Crater Lake National Park

After our visit to the Rogue River Gorge, we headed up the road toward Crater Lake National Park. We've been to this park before as a side trip back in 2009 when we were workamping at Woodland, Washington, but it was a whirlwind two-day trip. This time we had several days scheduled in the area to take a more leisurely look around the park. There were forest fires in the area one of which encroached on the park near the North Entrance and the road around the northwest corner was closed. This closure had even caused a detour of our planned route to Crater Lake RV Park at Prospect.

Road closure for forest fire in the area

Steel Visitor Center near the South Entrance

"Crater Lake has inspired people for thousands of years. No place else on earth combines a deep, pure lake, so blue in color; sheer surrounding cliffs, almost two thousand feet high; two picturesque islands; and a violent volcanic past. It is a place of immeasurable beauty, and an outstanding outdoor laboratory and classroom."  National Park Service

Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and one of the ten deepest lakes in the world! 

Views of the lake from Crater Lake Lodge

No streams of any kind flow into or out of this lake making it almost pollution-free. The only source of water maintaining the lake level is rain and snow fall; the only water going out is through evaporation.

The edge of the crater

The walls of the lake are pretty steep and high precluding any development along the water's edge. The only way down to the water is along a steep trail that descends to the excursion boat dock.

The Veranda at the Crater Lake Lodge overlooks the lake

Checking out the menu

Inside the Lodge

Crater Lake Lodge

The lake views are fabulous from all around the rim so we couldn't help taking pictures as we traveled around the rim road.

Annie Creek Restaurant and Gift Shop near Manzama Village

Vidae Falls

Scenery adjacent to the crater

The Pinnacles