Crater Lake Escapade

On our way to see our friends in Oregon, we drove over to Crater Lake National Park. Many years have passed since I first saw this magnificent lake from an airplane, a worthy rival to Lake Tahoe, Lake Lucerne, Lake Geneva, and Lake Titicaca.

Crater Lake National Park was formed by strong volcanic activity. We are in Southern Oregon, in the Cascade Mountain range, about 100 miles east of the Pacific Ocean. The massive 553 inches of snow annually, supply this lake with water. And unbelievably, there are not inlets or outlets to this Lake. It is the seventh deepest lake in the world at 1943 feet, and the deepest in the U.S. It became a national park in 1902. The Pacific Coast Trail passes through seven National Parks, including Crater Lake National Park.

Strangely, there are no fish native to this Lake. Only two of the six species introduced from 1888 to 1941 have survived. Rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon fishing is highly encouraged, with no license required. The only rule: artificial bait MUST be used, to prevent introduction of new species into the Lake. Our new friend, Pedro, would love it.

Oh, and this is not a meteoric crater, it is a volcanic crater. Mt. Mazama was the volcano here 7,700 years ago. It collapsed the volcano and created the hole or caldera that is now the Lake, half filled with water. We also hoped to see some elk, deer, bear, coyote, bobcat, marmot, marten, hare, pika, squirrel, and chipmunk.

Wisdom says to drive around the Lake in a clockwise fashion. For obvious reasons, the turnouts and parking on the right hand or Lake side would ease the traffic flow. It is called the 33 mile rim drive. Remarkably, the roads were fairly empty. Buddy, our dog, loved his walks here. And the Lake is truly a magnificent sight. It must be even more dramatic in winter with a blanket of snow on the crater walls.

This is a must stop for anyone driving through Oregon. It is the only National Park in a state with many beautiful sights. Bring your fishing pole and your appetite!

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