Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MT MAZAMA
The ancient mountain whose remains now form Crater Lake was Mt Mazama, a
roughly 12,000ft volcanic peak that was heavily glaciered and inactive for many
thousands of years until it came back to life 7700 years ago. A catastrophic explo-
sion scattered ash for hundreds of miles as flows of superheated pumice solidified
into massive banks. These eruptions emptied the magma chambers at the heart of
the volcano, and the summit cone collapsed to form the caldera.
Only snowfall and rain contribute to the lake water. This purity and the lake's
great depth give it that famous blue color. Sparse forests can be seen growing in
pumice and ash in the Pumice Desert, just north of Crater Lake along N Entrance
Rd.
Sleeping & Eating
Other than Crater Lake Lodge (the only lodging at the lake itself) and Mazama Village (7
miles from the rim), the nearest noncamping accommodations are 20 to 40 miles away.
Park lodging is closed from mid-October to late May, depending on snowfall.
Fort Klamath has several good lodgings. Union Creek and Prospect and the Diamond
Lake area all have nice, sometimes woodsy places. The drive-through towns of Chemult
and Chiloquin have budget motels that are much less scenic. Finally, if you don't mind
driving all day, there's lots of accommodations in Medford, Roseburg or Klamath Falls.
The park's eating facilities are limited, though you can always bring a picnic and find
a fabulously scenic spot. Rim Village has a small cafe and there's an upscale dining room
nearby at the lodge. Mazama Village has a small store, gift shop and decently priced res-
taurant called
Annie Creek
(Mazama Village; mains lunch $9-11, dinner $13-18;
breakfast,
lunch & dinner Jun-Sep)
.
Mazama Campground
CAMPGROUND$
( 888-774-2728;
www.craterlakelodges.com
;
tent/RV sites from $21/29; )
Located 7
miles from the lake and open approximately mid-June through September (depending on
weather), this is the park's main campground. There are over 200 wooded sites, showers
and a laundry; some sites are first-come, first-served.
Lost Creek Campground
CAMPGROUND$
( 541-594-3100; campsites $10)
Open mid-July to mid-September, this nonreservable
campground is 3 miles southeast of the lake and offers just 16 tent sites. Water is avail-
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