Crater Lake National Park

CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK – WHAT TO EXPECT

In Fort Klamath you will have opportunities to learn about the Modoc Indians and their struggles with settlers. The Discover Klamath Welcome Center in Klamath Falls can provide more information about Crater Lake and surrounding areas along the byway.

Crater Lake was created by the massive eruption of Mt. Mazama about 7,700 years ago. The eruption left a six-mile-wide caldera, which now contains the deepest lake in North America at 1943’ and the clearest lake on the planet, with average clarity of over 143’.

For generations, Crater Lake has been a place of beauty and mystery. One hundred years ago the area surrounding the lake became one of America’s first national parks. Crater Lake is widely known for its intense blue color and spectacular views.

During summer months the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway circles the lake on Rim Drive which is 33 miles around. Visitors may enjoy boat tours on the lake surface, or, can stay in the historic Crater Lake Lodge, or camp at Mazama Village. The trail system offers hikers a range of difficulties and lengths. The Mt. Scott for instance, at 8,929’, is a several hour hike to the highest point in the Park.

Winter in the Park brings some of the heaviest snowfall to be found anywhere in the USA. Because of an average 533 inches of snow annually the Rim Drive section of the Park is closed. Although park facilities mostly close for this snowy season, visitors may view the lake during fair weather, enjoy cross-country skiing, and participate in weekend snowshoe hikes.

The Park has two entrances/exits: The North Entrance and the South Entrance.