Crater Lake is located in Southern Oregon on the crest of the Cascade Mountain range. It lies inside a caldera, or volcanic basin, created when the 12,000 foot high Mount Mazama collapsed 7,700 years ago following a large eruption. There are no inlets or outlets to the lake. Generous amounts of winter snow, averaging 528 inches per year, supply the lake with water. Crater Lake, at 1,943 feet deep, is the seventh deepest lake in the world and the deepest in the United States. The lake was first discovered by John Hillman in 1853 and was initially called "Deep Blue Lake". Later, in 1869, sightseers renamed it Crater Lake. After William Gladstone Steel’’s years of lobbying efforts, President Roosevelt signed a bill in 1902 establishing Crater Lake National Park. We visited Crater Lake National Park on July 23, 2025.
火山口湖位於俄勒岡州南部，喀斯喀特山脈的山頂。它位於一個火山口（火山盆地）內，是由海拔 12,000 英尺的馬札馬山在 7,700 年前的火山大噴發後坍塌而形成。湖水沒有進口及出口的地方。冬季積雪豐沛，每年平均降雪量達 528 英寸，是湖水的水源。火山口湖深 1,943 英尺，是世界第七深湖，也是美國最深的湖泊。這湖於 1853 年由希爾曼首次發現，最初名為「深藍湖」。後來，在 1869 年，觀光客將其改名為火山口湖。經過斯蒂爾多年的遊說，羅斯福總統於 1902 年簽署了一項法案，建立了火山口湖國家公園。我們 2025 年 7 月 23 日來火山口湖國家公園玩。
Crater Lake National Park Sign at North Entrance
There are several ways to reach the park—check the National Park Service (NPS) website for detailed directions. The park has two visitor centers: the Rim Visitor Center and the Steel Information Center. It's always a good idea to stop by the visitor center to watch the introductory video or pick up helpful information or even get your national park passport stamp as a unique souvenir.
前往公園有多種方式，請至國家公園管理局網站取得詳細路線資料。園區設有兩個遊客中心：Rim 遊客中心和 Steel 資訊中心。建議您前往遊客中心觀看介紹影片或取得實用資訊。甚至可以去蓋國家公園護照印章作為獨特的紀念品
Remnants of past fire
The Middle Fork Fire, which began on July 17, 2024, burned in the northwestern corner of Crater Lake National Park. It is sad to see these burnt trees.
2024年7月17日爆發的中叉山大火（Middle Fork Fire）燒到了火山口湖國家公園的西北角。很難過看到這些燒焦樹木的痕跡。
Park Map
From North Entrance to Cleetwood Cove Trail
Before I saw the lake, I noticed this Hillman Peak. Hillman Peak is an 8,151 feet summit on the west rim of Crater Lake. It is the highest peak on the caldera rim and ranks as the second-highest peak in the park.
在我看到湖之前，我注意到這座希爾曼峰。希爾曼峰位於火山口湖西緣，海拔 8,151 英尺，是火山口邊緣的最高峰，也是公園內第二高峰。
Cleetwood Cove Trail
We didn’t know that the Cleetwood Cove Trail would be closed for major rehabilitation during the 2026, 2027, and 2028 seasons until we arrived at Crater Lake National Park. We felt incredibly lucky that we decided to come here at this time. Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only legal access point to the shore of Crater Lake and is one of the park’s most popular trails. We started at 6,791 feet at the trailhead. The hike is steep and strenuous, descending 700 feet over 1.1 miles through a series of long switchbacks. The trail surface is made of crushed pumice, which can be slippery when dry. Walking back up is equivalent to climbing 65 flights of stairs. We were afraid we wouldn't be able to make it back up the 700-foot slope, but we found each of us using a trekking pole was very helpful. We also slowed down our pace and were glad to have completed the round trip without wobbly knees or weak feet. Depending on snow conditions, the trail is typically open from mid-June to late October. Swimming, wading, and fishing are permitted in the lake, but pets are not allowed on the Cleetwood Cove Trail, in the water, or left unattended or tied to objects. We had originally planned to take a boat tour around the lake, but we arrived too late to catch the last boat. However, swimming isn't restricted by time, and my daughter eagerly enjoyed a refreshing dip in the turquoise water, which averages a summer temperature of 57 degrees. Unfortunately, we had to meet the hotel's check-in deadline, so we couldn't stay longer, leaving her wanting more.
