Crater Lake - You don't know the color blue until you've been here!

I can't even begin to describe Crater Lake. We were so lucky because of the fires burning in the area, the ranger told us that often the smoke settles above the lake and you can't see much of it. That wasn't the case for us at all!!!

The night before, after driving through the Redwoods and after one of the best days of my trip, Sara and I stayed at this campground (Crater Lake Resort) about 30 minutes south of the lake. We had an adorable little cabin and even had a chance to drink some beer while canoeing along the stream/pond that runs along side the campgrounds. It was perfect!

The next morning we headed up to Crater Lake for a trolley tour that drove us around the entire lake. Crater Lake is not a crater but a caldera collapsed volcano. The only water that collects there is rain/snow water which is why the lake is so blue and clear. It is the deepest lake in the United States (almost 2000 feet) and the water is so clear that you can see 134 feet down!!!

When we drove up to the lake, this was the first glimpse we saw of the edge before turned the curve along the lake and got the shot of Wizard Island. All of these photos were taken with my phone as we toured around the lake. No joke! The blue you see is the most stunning blue imaginable.

Remnant of an ancient white pine guarding the lake.

This is the Pumice Castle that overlooks the scene below. It is one of the volcanic formations that sits 1300 feet above the lake's surface.

This is probably my favorite photo of the day. This little island is called Phantom Ship and it stands about 170 feet above the surface of the water.

During the tour, the ranger read the following poem:

THE BLUE ENIGMA

Blue enigma of ages, ringed with immutable rock,
Fiery cradle of mountains whose barren ridged mock
Man's puny and ceaseless endeavor, his straining and pigmy strife;
Let him look on the patience of ages and know the end of life.
Mighty forge of the Titans where mountains were welded and made,
Glaciers have cooled your seething, hemlocks reared their shade,
And now you mirror your cradle, your mountain-making done,
And now your inscrutable depths reflect the dwelling of the sun.
Now men stand safe on your lava brink with awe intaken breath
Lost in the contemplation of a mighty mountains' death.

My little blue Kia Soul will now, forever, be named the Blue Enigma (BE for short) as I continue my incredible journey north. I am one fortunate woman!