Crater Lake was formed after the collapse of an ancient volcano, Mount Mazama. This volcano violently erupted approximately 7,700 years ago. The basin or caldera was formed after the top 5,000 feet of the volcano collapsed. Subsequent lava flows sealed the bottom, allowing the caldera to fill with water from rainfall and snow melt, to create the seventh deepest lake in the world at 1,932 feet. A series of smaller eruptions over the next several hundred years formed several cinder cones on the caldera floor. The highest of these cones, the only one to rise above the current lake level, is Wizard Island.

Crater Lake access at this time of year is limited depending on snowfall. Only the road at the South entrance stays open in Winter. Snow depth can be several feet requiring skiis or snowshoes and many facilities are closed . . . . . but the view is beathtaking!