我們到了火山口湖國家公園才知道，克利特伍德灣步道將在 2026、2027 和 2028 年關閉進行重大修繕。我們感到非常幸運，我們決定這時候來此探訪。克利特伍德灣步道是往火山口湖岸的唯一合法入口，也是公園最受歡迎的步道之一。我們從海拔 6,791 英尺的山道起點出發。這條健行路線陡峭而費力，要走過一系列長的之字形路段，往下行 700 英尺，全長 1.1 英里。步道表面由碎浮石鋪成，乾燥時會很滑。走回去相當於爬 65 層樓梯。我們原本害怕無法爬回來這個 700 英尺的陡坡，後來發現每個人各用一根登山杖，非常有幫助，而且把腳步放慢，這一趟來回走完，我們很高興沒有雙膝顫抖或腳軟。這條步道根據積雪情況，通常從六月中旬開放到十月下旬。湖中允許游泳、涉水和釣魚，但不允許攜帶寵物進入克利特伍德灣步道或水中，也不允許將寵物無人看管或拴在物體上。我們原本想來坐環湖的船，結果因為我們來太晚了，趕不上最後一班船。但是游泳不受限於時間，我女兒迫不及待的在這綠松石藍、夏季平均湖水溫度 57 度的湖中游泳，清涼舒快，可惜又要趕旅館辦理入住手續的最晚時間，無法逗留太久，讓她意猶未盡。
While walking along the Cleetwood Cove Trail, Mount Scott stands out as a dominant feature on the landscape. This small stratovolcano, classified as a parasitic cone, rises from the southeast flank of Crater Lake. Estimated to be around 420,000 years old, its summit marks the highest point within Crater Lake National Park.
沿著克利特伍德灣步道，斯科特山映入眼簾，似乎是這片景觀的一大亮點。這座小型層狀火山被歸類為寄生火山錐，聳立於火山口湖的東南側。據估計，其峰頂已有約 42 萬年歷史，是火山口湖國家公園的最高點。
In addition, special attention should be paid to matters concerning boat tours. Since you have to walk the steep and strenuous Cleetwood Cove Trail before taking the boat, you have to take your physical fitness and time into consideration. Boat tours operate from July to Mid-September. While most don't stop at Wizard Island, about 200 people per day can purchase a ticket to be "stranded" on the island for 3 hours - to explore, swim, fish, and relax. If you are interested the boat tour, check the website for ticket and other information.
此外要特別介紹有關遊船的注意事項。由於坐船一定得走這段陡峭而費力的克利特伍德灣步道，所以自己的體能以及時間都要考慮進去。遊船從七月到九月中旬開放。雖然大多數遊船不會停靠巫師島，但每天約有 200 人可以購買船票，在島上「滯留」3小時——探索、游泳、釣魚和放鬆。如果您對遊船之旅感興趣，請查看網站以了解船票及其它資訊。
A fun fact: The lake rarely freezes in winter because of the large amount of heat stored in the lake during the summer, windy surface conditions, and relatively mild air temperatures. The most significant complete freezing event in recent history occurred between January and April in 1949. The lake was mostly covered with ice twice in 1985, in January and again in December.
趣聞：由於夏季湖水儲存了大量熱量，加上湖面風力較大，且氣溫相對溫和，因此冬季湖水很少結冰。近來最嚴重的一次完全結冰事件發生在 1949 年 1 月至 4 月之間。1985年，火山口湖曾兩度被冰雪覆蓋，一次發生在 1 月，另一次發生在 12 月。
Another fun fact: Crater Lake had no fish until it was stocked for fishing between 1888 and 1941. Six species were introduced, but only two have survived: rainbow trout and kokanee salmon. In 1915, crayfish were also added to the lake (as trout food). Recently, their population has exploded: crayfish now dominate 90% of the shoreline, and they have been found living at depths of up to 800 feet. Like miniature vacuum cleaners, they eat everything in their path, reducing the abundance and diversity of native organisms. Sadly, crayfish are pushing the lake’s native newts toward extinction.
另一則趣聞：火山口湖在 1888 年至 1941 年間引入魚類養殖之前，沒有魚類在湖中。當時引進了六種魚類，但只有兩種存活下來：虹鱒魚和紅鮭。1915年，小龍蝦也被引入湖中（作為鱒魚的飼料）。近年來，它們的數量激增：如今小龍蝦佔據了 90% 的湖岸線，甚至發現它們生活在水深達 800 英尺的地方。它們就像微型吸塵器一樣，吞噬沿途的一切，減少了原生物種的數量和多樣性。令人遺憾的是，小龍蝦正在將湖中原生的蠑螈推向滅絕。
Scenic Rim Drive
The historic Rim Drive includes 33 miles of lake views, panoramic vistas, forests and meadows. Along the way there are 30 overlooks that provide opportunities to stop for views of the lake and caldera. We first passed Watchman Peak. This 1.5-mile roundtrip hike includes a fair amount of uphill climbing, with 420 feet of elevation gain, but it ends at one of the best lookouts offering stunning views of Wizard Island. There is the Watchman Observation Station, built in the early 1900s, on top. Its particular features were designed for its use as a fire lookout, for visitor enjoyment and interpretation. We didn't take the hiking trail, but we could see Wizard Island clearly from the nearby viewing platform below. Wizard Island is a volcanic cinder cone that rises from the western end of Crater Lake. Wizard Island emerged from Crater Lake around 7,300 years ago in a shower of fiery cinders that piled into a symmertrical cone. Lava flows then pushed through the loose cinders, creating "tongues" of blocky lava that comprise the rest of the island. It is topped by a crater roughly 500 feet wide and 100 feet deep. Much of the cone lies underwater, along with three other "post-caldera" volcanic features. In 1885, explorer William Gladstone Steel named the island "Wizard Island" and gave the crater its evocative name, the "Witches Cauldron." Today, hikers can cross a lava tongue on the Fumarole Bay Trail or explore the volcano's vent by taking the Summit Trail.
