Today we drove to the beautiful Crater Lake National Park, Oregon. This natioanl park protects the deepest lake in the United States (1,943 feet deep). Fed by rain and snow (but no rivers or streams) the lake is considered to be the cleanest large body of water in the world. The water is exceptional for its clarity and intense blue color. The lake rests inside a caldera formed approximately 7,700 years ago when a 12,000 foot tall volcano collapsed following a major eruption. Later eruptions formed Wizard Island, a cinder cone near the southwest shore. We could only go around two-thirds of the volcanoes rim today, due to the fact that one section of the road (the highest) is still impassable with snow drifts. You see, Crater Lake's annual snowfall is 44 feet! There are still large piles all around the roadsides and the rim of the crater...and it was only 55 degrees F. We took LOTS of pictures because everywhere you looked it seemed like a living postcard. Please enjoy the beauty of Crater Lake National Park!

Crater Lake National Park Administration Building near the entrance.

Beautiful Crater Lake...no need for captions...just enjoy the brilliant views.

Wizard Island in Crater Lake

Pool of turquoise water...seems to be surrounded by lava rock.

There are boat tours on Crater Lake & Trolley tours around the rim, guided by Park Rangers.

The mysterious "Ghost Ship Island" is about 160 feet above water level,
and seems to disappear and reappear at will.

On our way back to basecamp we stopped at Rogue Natioanl Forrest,
and then hike to Millcreek Waterfall.

Water churning below the Millcreek Falls.



Lost Creek Lake in Stewart State Park, Oregon



The famous "Rogue River"...well known for its excellent river rafting.