Crater Lake National Park

Some things simply defy description, and Crater Lake certainly fits in that category.  As a picture is worth a 1000 words, I'll let you judge for yourselves:

"The beauty and intense blue of Crater Lake have awed people for generations.  Five miles wide and ringed by cliffs almost 2000 ft high, the lake rests in the shatter remnants of a volcano called Mt. Mazama, which erupted and collapsed into itself 7700 years ago.  Later eruptions formed Wizard Island [viewed in the second picture].  At 1943 ft deep, it is the deepest lake in the United States and one of the deepest in the world."

The drive around the rim of the lake is 22 miles long - we saw many  bikers taking the challenge, a few runners, and even one walker!

Of course, we had to hike to the lake - Cleetwood Cove Trail was 1.1 mile each way, taking us down 700 feet.  It was well worth the effort!!!

This amazing volcano offers unique scenery beyond the crystal blue waters of the lake.  I speak of The Pinnacles.  Formations caused by hot gasses escaping through fumaroles.  These structures are becoming further defined by erosion - some of them are over 100 feet tall.  Truly amazing!!

Next stop: Coos Bay, Oregon
See you there!!