Points Of Interest In Crater Lake National Park
An Overview of Crater Lake National Park
The crowning jewel of the Cascade Mountains and the deepest lake in the United States, Crater Lake is a stunning, mountaintop lake formed in the cone of a collapsed volcano. The lake is surrounded by vibrant forests, thriving wildlife and the awe-inspiring lake itself, along with its ancient cinder cone now known as Wizard Island. There are many hiking trails, unique formations, beautiful skies and points of interest in Crater Lake National Park.
Points Of Interest In Crater Lake National Park
Wizard Island
Wizard island is a volcanic cinder cone in Crater Lake. The sharp and lush island can be reached by boat with a 2.2-mile round loop trails ringing the island.
Merriam Point
This is a stupendous, easily reachable overlook with parking. Merriam Point offers some of the earliest, clearest views overlooking Crater Lake for visitors arriving from the North Entrance.
Cloudcap Overlook
Cloudcap is the highest paved road in Oregon, eventually reaching an ending circle with a stunning scenic overlook gazing down into Crater Lake.
Plaikni Falls and Plaikni Falls Trailhead
At the end of a hiking trail following the East Rim Drive, ese waterfalls tumble down a glacier-carved cliff while surrounded by towers of petrified volcanic ash. The ash is a remainder from the Mount Mazama erruption 7,700 years ago.
Mt. Scott
Mount Scott is a stratovolcano created from a parasitic count on the southeast edge of Crater Lake. The peak, which offers splendid views, can be reached by climbing the out-and-back 4.2-mile Mount Scott Trailhead.
Vidae Falls
This is a spring-fed waterfall accenting a forest ridge. It’s visable from Crater Rim Road.
Pumice Desert
Found slightly north of the Crater, Pumice Desert is a large, dry meadow in the National Park. The pumice deposits, which in some areas are 200 feet deep, was created following the Mount Mazama erruption, after which avalanches of gas-rich pumice rock settled here.
Pinnacles Overlook
For a truly unique rock formation, Pinnacles Overlook offers vistas with views of “Fossil fumeroles.” These are narrow needle-like structures lined along a cliff ridge, made from deposits of volcanic ash.
Discovery Point Trailhead
This is an easy hiking trail which offers constant views of Crater Lake. The route gains very little elevation (less than 100 feet) making this one of the least strenuous trails to view the lakes and forests below.
Castle Crest Wildflower Trail
This is a short 0.4-mile loop trail wandering through a picturesque meadow seasonally flooded with native wildflowers.
Phantom Ship Overlook
This overlook offers direct views of the Phantom Ship, a tiny island found in Crater Lake. Phantom Ship is an especially resistant portion of the ancient volcanic cone which was eventually overtaken by the growth of the Mazama volcano.
Cleetwood Cove Trail
This is a somewhat steep 1.1-mile hiking trail which leads to the Wizard Island Boat Tour Dock.
Watchman Peak Trailhead
Located near the visitor center, the Watchman Peak Trailhead is a moderately difficult 3-mile round hike. The initial part of the trail is fairly easy, but the latter portion climbs roughly 350-feet in elevation.
Sun Notch
This is one of the most popular hiking routs around Crater Lake, with views of the ridgeline, forests and Phantom Ship.
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