Crater Lake in August

Crater Lake National Park is the only National Park in Oregon. It is 1,949 feet at its deepest point, which makes it the deepest lake in the United States. The lake was formed 7,700 years ago during the violent volcanic eruptions and subsequent collapse of Mt. Mazama and the relatively moist climate that is typical of the crest of the Cascade Mountains. Crater Lake has no streams flowing into or out of it. All water that enters the lake is eventually lost from evaporation or subsurface seepage. The lake's water commonly has a striking blue hue, and the lake is re-filled entirely from direct precipitation in the form of snow and rain.

Now that the history lesson is behind us, here is my take on Crater Lake in August.

We went in early August, when the snow should have been entirely melted off the roads. It was not, so we were not able to take the entire Rim Highway. Keep in mind, it has been a pretty odd year for the locals here with a mild, wet and long spring, yet an abnormally dry and hot summer. We got to see enough of it, and meet some cool people along the way. Good enough for me. Crater Lake is a little over an hour away from us, so there were a few interesting places to stop off on the way.

 The Natural Bridges on the way. It began as a "River of Fire" (molten lava) which carved out tubes. Later when the tubes were drained, water followed suit, creating the underground portion of the Rogue River. During drought periods, the bridge can be used to cross the Rogue.

 Crater Lake. Is is so stinkin blue!

 Awkward Family Photo op.



 Off the Rim Highway. This is the only thing seperating you from a 600 foot slide straight down. No bueno.

 A cute couple who are from Texas I do believe. I really have to start carrying a notepad around with me so I can write information down on these people. They were nice enough to let me take their picture, interesting enough to talk to for 30 minutes, and I can't even remember their names. Booo! I do recall they have traveled the world and were telling us about their favorite trips.

There is always an oppourtunity for a new corny portrait.

 Shawna's shot was way better. Less cheese :)

 A biker I shared my water with named Eric (of course I remember HIS name). Guess he had lived in Oregon for like 14 years and never been here. You would be suprised how many people have been here for so long and never seen the amazing things around them. Kinda like the things around the Black Hills.

 Gotta catch a pic when we get a can get someone to take it of us.  NOT a framer... it was so windy.

Snow... in AUGUST! Thought we were back home in SouDak.