I remember the feeling I had when I first saw Crater Lake, that feeling of pure awe and amazement. I’ve seen quite a few miraculous feats of nature, but none quite so pretty as the clear blue reflective waters of a sunken volcano.
Located in southern Oregon, Crater Lake is a popular road trip stop for those traveling through the Beaver State. It has been that way since the late 19th century because, did I mention, it’s AhhMAZING.
I visited the lake for a second time a couple of weeks ago, and I was hoping to go camping there for a night or two to take advantage of the many trails surrounding Rim Drive. Silly me, I didn’t realize just how much snow a place like Crater Lake gets on average.
The first time I had seen it was during the height of a sweltering Oregon summer, I didn’t even compute how high up I was in elevation, just that the air was a little windy and brisk for a summer day. I was too distracted by the glittering lake to pay that much notice.
Luckily, I checked the weather the day before we ventured to Crater Lake this time around and realized that none of the campsites would be open. In fact, half of Rim Drive was closed until warmer weather came around again. Regardless of this, I still wanted to take my partner to see this magnificent hidden lake that I couldn’t give justice to with just a verbal description.
We drove the 2.5 hours to Crater Lake National Park from Bend and I watched as his face changed into awe the same way mine did the first time I saw it. Again, words can’t really describe this place, but it’s safe to say that it’s my favorite spot in Oregon.
The lake looked so different in the winter. I loved the winter wonderland vibe and the semi-familiar feel to a place I had been only 6 months previously, but it wasn’t quite as magical as it was that sunny summer day. However, it’s Crater Lake. Regardless of the season, your visit is still bound to have some magic in it.
Crater Lake was formed over 7,500 years ago with a violent eruption from the volcano it used to be. The volcano, Mount Mazama, produced such an intense eruption that the volcano actually collapsed in on itself and crumbled, leaving a 2,148-foot caldera in its wake.
There are no rivers that flow into or out of the lake, the water comes strictly from rain and snowfall throughout the year. It’s the deepest lake in the United States and it makes the top 10 for one of the deepest lakes in the world. The lake is most famously known for its deep blue reflective color and its water clarity. The steep cliffs that surround the glimmering water are almost 2,000 feet high.
The lake sits at 7,100 feet above sea level, which explains its heavy snowfall – averaging about 483 inches per year. The snow doesn’t actually melt until about mid-July, so when I visited last summer it would’ve just melted in time for my arrival – little did I know.
They do have snowshoe tours during the winter, but I hope to go back a third time before I leave Oregon to partake in some good old-fashioned summer hiking in the gorgeous subalpine area. And even if I don’t make it back, I’m happy to have seen Crater Lake at both ends of the seasonal spectrum, it truly is an intriguing place to visit in southern Oregon.
Have you been to Crater Lake before? Do you find it more beautiful in the summer or the winter?
——————————
Related Oregon Posts
7 Things to do in Ashland, Oregon
The Best Things to do in Florence, Oregon
Experiencing the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland
Jet Boating the Rugged Rogue River
8 Things to do in Bend, Oregon in the Summer
Feel free to pin this image for future reference by clicking on the top right hand corner.
Join the Adventure
Get first dibs on travel updates, tips, and deals. Life is an adventure, join me around the world!
Mimi McFadden
Latest posts by Mimi McFadden (see all)
- A Guide to the Oregon Country Fair: Everything to Know Before You Go - August 14, 2019
- 101 Things to do in Sacramento | The Ultimate Bucket List - August 8, 2019
- 101 Things to do in San Diego (From a Local) - August 6, 2019
Wow!! It’s absolutely gorgeous at both times of year. I’ve never been to Oregon, but if I ever go, I think this would definitely have to be an important spot for us! It’s beautiful!
Yes! I never actually knew about Crater Lake until I moved to Oregon and I’m so glad I’ve seen it twice now. Truly a magical places and a perfect road trip stop.
That place looks stunning in both seasons…so unreal! I think I’d prefer to go in summer because I don’t love the cold.
I can relate Heather! I think there was something just a tad more magical about the reflections during the summer, but I agree, either season is beautiful.
Wow these pictures are absolutely breathtaking!!!! Don’t you just love national parks!
Thank you Chelsea! National Parks are the best, I’m looking forward to going to a few more this summer. 🙂
My boyfriend & I have talked about visiting here. It’s mostly his idea because he loves the outdoors, but I think after seeing your pics I’m MORE sold on the idea that I was before 😉 Lovely recap! xx adaatude.com
Haha that’s awesome Adaleta! It’s a great place even to just drive to for the day, hope you guys make it out here!
Beautiful! I have been there twice and I loved it!
Thanks Jill! That’s awesome, Crater Lake is a beauty.
I’ve been there in the summer, and agree that it is magnificent! I didn’t realize you could visit in the winter–I thought the whole park closed until the snow melted. Are certain parts open year-round?
It really is Larissa! Yes, they have the southern or lower rim drive open year round, just make sure to bundle up! 🙂
Oh just stunning views! Makes you want to just sit there with a cup of hot coco and admire it all.
It really does Jennifer! It was hard to pull myself away both times I was there. 🙂
Absolutely breathtaking pics! Crater lake is in my list of places to visit 🙂 Loved reading how the lake was formed – did not know much before! Thank you for sharing. Hope you have a fantastic week ahead 🙂
Love,
Monika | http://www.palateforstyle.com
Thanks Monika!:)
Great post, Ahhhhmazing to see the comparison, most post are one or the other. Thanks
Thanks Charlie, I’m glad you enjoyed the comparison!! Crater Lake looks so different depending on the season. 🙂