John Cletheroe's
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Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Location

In the Cascade Mountains of southwestern Oregon.

Since the lake is in the crater of an extinct volcano the drive to the park involves a considerable climb, although the roads are of high quality.

Size

286 square miles. For comparison, the area of the Isle of Man is 221 square miles.

What to See and Do

The lake is of an intensely blue colour and is surrounded by the tree-clad upper slopes of the crater lip. Its location inside the volcano's crater makes for a unique sight.

A scenic road encircles the lake with numerous stopping points. Wizard Island, in the lake, can be clearly seen.

The area of the lake itself is 20 square miles. Crater Lake, at just over 1900 feet, is the second deepest lake in North America; only the Great Slave Lake is deeper.

It is thought that Crater Lake was created when Mount Mazamo erupted some 7800 years ago.

The lake has no streams leading into it or out from it. The water is replenished by snow and rain, which replaces that lost by evaporation and seepage.

Winter Access

Due to the park's altitude its approach roads are usually closed by snow until mid to late June. The road to the rim at the south end of the lake opens before the loop road around the lake, which may not fully open until early July.

Entrance Fee

Entrance fee for a normal car, including the driver and all passengers, for seven days, as at summer 2000: $10.

Some Ideas for Places to Stay

In the Area

Oregon

National Parks

Pacific Northwest Geographical Features

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As with all the other pages on this personal web site, all the information on this page is solely the opinion of the author, who has no connection whatsoever with any of the companies and organisations mentioned other than as an actual or potential customer.
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Most recently modified 2-Feb-01