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National Parks - Oregon

Crater Lake National Park

9/8/1988 Drove to Crater Lake past spectacular scenery only to find more spectacular at Crater Lake. Had a picnic lunch overlooking a beautiful sight and then drove around the entire rim of the crater (about 30 miles). Unbelievable sights. Took what the sign said was an easy hike - was a little difficult breathing because of being up so high and the thin air - also quite warm but when we got to what we were hiking to it was more than worth it - a view to die for! Beautiful. Had a picnic coffee break at the lake ... .

The peak of the collapsed volcano

The deep lake

The color is amazing!

9/24/2025 A short way from the PCT crossing, the road became the loop road along Crater Lake in the National Park. Established in 1902, Crater Lake is the fifth-oldest national park in the U.S. The park encompasses the caldera of Crater Lake, a remnant of Mount Mazama, a destroyed volcano, and the surrounding hills and forests. The lake is 1,949 feet deep at its deepest point, which makes it the deepest lake in the US, the second deepest in North America and the tenth-deepest in the world. At one point we had considered going east and clockwise along the lake, but we found out right before the trip that it was closed, so we took the shorter section around the west side. This paid off big time, as we could hit the two main viewing areas, with the sun in the west illuminating the views looking east. We spent a lot of time at the two spots just absorbing the views of the deep blue water in the caldera punctuated by the volcanic peak island in the foreground. The distant rims were beautifully reflected in the still, clear water, making it hard to stop taking photos. We really could have stayed at these places longer just enjoying the serene setting, but sadly miles of road in front of us called. At the south end of the park, we parked at the VC and walked up a pretty steep road to get to the Crater Lake Superintendent’s Residence NHL. Constructed in 1933, it is an impressive structure of massive boulders and heavy-handed woodwork, and an important example of 1930s NPS Rustic architecture. This was a very pleasant spot, with the late sun through the trees, and the attractive rustic building.

Our first view near Merriam Point

One great ...

... view after ...

... another

Closer look at Wizard Island

Me and Ken and the island

Now near Watchman Peak Trailhead

Some interpretive signage

Wizard Island ...

... from this perspective ...

... and with me

The crater rim and reflections

Last look with Ken and me

Superintendent's Residence NHL

Residence front view

I set up for ...

... a photo of me and Ken

Ken photos ...

... the NHL plaque

Last look as the sun gets low