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 ©2006 Publications International, Ltd. |
PO Box 7
Crater Lake, OR 97604
541/594-3100
www.nps.gov/crla
Crater Lake -- located about 60 miles north of Klamath Falls, Oregon -- is a startling place because of the intensity of its deep cobalt-blue waters. In much the same way that the area around the Grand Canyon does not prepare you for its magnificence, the mountainous terrain surrounding Crater Lake seems an unlikely location for such a large body of water. To fully enjoy the offerings of Crater Lake National Park, visit it during the warm-weather months.
Entrance fees: $10 for seven days
Visitor centers: Steel Visitor Center is open daily except December 25. Rim Village Visitor Center is open from early June through late September.
Other services: A park lodge, motel, and two campgrounds
Accommodations:
- Mazama Campground. Open from mid-June to early October.
- Lost Creek Campground. Open from mid-July to early October.
- Crater Lake Lodge. Open from mid-May to mid-October. Reservations recommended. 541-830-8700.
- Mazama Village Motor Inn. Open from early June to early October. Reservations recommended. 541-830-8700.
 ©2006 National Park Services The startling blue waters of Crater Lake owe their deep color to the great depth of the crater. See more pictures of national parks. |
Visiting Crater Lake National Park
One
would have to search long and hard to find a blue as intense as the
blue of Crater Lake. This phenomenon occurs in part because the
freshwater lake is incredibly deep -- almost 2,000 feet! The purity,
tranquility, and hauntingly translucent color of Crater Lake has long
attracted artists, photographers, and nature aficionados. A rim road
completely encircles the six-mile-wide crater far above the surface of
the water, and a small village on the rim completes the picture.
Despite the modest developments, visitors can still have those peaceful
moments of solitude with the lake on hiking trails that wander among
the thick quiet forests of spruce and fir before turning suddenly
toward the steep rim.
As one would expect, Crater Lake has a number of water activities available to visitors, such as fishing and boating. There are also several scenic trails for hiking and biking. We'll detail the diverse sightseeing opportunities at Crater Lake National Park on the following page.
Established: 1902
Size: 183,227 acres
Terrain: Volcanic caldera, lake, forests, and unusual lava formations
Highlights: Wizard Island and Phantom Ship
Wildlife: Black bears, bobcats, deer, marmots, hawks, eagles, rainbow trout, and kokanee salmon
Activities: Ranger-led walks, children's and campfire programs, historical tours, and boat tours; hiking, bicycling, fishing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and backpacking (by permit)
