Crater Lake

Crater Lake is an naturally occurring caldera lake, or a lake formed by a volcanic eruption. There are no rivers flowing into or out of the lake, instead, the lake is filled by rain and snowfall and naturally evaporates. The lake is also the deepest lake in the United States. The lake is located in the Crater Lake National Park which is the only national park in Oregon. An image of Crater Lake is also featured on the back of the U.S. commemorative quarter for the state of Oregon.

Within the park there are two campgrounds located on the south side of the lake. Mazama Campground has camping available for RV's and tents. Each site has a picnic table, fire pit, and food locker. The camp also provides showers, toilets, drinking water, and laundry facilities. There is also a nearby general store that sells camping supplies, gasoline, groceries, and other goods.

Lost Creek Campground, which is a tent only campground, offers toilets, running water, and sinks. Each site provides a fire pit, picnic table, and food locker. The park also provides two other forms of lodging, Crater Lake Lodge and The Cabins at Mazama Village.

There are two visitor centers in the park, The Steel Visitor Center and The Rim Visitor center. Park rangers a re stationed at both centers. The Crater Lake Natural History Association sells books, maps, postcards, and other items in the visitor centers, as well. There are also two exhibits and two gift shops located in separate locations in the park.

Some popular activities enjoyed at the lake include swimming, fishing, wildlife viewing, boat tours, trolley tours, biking, skiing, hiking, and much more.

Info courtesy of The National Park Service: Crater Lake National Park