As we began the hour drive to Crater Lake from Klamath Falls, we could see that it was going to be a glorious day. We have been so lucky with the weather on this trip.
We started off at the Steel visitor center, the only one open at Crater Lake during winter time. (The entrance is on the other side of the building.)
There, we watched an interesting video on the formation of the caldera. Surprisingly, it was formed just 7,700 years ago. It took millions of years to form the volcano but, after pressure beneath it built up enough to suddenly erupt for days, it took a matter of hours to collapse.
We drove to Rim Village (which isn't always open during this time of year due to weather).
From there, we started our snow shoe along the rim of the lake, directly above West Rim Drive (a road that is closed this time of year). It has the most amazing views of the lake.
The lake is the deepest lake in the United States (594 meters), and its water is some of the purest on earth.
Interestingly enough, there are fish in this recently made lake. They were introduced to the lake starting in the late 1800s. The two species that remain, and are thriving, prompting the Forest Service to promote unlimited unlicensed fishing, are Rainbow Trout and Kokanee Salmon.
Crater Lake is unbelievable in December, weather permitting.
There are much less tourists, and hiking with snow shoes is so much fun.
I still cannot believe how lucky we are.
I can't believe how lucky you are either. First attempt and you get a stunning day at Crater Lake. So dang amazing.
ReplyDeleteI love all the snow. Wonderful images of a seemingly abandoned place. You have it all to yourselves. So awesome. Did you see ANYONE?
Great, great, great photos. Wish we were there to snowshoe with you. Keep having fun.