Crater Lake National Park, Ore.

A mid-May view of Crater Lake as clouds hunker down in the bowl. Weather plays a big role up here above 7,000 feet. Many of the park’s roads are fully open just three or four months of the year.

(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

July 25, 2015 9 AM PT

Share via
- Email
- Facebook
- X
- LinkedIn
- Threads
- Reddit
- WhatsApp

Crater Lake is the collapsed top of a volcanic mountain. Conical Wizard Island was formed by a smaller volcano that protruded above the surface of the crystal-blue water.

(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

An old, weathered tree stands like a sentinel at Watchman Overlook high above Crater Lake in Oregon.

(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

The many old pines on Crater Lake’s rim provide texture and a reminder of age.

(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Signs warn visitors to be careful on slippery slopes near viewing spots for Wizard Island.

(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Visitors return from a vantage point above Wizard Island.

(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

A cloud bank hovers above the jagged rim of Crater Lake. The placid water is remarkably reflective -- nature holding a mirror up to nature.

(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

The Clark’s nutcracker is one of the main residents on Crater Lake’s rim.

(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

A Clark’s nutcracker hops from its perch above Crater Lake.

(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Lichen grows in the dead wood of a tree.

(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Pine boughs frame Crater Lake.

(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Alan and Lisa DeHarpport of Portland, Ore., take pictures with Crater Lake as backdrop.

(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

In mid-May morning fog, park visitors return from a snowshoe excursion. Behind them: Crater Lake Lodge.

(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Visitors at Crater Lake Lodge gather near a fireplace.

(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Crater Lake Lodge visitors warm up by the fireplace after a chilly day outside.

(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

West of the park, the Rogue River Gorge is easily accessible from Highway 62 near Union Creek Resort.

(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Beckie’s Cafe, at Union Lake Resort on Highway 62 west of Crater Lake, is famous for its fresh pies and big meals. Beckie’s has a colorful history of owners and patrons dating to the 1920s.

(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)