DOWN DEEP
AT
CRATER LAKE
Crater Lake was formed when Mount Mazama collapsed in a cataclysmic volcanic event over 7,700 years ago. The lake is a roughly 2000 foot deep caldera that is fed by rainwater and snow melt. Because no streams deposit sediment into the lake, it remains exceedingly clear- reflecting sunlight to create the deepest blue hues of a changing sky.
We camped for several days on the slopes of the mountain but made daily trips to the lake to soak up it's ever changing colors.
If you look carefully, you will see Wizard Island in this photo. The island is actually the tip a volcano that developed after the mountain collapsed and subsequently erupted to grow this cone. The base of it lies well below the water. In summer months there is a boat shuttle that takes you to the island.
The lake is normally placid and mirror like- except when it snows.
And it did snow while we were there...snow and rain did not deter us from hiking. We explored Annie Creek and a rim trail along Castle Creek Canyon overlooking eroded fossil fumaroles along the creek.
All in all, it was a great spot for tree hugging.