Crater Lake is one of Oregon’s most mystical lakes, and what makes this mystique even greater is the fact that it is the deepest in the US and one of the deepest in the world.
The national park is a highly sought-after destination among travelers, attracting nearly 560,000 visitors in 2023, according to the National Park Service.
Here’s how deep Crater Lake is and some things you need to know about the southern Oregon destination.
A view of Wizard Island from the lodge area in Crater Lake National Park.
Where is Crater Lake in Oregon?
Crater Lake is located in southern Oregon, about 60 miles north of the California border.
How deep is Oregon’s crater lake?
It is the deepest lake in the US and the ninth deepest lake in the world.
The depths of Crater Lake reach 1,943 feet or 592 meters, according to the National Park Service. By comparison, if the tallest building in the US, One World Trade Center, were placed in the deepest part of the lake, its top would still be 50 meters below the surface – the length of about four school buses.
Of the five deepest lakes in the US, Lake Tahoe is closest to Crater Lake, at 500 meters deep – 90 meters shallower than Crater.
Here’s how the other lakes compare:
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Crater Lake No. 1: 600 meters.
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No. 2 Lake Tahoe: 1,645 feet.
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No. 3 Lake Chelan: 1,486 feet
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No. 4 Lake Superior: 432 feet
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No. 5 Lake Pend Oreille: 350 yards
A black bear went swimming in Crater Lake’s caldera this summer, a rare occurrence in Oregon’s only national park, officials said.
How was Crater Lake in Oregon formed?
As the name suggests, it was formed when a giant crater, or caldera, formed after a volcanic eruption more than 7,500 years ago. When Mount Mazama, the mountain in which Crater Lake is embedded, erupted, it collapsed on itself and over time filled with rainwater and snow runoff.
The resulting hue of the lake is a deep blue and one of the qualities it is known for.
Crater Lake National Park is one of the snowiest inhabited places in North America.
What are some legends surrounding Crater Lake?
The Old Man of the Lake: One of the better-known stories about Crater Lake is that of the Old Man of the Lake, a 30-foot-tall, 450-year-old hemlock that floats vertically around the lake at a height of about 3 feet. protrude above the water. It is thought to have weather control abilities after dramatic weather changes occurred when it was tied up, only to disappear after it was freed.
The Klamath Legend of Llao: The legend of Llao comes from Klamath and Modoc Native American mythology. Llao was the “God of the Overworld” and could control spirits that took the form of animals and roamed the land around Crater Lake, according to the National Park Service.
Wizard Island: Wizard Island, a cinder cone formed when the lake filled up, is the piece of land in the middle of Crater Lake. Over the years, many stories emerged of phantom campfires seen from the shoreline that disappeared upon closer inspection without any remains being found. There have also been alleged sightings of mythical creatures, ghost ships, UFOs and bigfoot.
Disappearances and Deaths: According to one study, a total of eight deaths, 79 search and rescues, and one missing person have been reported in Crater Lake over the past sixteen years.
A view of Crater Lake as seen from The Watchman lookout.
How to visit Crater Lake in Oregon?
Crater Lake is open year-round, although it is covered in snow for much of the year. To visit the national park, people who need access must pay an entrance fee or have a pass. Reservations are not necessary.
Visitors can check the Crater Lake Safety Tips page on the National Park Service website for safety information before their visit.
Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal. Sandoval can be reached at GSandoval@gannett.com or press X to @Ginny Sandoval.
This article originally appeared in Salem Statesman Journal: What is the deepest lake in the US? Facts about Oregon Crater Lake