歷史悠久的環湖公路綿延 33 英里，沿途可欣賞湖景、全景、森林和草地。沿途有 30 個觀景台，可供駐足欣賞湖泊和火山口的壯麗景色。我們先經過 Watchman Peak。這個 1.5 英里的往返健行步道有相當多的上坡路，海拔增益 420 英尺，但它的終點是可以飽覽巫師島的最佳景緻的最佳觀景台之一。山頂建有建於 20 世紀初的守望者觀察站。其獨特之處設計使其兼具火警瞭望功能，方便遊客觀賞和解說。我們沒走健行道，只在下面附近的觀景台清楚地看到巫師島。巫師島是一個火山渣錐，從火山口湖西端隆起。大約7300年前，巫師島在火山灰陣雨中形成了一個對稱的圓錐體，從火山口湖中浮现而出。熔岩流出，隨後推擠鬆散的火山灰，形成了構成島嶼其餘部分的塊狀熔岩的「舌頭」。它的頂部是一個約 500 英尺寬、100 英尺深的火山口。火山渣錐的大部分以及另外三個「後火山口」火山特徵都在水面之下。1885年，探險家威廉·斯蒂爾將該島命名為“巫師島”，並給火山口起了一個令人回味的名字——“女巫的大鍋”。如今，健行者可以沿著火山噴氣孔灣步道穿越熔岩舌，或沿著山頂步道探索火山口/火山道。
Rim Village Café & Gifts
Rim Village Café & Gift is located next door to the Crater Lake Lodge. The cafe serves grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, and snacks. You can buy gifts and collectibles, even rent snowshoes at the gift shop.
Rim Village Café & Gift 位於火山口湖旅館隔壁。。咖啡館供應外帶三明治、沙拉和小吃。在禮品店可以購買禮品和收藏品，甚至租借雪鞋。
Riverfront Lodging
We stayed at Riverfront Lodging for a night. It is located in Shady Cove, OR, right off highway 62. This room has two bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, and a bathroom. The price is reasonable. Although the house is a bit old, the garden outside and the riverside seating area behind are very pleasant. Although we didn't stay in the room facing the river, it was very pleasant that we can access to the balcony setup on the back to enjoy the cool breeze and the scenery.
我們在 Riverfront Lodging 住了一晚。它位於俄勒岡州 Shady Cove 就在62號公路旁。這間有兩房、客廳、餐廳及衛浴室，價錢公道，房屋雖然有些老舊，但是外面的花園及後面河畔休憩地方，都非常賞心悅目。我們雖然不住在靠河的房間，但是可以到後面設好的凉台上，乘涼看風景，很愜意。
Flashback 回顧
We also visited Crater Lake National Park in 2016 while driving west from Connecticut to California. We entered the park from the north entrance on August 31, 2016. We first drove along the West Rim Drive, which was still under construction at the time. The lake was shrouded in smog, making the view unclear. So we decided to go in a different direction and turn onto East Rim Road.
2016年，當我們從康州往西開到加州之時，我們也來過火山口湖國家公園。2016 年 8 月 31 日我們從北入口進入公園。我們先開西緣路，當時西緣路還在修路中。湖面上有霧，視野不太清晰。所以我們決定換個方向，轉到東緣路。
Llao Rock kept appearing in photos, which aroused my curiosity and made me look for its name and information. Llao Rock, a rock pillar, is located on the north rim of Crater Lake. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises 1,870 feet above the lake in 0.28 mile. The rock pillar was named after Llao, a Native American god.
洛岩一直在照片中出現，引發我的好奇心來找它的名字和資料。洛岩是一座位於火山口湖北緣的岩柱。地形起伏顯著，峰頂高出湖面 1,870 英尺，長 0.28 英里。這座岩柱以美洲原住民神祇洛（Llao）的名字命名。
* 如果以下的油管影片模糊或畫質不佳，可在設置上更改畫質，改成 1080p。
References 參考資料
- National Park Service: Introduction to Crater Lake
World Through My Eyes (Photographs) Posts/我鏡頭裏的世(視)界帖子
Travel/Point of Interest Posts 旅遊景點帖子
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