CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARKNow that the North Entrance is open and only about 4 miles from our campground we decided that it was time to visit Crater Lake.
There is still much snow in the area. Snow plowed off the road was well over 12 feet in places and the snow on the ground was still several feet thick. Crater Lake averages 540 inches of snow a year; that's about 45 FEET! Unbelievable!
This was our first view of Crater Lake. The reflection looked like a mirror. I can't explain the feeling I had when first I saw it. It takes your breath away, the beauty of it all.
The Lodge is still covered by snow on the back side and piles of snow 15-20 feet high are across the front. Even the pine trees seem wearied by all the snow.
Five miles wide and ringed by cliffs almost 2000 feet high, the lake rests in the shattered remains of a volcano called Mount Mazama, which erupted and collapsed into itself.
Later eruptions formed Wizard Island, pictured here. There is no water flow into or out of Crater Lake. All the water is from the snow melt from the tremendous amounts of snow that fall each year.
Crater Lake, at 1943 feet deep, is the deepest lake in the United States and one of the deepest in the world. This depth results in the brilliant blue color of the water. Notice the reflection in this picture. It is difficult to tell where the water ends and the side walls begin.
We had brought a picnic lunch and sat on this snow bank and enjoyed this awesome view. Notice that Bill has on only a tee shirt. Despite the snow, it was surprisingly warm. What a wonderful, unforgetable experience. Crater Lake is truly the most beautiful place I have ever seen!
This is truly America the Beautiful at its best.
No comments:
Post a Comment