We love National Parks so we took a side trip on our way home from California. National Parks seem to highlight the most amazing scenery and historic landmarks. Crater Lake National Park didn't disappoint us.
Crater Lake National Park was established in 1902 and is located in southern Oregon. It is the 5th oldest national park in the United States and the only one in Oregon. Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and the ninth deepest in the world. Crater Lake lies inside a volcanic basin created when the 12,000 Mt. Mazama collapsed following a major eruption. The lake is filled entirely by snowfall which averages 528 inches per year. There is no outlet from the lake.
There was still snow on the ground near the gift shop. We visited only several weeks after this part of the park reopened after winter.
The Crater Lake Lodge opened to guests in 1915 after a long construction period and even then was lacking in comforts most would expect of a lodge. The magnificent views were the reason most visitors were willing to make the long trip to this remote and spartan lodge. At times there has been 15 feet of snow surrounding the building which is listed as a National Historic Hotel.
The burls in trees are caused when the tree has been stressed by injury, virus or fungus. We saw a large stand of these trees as we traveled in the park. The bird was pecking at the gravel like there may have been some seeds to eat.
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