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Crater Lake National Park
Geology
Crater Lake partially fills a type of volcanic depression called a caldera that formed by the collapse of a 3,700 m (12,000 ft) volcano known as Mount Mazama during an enormous eruption approximately 7,700 years ago. The climactic eruption of Mount Mazama changed the landscape all around the volcano. Pyroclastic flows of pumice and ash devastated the surrounding area, including all of the river valleys that drained Mount Mazama to as far as 64 km (40 mi) away, and a blanket of pumice and ash fell to the northeast of the volcano at least as far as central Canada. Erosion removed much of this material, feeding rivers that carried it far from its source, ultimately into the Pacific Ocean. [The Geologic History and Formation of Crater Lake National Park, United States Geological Survey]
History Crater Lake was discovered by miners during the summer of 1853 and made a national park in 1902. There is a long history of geological and limnological research at the park. And, although Crater Lake is known primarily as a "natural park area," it does have significant cultural resources. The Superintendent's Residence has been designated as a National Historic Landmark, and the Munson Valley Historic District has been proposed for addition to the National Register of Historic Places. Crater Lake Lodge is an example of early park architecture designed to provide accommodations for overnight guests. The thirty-three miles of Rim Drive provide park visitors with opportunities for quality scenic vistas.
Flora and Fauna Three forest types are dominant within the park. These are the ponderosa pine at lower elevations, lodgepole pine extending from 5,500 to 6,500 feet, and mountain hemlock which is characteristic of the higher elevations. Also present in the park are Douglas fir; western white, whitebark, and sugar pines; and some incense cedar, aspen, and Englemann spruce. Some 570 species of flowering plants and ferns thrive in the park. These range from lichen at Palisade Point to the wildflowers of Castle Crest and Munson Meadows to the stunted vegetation of the Pumice Desert and Wizard Island. The variety of mammals found in the park is typical of the forested areas throughout the southern sections of the Cascade range. The most commonly observed large mammals are black-tailed deer, elk, black bear, porcupine, and yellow-bellied marmot. More than 120 kinds of birds have been seen in the park, including raptors such as golden eagles, American bald eagles, falcons, ospreys, and horned owls; waterfowl; and smaller singers such as the western tanager and the hermit thrush.
Planning a Visit
Climate
Crater Lake National Park is known for its long winters and heavy snowfalls. The average seasonal accumulation of snow is 544 inches. The winter of 1932-33 provided 878 inches of snow, the highest recorded total to date. Snow on the ground of 14-foot depth is common by late winter. The greatest recorded snow depth in the park was 252 inches on April 3, 1983.
Web design and construction by Rob Mutch of Crater Lake Institute and Robert Mutch Photography
Vidae Falls, Crater Lake NP, photo by Robert Mutch
Phantom Ship, Crater Lake NP, photo by Robert Mutch
Inner Caldera Wall, Crater Lake, photo by Rob Mutch |
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