Visit Crater Lake
Published On July 15, 2018

Oregon is one of the most bountiful states in the United States, known for its greenery and variety of scenic views. From oceanside cliffs to dense forest to open flatlands and even high mountains, Oregon has much to offer. One of the most beautiful and serene places to visit is Crater Lake. At 1,949 feet at its deepest point, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States, and the ninth deepest in the world. Filled by no rivers flowing into or out of crater lake, or even thermal fluids seeping to the surface, Crater Lake is only filled by precipitation and snowmelt, making it one of the clearest and most blue lakes to behold.

The lake nearly fills a 2,148-foot caldera that was caused by the collapse of Mount Mazama during a volcanic event. A few subsequent eruptions have left volcanic cones that have formed into islands within the lake itself. The two visible from the shores are Wizard Island and Phantom Ship. Also visible, is “The Old Man of the Lake,” which is a tree that has been bobbing vertically for over a century. Because of the cold temperatures of the lake, the tree’s decay has been slowed. It is currently a log bobbing, but it is obviously immense, and unlike many other sights one might see in a body of water. It is estimated that about 7,000 years ago, a volcanic event created the caldera, and over the next several hundred years, landslides finally settled, and the caldera itself cooled enough for precipitation to rest upon the ground. It is also estimated that it took about 720 years to fill the caldera to its current point. With no inbound water source other than the snowmelt and precipitation, the evaporation of the lake and replacement by these sources, it takes about 250 years to replace the total of the lake’s water.

It has no indigenous fish population as it was created by volcanic activity; however, it was stocked from 1888 to 1941 and has a variety of self-sustaining populations of fish.

If one is so inclined, there is a twenty-four mile stretch of road that surrounds the caldera, which can allow for the more adventurous to hike, walk or bike. Be warned, it has many steep climbs and is not for the weary.

After a day spent relaxing or hiking at the lake, take the time to stop off at Wubba’s BBQ shack for a great meal! Smoked in-house, their ribs and various other delights are smoked Kansas city style and sure to fill that void within your empty stomach.

Stay at the Quality Inn, Klamath

Enjoy your stay at the Quality Inn in Klamath Falls. Located just an hour away from Crater Lake or within minutes of enjoying the menu at Wubba’s BBQ shack, the Quality Inn of Klamath Falls offers the lowest rates available by booking directly at www.qualityinnklamathfalls.com.