Crater Lake National Park

by Sandra Merville Hart

Crater Lake National Park, established in 1902, is a picturesque lake surrounded by two-thousand foot high cliffs in the state of Oregon.

This unusual lake was formed by a volcanic eruption over 7,500 years ago. At 1,943 feet deep, it is the deepest lake in the United States. The water is almost entirely rain and melted snow, making it a beautiful blue color that fills visitors with wonder.

About 533 inches of snow (44 feet) fall every year at Crater Lake. The biggest snowfall was 879 inches (73 feet) in 1932-33. The snow usually melts by August.

Fish were added to the lake but only two species survived: Rainbow Trout and Kokanee Salmon. Fishing is encouraged and no license is required.

There is a volcano called Mt. Mazama in the park.

You can take guided boat tours of Crater Lake from July to mid-September. Explore Wizard Island by taking the Wizard Island Tour. Take Crater Lake Trolley for a ranger guided tour of the Rim Drive.

There are campgrounds, a lodge, or stay at Cabins at Mazama Village.

Wildlife that may be found at Crater Lake are black bears, marmots, eagles, bobcats, deer, and hawks.

 

Sources:

“Crater Lake: National Park, Oregon,” National Park Service, 2014/12/17 http://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm.

Flynn, Sarah Wassner. National Geographic Kids: National Parks Guide U.S.A., National Geographic Society, 2012.

McHugh, Erin. National Parks: A Kid’s Guide to America’s Parks, Monuments, and Landmarks, Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, Inc., 2012.

Palmerlee, Danny; Bendure, Glenda; Friary, Ned; Karlin, Adam; Matchar, Emily; Sainsbury, Brendan. Discover USA’s Best National Parks, Lonely Planet Publications, 2012.