Some National Parks are known and loved for their expansive wilderness, that encompasses and preserves massive swaths of land. I have great respect for these parks, but there are also some parks that inspire awe based on a single feature alone. In the case of Crater Lake National Park, this awe comes not without warrant. The park is located in Oregon’s expansive and beautiful cascade mountain range and encompasses only 286 square miles (compared to Yellow Stones 3471 square miles). However, the park’s distinguishing feature proves to me more than enough to compensate for the park’s smaller area. Resting within Mount Mazama is the otherworldly Crater Lake. With a depth of 1,943 feet, Crater lake is the deepest lake in the US and the ninth deepest in the world. This natural anomaly and wonder is truly one of a kind both in it appearance and structure. If you have not already learned about this park or have been there yourself, perhaps you will consider adding this park to your bucket list and experiencing the splendor yourself.
The fresh and pristine waters found in Crater Lake are some of the most clear in the world; no streams run into or out of the lake. But how exactly did these crystal waters come to be in such a peculiar location? The answer stems back over 7,000 years to a time when rather than a lake, a massive mountain stood in its place. Millennia before Europeans ever encountered the New World, Mount Mazama towered over the surrounding landscape. The mountain was actually a large volcano, that eventually entered into a massive eruption. The eruption was so violent, that the once tall peak of mount Mazama collapsed in on itself. Early Native Americans were able to witness the transformation of the peak into the immensely deep crater that now sits in its place.
Of course the primary activity to be enjoyed at the park is to take in the view of Crater Lake. It comes down to a question of which ways you want to appreciate the lakes view. First of all, anyone hoping to get a view of the lake ought to first check the National Park Service’s webcams in order to ensure that the lake is currently visible. It is not entirely uncommon for the lake to be partially, or completely obscured from view by cloud cover. One of the most beloved ways to enjoy the view is to either drive or bike around Rim Drive, the road that encircles the rim of the lake. This option allows for a relaxing mountain cruise that offers excellent views of Crater Lake. Another enjoyable activity is to explore the park in snow shoes. Even throughout much of summer, snow remains on the ground within the park, allowing for a fun opportunity to explore. Snowshoes can be rented for 16 dollars, be sure to ask for recommendations from the park staff on where to hike with them.
Crater lake is one of the rare and beautiful natural wonders that America has to offer and we are fortunate that our government has responsibly recognized its natural value and set it aside as a national park. The beautiful surrounding area as well as the splendid attractions within the park itself make this National Park a more than worthy travel destination. Offering a variety of activities and options, the park appeals to people of all ages who wish to experience this natural anomaly. If you love to experience nature, you ought to consider adding this one of a kind park to your bucket list so that you may marvel at its beauty for yourself.
I love how you talk about the National Park sort of being “small but mighty.” The park does not have the land area that others do, but it has its own value for the features it possesses. Having being to the park myself, I was excited to learn about how the lake came to be. (Somehow my parents missed that educational opportunity!) I especially liked the infographic of how the volcano looked before falling. Pointing out the activities around the park gives people a good idea on what they can do to appreciate the unique lake, which is obviously the key idea of visiting the park. Overall you did a great job highlighting how Crater Lake differs from other national parks and why it’s worth visiting, not in spite of these differences, but because of these differences.
Talking about Crater Mountain. Take a look at the surrounding areas of Mead Lake, Wisconsin, just eastward of Eua-Claire WI, the area has the same look with as light lop-sided crater partly filled with water, the dome like rocky formation in middle of crater, road going through to stop sign on eastward rim stop sign by a sandy cliff! looks like the vanished volcano picture and may have been blown up prior years ago or so!! Going south to north formation! Not sure what it is just a interesting opinion interesting thought!