On a road trip long ago, I passed up the chance to visit Crater Lake National Park, and I’ve been regretting that decision ever since. But I’ve finally made it!

I’m pretty sure I dismissed Crater Lake the first time around on the theory that I’ve seen plenty of lakes in my lifetime. But I can say for certain that I’ve never seen any other lake like this. What makes it different? First of all, Crater Lake sits smack in the middle of a caldera (the shell of a collapsed volcano), and you can still see evidence of volcanic debris everywhere you look.

Secondly, at 1,943 meters deep, Crater Lake is: (1) the deepest lake in the United States, (2) the seventh-deepest lake in the world (Lake Baikal in Siberia wins the first place award), and (3) the deepest volcanic lake in the world. That depth — plus the low algal content — means that the water is blue, blue, blue.

Third, Crater Lake has its very own mini-volcano — and it’s called Wizard Island! To top off the great naming project, the tiny crater at the top has been given the moniker “Witches Cauldron.”

Fourth, Crater Lake is home to one of the great lodges of the US National Park system. Built in 1915, Crater Lake Lodge boasts multiple fireplaces, a grand sitting areas, and rooms with views (albeit small ones) out over the lake.

But the best part is sitting in the rocking chairs on the lodge patio and looking out over the lake during the day …

… and then watching the sunset (and finally, after a mediocre dinner in the lodge dining room, putting on your woolies to watch the stars in the night sky).

Lastly, I loved that Crater Lake has hikes all around it (there’s also a boat tour, but it wasn’t running on the day that we visited).

There are endless views in every direction …

… and if you hike down to the bottom, you can take a very cold swim!

Of course, if you don’t hike, there are plenty of overlooks on the Rim Road around the lake (note that as of fall 2023, part of the road is closed for construction, so you can’t drive all the way round).

No matter how you take in the sights, it’s a magical place!