Le parc national de Crater Lake (en anglais : Crater Lake National Park) est un parc national américain, caractérisé par la présence en son sein du Crater Lake qui, avec ses 592 m de profondeur, est le lac le plus profond du pays. Couvrant une superficie de 53 km2, le parc est situé dans une zone montagneuse et boisée du sud de l'Oregon, à la jonction des comtés de Klamath, Jackson et Douglas.
La région est soumise à une activité volcanique depuis plusieurs millions d'années, mais l'histoire géologique récente du parc est liée au mont Mazama, un ancien volcan de la chaîne des Cascades (Cascade Range), dont l'éruption a provoqué la formation du lac il y a environ 7 700 ans.
Au moment de l'éruption, les premiers Amérindiens peuplent déjà la région et y vivent de la cueillette et de la chasse. Le récit de la catastrophe naturelle se transmet au fil des générations au travers d'anciennes légendes amérindiennes. Les premiers européens ne découvrent le lac qu'au milieu du XIXe siècle. C'est le 22 mai 1902 que la zone est finalement élevée au rang de parc national grâce aux efforts d'un homme d'affaires du nom de William Gladstone Steel. Depuis sa création, le National Park Service est chargé de la protection de ses richesses géologiques, naturelles et culturelles, qui attirent chaque année près de 400 000 visiteurs.
Crater Lake might be the only National Park in Oregon but this state is filled with natural wonders. Crater Lake is the deepest lake in North America and the third deepest in the world! The water is some of the bluest water on earth. This place offers boat tours amazing hiking trails and some of the most visually stunning views in nature.
What an amazing experience! This is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen in my life! My family and I thoroughly enjoyed this trip and probably will be taking it again one day! The size of this place was just awe inspiring! The water in the lake was a gorgeous blue like I have never seen! It was awesome to be there in June and there was still snow on the ground. The wildlife was very cool, and my kids loved seeing and feeding the squirrels. We drove halfway around the lake and had to head to our next stop. I really wish we could have made it all the way around the lake, but maybe next time. Be sure to stop at the different viewpoints as each one of them has their own amazing scene just waiting for you to take in it's beauty! Trust me, if you are anywhere close to Crater Lake you will have to take a trip there. Plan on spending several hours, because if you don't you will regret it! I'm looking forward to seeing your reviews, because you will not be able to visit this place without sharing your experience!
Just an amazing absolute wonderful place. The loop is about 33 miles and can take 2 to 3 to 4 hours depending on how many places you stop. I recommend taking the clockwise direction because it seems like most other people take the counter clockwise drive.
Stunning view and a memorable experience. Easy to navigate through the park and lot of pull off the road shoulders to enjoy the majestic scenery. The hiking trail to Mount Scott was awesome.
I have spent 30 days on a road trip visiting several National Parks. I can say for sure that this offered the most amazing views. Unbelievable. The watchman point has a steep hike with some rest stops. The view from up there makes the hike up worth.
hot, smokey, crowded and still absolutely STUNNING. Was well over 100° the day we visited which is rare for the area but driving around the rim was a truly remarkable experience - can’t wait to come back and spend more time here.
Stunning! Lots of trails and easily accessible areas to people with limited abilities! The whole place is a geological wonder and is stunning. Only draw back was lack of restrooms through the park. We will definitely visit again
Place is beautiful, but from the fires it is extremely hard to see the actual lake. Right now from COVID you also must have a mask on to go into any of the buildings. They DO NOT provide free mask you have to pay pretty much double to get one at any of the stores.