Crater Lake

Crater Lake was formed 7,700 years ago when Mt. Mazama erupted, then collapsed.  There are no inlets to or outlets from the lake and it is fed entirely from rain and snow.  It is nearly 2,000 feet deep which makes it the deepest lake in the United States and the 7th deepest lake in the world.  Because nothing else washes into the lake from outside sources, the water is a remarkably deep blue color. 

At an altitude of over 6,000 feet, there are patches of snow on the ground even in July.


The lake sits inside a caldera, or volcanic basin.  The high ridge on the left is a chunk of the volcano's side that didn't collapse.


There are two islands in the lake.  The big one is called Wizard Island and you can take a boat ride to it, only it requires a 1.1 mile trek down a steep trail to get to the boat.  Not to mention a 1.1 mile trek UP a steep trail to get back.  Seeing as Juliana hates physical exertion, we decided to skip the trek and its inevitable accompanying crying jag. 


I liked the way the water got all turquoise and shimmery in the shallow areas around the island.





Juliana got tired and hungry and amused herself by making shadows and announcing "Turn me on!  I'm a lamp!"


After lunch, we found a waterfall.





As we continued the 33 mile drive around the lake, we got within sight of the second island, which is called The Phantom Pirate Ship.


It looks small, but it's actually 16 stories high.



Did I mention how blue the water is?


Did I mention how cute my family is?