Ashland & Southern Oregon - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 668

The gloriously blue waters of Crater Lake reflect surrounding mountain peaks like a gi-
ant dark-blue mirror, making for spectacular photographs and breathtaking panoramas.
Crater Lake ( 541-594-2211; www.nps.gov/crla ; admission for up to 7 days per vehicle $10) is
Oregon's only national park and also the USA's deepest lake at 1943ft deep.
The park's popular south entrance is open year-round and provides access to Rim Vil-
lage and Mazama Village, as well as the park headquarters at the Steel Visitors Center. In
winter you can only go up to the lake's rim and back down the same way; no other roads
are plowed. The north entrance is only open from early June to late October, depending
on snowfall.
It's best to top up your gas tank before arriving at Crater Lake. There's reasonably
priced gas at Mazama Village (summertime only); the closest pumps otherwise are in
Prospect, Diamond Lake and Fort Klamath.
Summer is often cold and windy, so dress warmly.