Crater Lake

You can Google thousands of photos of Crater Lake, but no image does it justice. As the light changes throughout the day, Crater Lake will shift from cyan to blue to indigo. You need to be there to get the full impact.

The lake is nearly 2,000 feet deep and holds enough water to give 700 gallons to every man, woman and child on the planet. At 7,000 feet the air is clear and crisp, the views inspiring. But you only have a few months to enjoy it. Heavy snowfall keeps Crater Lake closed most of the year. Here are some snow photos I took in October, 2004.

The drive from Portland takes about 5 hours. Follow I-5 south to Eugene. Take winding route 58 East across the mountains. You can stop for a bite in Oakridge (I like Ray's Food Place). At Route 97 turn south and look for signs for Crater Lake on the right. You head back to the east for 15 miles, then south again for about the same distance. You can camp or stay at the historic Crater Lake Lodge.


A view of the lake while hiking the rim.


I took this photo during a full moon at 11 pm.


Reflections on the surface of Crater Lake.


The water near the south shore - so clear we could easily see the bottom dozens of feet down.


Skimming across the blue-black water.