mazama is filled with a great amount of history: from its massively violent past to the most stunningly blue tranquil waters of Crater Lake (created after its collapse into the caldera), this area is a true masterpiece, created by Mother Nature and shaped by Father Time.
In its glory, Mount Mazama stood 12000 feet tall and was worshiped by the Native Americans that called this place home.
Post eruption, it was cut down to 8157 feet, that today is the rim above its crown jewel, Crater Lake, which holds the title of deepest freshwater lake in the United States at 1943' deep.
Its only source of water comes from rain and snow melt, and the pumice stone layer of the Caldera acts as an overflow drain, like in a bathtub.
The water in the lake is such a stunning brilliant blue that it doesn't look real.
The name Mount Mazama, a Native American word, means mountain goat, and Crater Lake is called Giiwas in the Native language of the Klamath tribes.
Mount Mazama still exists today. All that's left technically is its base, and Crater Lake is a result of its collapse.
They are two totally different geological features. The base of Mount Mazama is still here, and Crater Lake resides in Mount Mazams' caldera.
As always, leave no trace, leave it better than you found it, and enjoy 😉!
This is the former name of this mountain before it blew its top, mt Mazama is gone and now it is a caldera called “crater lake” if you think about it, it should be called ‘caldera lake’ as that would be more geologically correct, but eh who cares at this point. The mountain will grow back after many many many eruptions from this volcano. The “Wizard island” cone is just the start of the great rebuilding of this volcano.
Crater Lake, formerly known as Mazama before it blew its lid, it a great visit. The deep blue waters of this 1943 ft deep caldera is a sight to behold. If you visit the south rim you will be welcomed with stunning views, a tourist shop with a Cafe and great signage describing all aspects of the park history. Make sure you get to the overlook near the visitor station for some of the best views. There is a reconstructed hotel from 1923 for visitors who want to stay at the rim. We took the trolley car tour around the rim to take advantage of additional narrative the guide provided. Worth the 20 or so bucks. The park does have an admission of $30 per car. Check weather before making the journey to the park as the season is short.
Grew up in Medford, and my family had yearly drives to Crater Lake. The lodge has recently been gutted and redesigned. The lodge shop is entertainment for those who need a nice comfortable place inside. The food has been good in the past, I haven't been able to go back to Crater Lake for years, but my own Children were there recently in winter, to show their own children what snow looks like,🥰 they loved it, but got cold and had to go inside to warm up and eat, and enjoyed themselves very much. There is something about Crater Lake in the winter, that makes you want to visit it again and again. Carry tire chains !!! and know how to put them on and take them off. Make sure your car's gas tank is filled, Dress for the Really Cold Elevation of this lake, and Huge Snowfall. Call Crater Lake National Park during the winter to make sure it is open, likewise, in the summer-- due to forest fire dangers. Honestly, you and your children will not regret a trip to Crater Lake, Oregon.
