Located in southern Oregon, Crater Lake is one of the most fascinating places in the country—and the entire world. The park combines incredible history with a variety of beautiful landscapes and terrain. Here are a handful of things you might not know about this magical spot.
5 FUN FACTS
1. At 1,943 feet, It’s the deepest lake in the United States.
And its also the ninth-deepest in the whole world. To put it differently, One World Trade Center in New York City would still be submerged under 151 feet of water if placed in the deepest part of the lake.
2. Native Americans witnessed its formation.
More than 7,700 years ago, a massive eruption led to the collapse of Mount Mazama, a 12,000-foot volcano that was important to the local Malak tribe. Humans were alive at the time of the fall because a sandal was found in the ash from the volcano eruption.
3. It’s one of the snowiest places in the country.
While it’s rare to see the white stuff in most other parts of Oregon, the higher elevations (and lower temperatures) of the park mean that it sees an average of 44 feet of snow annually, with road closures beginning as early as mid-October. While you can enjoy more access in the summer season, there’s plenty of winter fun to be found as well, whether it’s snowshoeing, skiing, sledding, or snowmobiling.
4. There are 22 trails to hike.
No matter what your skill level, there’s a hike here for you. For beginners, there’s Plaikni Falls, Discovery Point, Godfrey Glen, or Lady of the Woods. Most of the trails fall into the moderate category, including Crater Peak, Annie Creek Canyon, Sun Notch, and Wizard Island. The only trail classified as “hard” that runs through Crater Lake is the famous Pacific Crest Trail.
5. You can explore the park from a different perspective with a volcano boat tour.
There are a few different options, but the standard cruise lasts about two hours and gets you up close and personal with Wizard Island and Phantom Ship.
