What is Crater Lake?
Crater Lake is a large lake located in the Southern Cascade Mountains of Oregon. The lake is distinctive because it formed in the caldera of a volcano which exploded and partially collapsed approximately 7,000 years ago. It is the deepest lake in the United States, and the seventh deepest lake in the world, and holds the distinction of being entirely above sea level, thanks to the high elevation. The lake and surrounding area were designated as a National Park in 1902. 286 square miles (741 kilometers) of area are covered by the National Park, so there is a great deal to explore in addition to Crater Lake itself.
