Overview
The deepest lake in the United States, Crater Lake's waters sink 1,943 feet into a dormant volcanic caldera.
Plan Around Overview
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Overview Details
The deepest lake in the United States, Crater Lake's waters sink 1,943 feet into a dormant volcanic caldera. Filled only by snowmelt, the Oregon lake is famous for its crystal clear blue waters and forms the heart of 183,224-acre Crater Lake National Park, which includes the remnants of the collapsed Mount Mazama volcano, its surrounding forests, and a "desert" created by the eruption 7,700 years ago. The park can be visited year-round despite the heavy snowfall typical of the Cascade Mountains, but most visitors come in the summer and fall. The 33-mile Rim Drive, open seasonally, circumnavigates the crater. The scenic drive provides access to hiking trails and campsites as well as spectacular views of the lake, Wizard Island (formed as a cinder cone), and the surrounding mountains, notably at the Sinnott Memorial Overlook in Rim Village. Visitors can also hike a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, which passes through the park, or take the Cleetwood Trail down to the shoreline of the lake, where you can join a ranger-led boat tour. **Established:** May 22, 1902 **Area:** 183,224.05 acres **Website:** [www.nps.gov/crla](http://www.nps.gov/crla)
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Nearby Parks Around Overview
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Nearby Points of Interest Around Overview
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Crater Lake National Park
The deepest lake in the United States, Crater Lake's waters sink 1,943 feet into a dormant volcanic caldera.
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Steel Visitor Center and Park Headquarters
The Steel Visitor Center and Park Headquarters greets you four miles south of the southern park entrance and Mazama Village Campground.
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Lady of the Woods Trail
The Lady of the Woods loop takes you to the historic "Lady of the Woods" sculpture.
0.1 mi away
Castle Crest Wildflower Trail
The Castle Crest Wildflower Trail is moderate hike on the south end of the park.
0.9 mi away
Garfield Peak Trail
The Garfield Peak Trail has panoramic views of the lake, the Phantom Ship, and the southern side of the park.
