DAY 9 - Crater Lake

Today we headed inland to Oregon’s only National Park. Crater Lake is a volcano within a volcano. About 8000 years ago the volcano erupted and left a deep basin (or Caldera) in the place where its peak once stood. Over time rain and snow filled the basin forming a clear deep blue lake. And it really is BLUE. The secret lies in the water’s purity as it is made up solely of rain and melted snow – no rivers or streams feed the lake. It is also incredibly deep, about 600m, the deepest lake in the US. Within the lake is another peak known as Wizard’s Island which is another volcano that formed after a series of smaller eruptions created cinder cones on the caldera floor.

Crater Lake Panorama

We hiked up to the peak directly overlooking Wizard’s Island. At 2442m the panoramic views over the lake were spectacular; it is a stunningly beautiful sight. And because we there on such a still day, the water acted like a mirror reflecting the surrounding peaks.

At the top of the hike overlooking the lake

Crater Lake with Wizard's Island

Crater Lake - it's scale is apparent via the boat visible in the photo

At the peak of the volcano

We also hiked down to Cleetwood Cove, the only legal access to the shores of Crater Lake to brave a swim. The annual snowfall for Crater last year was 13.2 meters and this slowly melts (there is usually snow until about July) so you can imagine how cold the lake was. The water is usually about 3°C all year round…the easiest way to get in was to jump off the surrounding peaks!

Jumping in!

Swimming in the beautiful but icy cold blue waters of Crater Lake

Florence to Prospect (Crater Lake)

Total distance: 1185 miles