Crater Lake near Klamath Falls in Oregon, is a lake confined within the caldera formed by the collapse of an old volcano, Mount Mazama, in the Cascades mountains. The lake has no river flowing into or out of it, and all the water it contains comes from rain and snow melt. Its current depth is 1,949 ft (594 m) making it one of the deepest lakes in the world. Its water is famous for its blue color, purity and clarity. By the way, they say the volcano under the lake still could erupt again.
The lake itself is at an elevation of 6,178 ft (1,833 m) while the caldera rims range from 7,000 to 8,000 feet (2,100 to 2,400 m). Driving to Crater Lake, I couldn’t help but notice that for the last 100 miles (160 km) or so, it was all uphill.
Because of a bicycle event on the day we visited Crater Lake, we were confined to about one quarter of the eastern rim drive, and thus lots of photo opportunities were lost to us. So I don’t have too many interesting additional photos other than these below.
Looking away from Crater Lake, I saw Mt Thielsen to the north. At 9,184 ft (2,799 m) its peak has been hit by lighting so frequently that it has earned the nickname “the lightning rod of the Cascades”.
Leaving Crater Lake after our shortened visit, we stopped at nearby Annie Creek Canyon to take a look. Almost immediately, a flock of Gray Jays, cousins of the Blue Jays we see in the East, mobbed us, perhaps looking for some food handout.
Tiny said:
Oh mighty! That is a beautiful lake! I understand what you said about its beauty when there are no clouds. Love the bird shots too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Tiny. Those Gray Jays were very bold, buzzing us a few times, but I didn’t have any food for them! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
milfordstreet said:
I’ve heard the blue is overwhelming but OMG!
LikeLiked by 1 person
neihtn2012 said:
It’s true blue, not enhanced at all. Thanks Chris!
LikeLiked by 1 person
milfordstreet said:
Yes…and that is what is amazing. Cheers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sue (Mac's Girl) said:
Beautiful pictures, as always!
LikeLiked by 1 person
neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Sue!
LikeLike
cindy knoke said:
Haven’t been there since I was a kid. Gorgeous photos~
LikeLiked by 1 person
neihtn2012 said:
Maybe you’ll come back some day and see it again?
LikeLike
Jet Eliot said:
Ah, Hien, you did a wonderful job of capturing the sapphire surprise of this incredible place on earth. Great photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Jet. Crater Lake is perfect for photography!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amy said:
The blue lake is Amazingly beautiful! Great photos here, Hien!
LikeLiked by 1 person
neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Amy! Will you go there some day?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amy said:
Oh i love to… 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
DG MARYOGA said:
The placid blue waters of the lake are incredibly beautiful,Hien!However,I can’t leave without saying anything about the gorgeous posture of the Gray Jey in your last photo 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
neihtn2012 said:
Doda, the Gray Jays were not as ash of humans as the Blue Jays are where I live.
LikeLiked by 1 person