You'll Never Forgive Yourself If You Don't Visit This Stunning Scenic Overlook

Formed about 7,700 years ago following the collapse of Mount Mazama, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in America and is thought to be the purest body of water in the world as well. The vibrant blue caldera is fed entirely by rain and snowfall. The highest road access overlook is Cloudcap, which provides a western view across the lake. Here’s why you simply must see for yourself this stunning scenic view:

James St. John/Flickr

Crater Lake is a large, deep, freshwater lake in the Cascade Range of America's Pacific Northwest. The lake itself is about 1,943 feet deep and is surrounded by cliffs. Its intense blue color is indicative of its purity and depth, and yes, it's really this blue!

Alan Sandercock/Flickr

The ancient volcano Mount Mazama experienced an enormous explosive ash eruption which led to the collapse of the mountain, and it created depression which later filled with water. Oregon's Crater Lake Caldera is considered a world-class example of this type of volcanic feature.

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From the overlook, people can view both Wizard Island and Mount Scott, the volcanic cone that is the park's highest point. Later eruptions of the now-dormant volcano formed Wizard Island, a cinder cone that rises from the water. The national park has numerous fascinating volcanic features, including a second rocky island, called the Phantom Ship.

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It is the only national park in Oregon and is the fifth oldest national park in the U.S.

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Crater Lake is one of the snowiest inhabited places in America. Deep snow in the wintertime closes the park's Rim Drive and North Entrance to cars. Rim Drive becomes a trail for skiing and snowshoeing.

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Sherry Levasseur / Getty Images

While Crater Lake is considered the centerpiece of the park, it occupies less than 10 percent of it. Spectacular old-growth forests also blanket the area and provide spectacular camping and hiking trails year-round.

You can plan your visit to Crater Lake National Park and secure accommodations or camping spots. The nearest airport to the park is in Klamath Falls, located about 63 miles from park headquarters.

This YouTube video of Cloudcap Overlook by Andrea Barlow shows another spectacular viewpoint of this breathaking mountain and lake view in Oregon.

Have you ever visited Crater Lake and the spectacular Cloudcap Overlook? Any insights to share with others planning to visit this incredible caldera? We’d love to see any photos or details! For related content, here are 11 extraordinary camping spots in Oregon.