Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park encompasses 183,224 acres in the Cascade Mountains of southern Oregon, centered on Crater Lake, America's deepest lake at 1,943 feet. Formed 7,700 years ago by the collapse of Mount Mazama volcano, the lake's intense blue color results from its depth and purity, with no inlets or outlets and water supplied only by rain and snow. The caldera walls rise up to 2,000 feet above the lake, creating a spectacular natural amphitheater. The park protects diverse ecosystems from old-growth forests to alpine meadows, supporting black bears, elk, and over 150 bird species. Endemic species include the Mazama newt, found only in Crater Lake, adapted to the lake's unique conditions. The surrounding forests of mountain hemlock, Shasta red fir, and whitebark pine provide critical habitat while wildflower meadows bloom spectacularly in summer. Crater Lake implements strict water quality protection measures to preserve the lake's pristine condition. The park manages 750,000 annual visitors through road management and seasonal closures due to heavy snowfall averaging 43 feet annually. Research programs monitor lake clarity, study unique aquatic life, and track climate impacts while restoration efforts focus on whitebark pine conservation and meadow preservation.

Water Features

Crater Lake, Seasonal streams, Springs

Ecosystem

This destination features a mountain & alpine ecosystem.