Crater Lake

volcanoes · Oregon · deepest lakes

Born from collapse. Crater Lake formed when Mount Mazama, a giant volcano, collapsed inward around 7,700 years ago, creating a massive bowl called a caldera that is 2,148 feet deep.

Deepest in America. At 1,949 feet deep, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and ranks among the ten deepest lakes in the entire world.

Brilliantly blue water. The lake's famous deep blue color comes from its extreme purity and clarity. No rivers flow in or out, so the water stays incredibly clean and clear.

Rain keeps it full. Instead of rivers filling the lake, rain and snow do the job. The water evaporates so slowly that rain and snow fully replace it every 150 years.