In the lower portion of the Cascade Range, in Central Oregon, is the Crater Lake National Park. The lake is actually the remains of a gigantic collapsed volcano, Mt. Mazama, that erupted over seven thousand years ago.

Following that long and extensive eruption, the mountain collapsed into itself and left a caldara that eventually filled with rain water and snow melt.

Crater Lake has no inlet other than the rain and snow that falls within the caldara, and no outlet other than evaporation. Consequently, the waters of Crater Lake are exceedingly pure. The result is the intense blue color of the water.

For more information, visit: The Crater Lake Homepage!