Located in Southern Oregon, in the Umpqua National Forest, Crater Lake National Park is said to be one of the country’s crown jewels. The crater, now filled with water, is the second deepest lake (1,932 ft) in North America, it is 6 mi wide and lies 6,164 ft above sea level. There is a road that runs around the entire lake, however, it is only open during summer months.
We visited the park back in July and there was still snow on the ground. However, the air was warm enough for jeans and a light sweater.
This is the first view of the crater as you dive up the road. You can see the small volcanic shaped island inside the lake.
Across the lake are more volcanic shaped mountains.
The color of the water isn’t justified in this photo. During summer months you can take a boat ride out to the island. I bet the water looks amazing on a clear blue day.
I was trying to capture how steep it is around the crater.
This little chipmunk was out hamming it up for the camera.
The view, halfway around the lake at the gift shop.
Unfortunately, this was as far as we were allowed to go. The rest of the road was closed from snow. I was a bit heart broken that I couldn’t make it all the way around. But was happy to just be able to see something like this in my lifetime, and to be able to share it with my parents at the same time.
If I am ever in Southern Oregon again, I am going back.
