United States
Crater Lake
Welcome to Oregon! Crater Lake fills the enormous bowl left behind after an ancient volcano collapsed, and its water is some of the clearest and bluest on Earth.
Why is it famous?
It's the deepest lake in the United States, filled with dazzling deep-blue water.
No rivers flow in or out — all its water comes from rain and snow, keeping it exceptionally clear.
How was it formed?
About 7,700 years ago, a tall volcano called Mount Mazama erupted violently and then collapsed in on itself.
The huge bowl-shaped hole, called a caldera, slowly filled with centuries of rain and snowmelt.
Amazing facts
The lake is nearly 1,950 feet deep, making it the deepest lake in the USA.
Its water is so clear that sunlight can be seen more than 100 feet down.
Quick facts
- The lake is nearly 1,950 feet deep, making it the deepest lake in the USA.
- Its water is so clear that sunlight can be seen more than 100 feet down.
- A small volcanic island called Wizard Island rises right out of the lake.
- The park gets more snow than almost any other national park, over 40 feet a year.