A Trip to Crater Lake in Oregon
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This lake, located inside the caldera of a volcano that erupted nearly 8,000 years ago, is one of the most beautiful places in Oregon. In all my travels, I have never seen a lake with water of such an intense and beautiful blue color, to the point that it seems unreal. The color of the lake, along with the islands within it and its very steep and high walls, hundreds of meters high, provide the viewer with a unique experience. The lake is one of the most impressive and highly recommended national parks in the USA, and a visit is warmly recommended for anyone traveling to the Northwest US.
This is the deepest lake in the US at 594 meters, the second deepest in North America, and the seventh deepest in the world. Its average diameter is 9 km. No rivers flow into it; it receives its water from rain and the melting of surrounding snow. Thanks to this and its location, its waters are crystal clear. The water temperature is nearly constant year-round and is very cold, about 3 degrees Celsius. In short: for viewing only, not for swimming...
♦ Recommended Hotels for a Trip to Crater Lake
The park is located in southern Oregon, north of California, about 130 km northeast of the city of Medford, where it is recommended to stay the night before traveling to the lake (and preferably also the night after visiting it).
Recommended hotel in Medford:
Homewood Suites Medford
Rooms and suites for 2-7 guests. Includes breakfast, suites with full kitchens. Indoor pool, gym. Free internet and parking.
Alternatively, you can stay in the city of Grants Pass, about 145 km southwest of the lake:
Holiday Inn Express Grants Pass
Outdoor pool, small refrigerator, microwave, free internet and parking. Breakfast option. Free internet and parking.
Or:
Rooms for 2-4 guests, outdoor pool, breakfast option. Free internet and parking.
There are also accommodations closer to the national park and even inside the park, but the selection is quite limited and prices are high.
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Tours and Viewpoints of the Lake
There is access to the park from three directions: two from the south and one from the north. It is recommended to circle the lake on the circular road surrounding it and stop at the beautiful viewpoints along its length. The direction of travel around the lake should be chosen considering the sun will be at your back at the start of the trip and won't dazzle you (or your camera) from the front.
One of the most beautiful viewpoints of the lake is called Watchman Overlook, which is located near the island in the lake. Adjacent to this point is a very steep walking trail to a high hill with a panoramic view.
In the trail called Sun Notch, there is a viewpoint of the lake and a rock inside it that resembles a ship.
Boating on the lake: For a fee, you can take a boat trip on the lake and reach the island within it. The boating is very popular and spots usually run out early in the morning before 09:00, so those interested should arrive early. It is best for those interested in boating to book spots in advance. It is important to note that to reach the boat you must descend (and climb back up afterwards!) a very steep slope.
Video about Crater Lake:
An interesting walking trail exists along a canyon from which strange columns called The Pinnacles emerge, which in the past served as a path for emitting gases from the earth's interior.
Near the lake, at a place called Castle Crest, there is also a beautiful trail among flowers and trees with a small stream flowing nearby.
In the summer, the entire area around the lake is adorned with flowers blooming in various colors.
This is not a large national park, but to enjoy it, view it from all directions, and also hike several trails, it is advisable to dedicate a full day to it.
Other Attractions in the Area
In the Medford and Grants Pass area, there are several other attractions worth visiting:
The most famous of all is a fast boat trip on a stormy river: Hellgate Jetboat
Animal lovers can also visit several sites in the vicinity. Especially recommended is a guided tour at the Wildlife Images rescue site https://www.wildlifeimages.org/ where you can observe bears, wild cats, wolves, birds of prey, and many other animals including unique ones like an albino squirrel, which are devotedly cared for on-site after being brought in sick or injured.
Another favorite family attraction in the area is a visit to the mystery house, also called the "Oregon Vortex"—an area in the forest where it is claimed that the laws of gravity do not function in the usual way, demonstrated through height measurements of participants and various demonstrations in a house with inverted slopes.
Additionally, the area abounds with wineries where you can visit and also taste wines. Highly recommended: "Abacela" winery ABACELA
The visit to Crater Lake National Park integrates well with a trip along the Oregon coast and also with a visit to the national parks of Northern California such as: Lassen Volcanic National Park and Redwood National Park.