Crater Lake is 1,943 feet deep and is the deepest lake in the United States; but that is not what makes this place so special. The history of how the lake was created is as dramatic as its beauty. The lake is nestled within a caldera that was formed around 7,700 years ago when a 12,000 foot volcano began to errupt; it continued to spew rock, lava and rocks of fire for nearly 30 miles until the magma chamber (located miles below the mountain) was emptied. It erupted for several days destorying everything and everyone in its path. When the chamber emptied and within two hours, the mountain collasped and created the caldera that now contains the lake. There are no rivers, creeks or streams that flow into or out of the lake; it was filled by years of snow and rain and suprisingly, the water level has remained constant. The lake width is 4.5 miles in one direction and 6 miles, the other. The Crater Lake area receives an average of 44 feet of snow each winter and most of the rim drive is closed between October and early June. Part of the east rim drive was still closed for road repairs after the mountain shed most of its winter blanket. The clarity of the water was unbelievable and the color of blue looked as if it were photo-shopped-tinted the deepest of blues. The reason the color is so deep and unnatural looking is that the other colors of the spectrum are absorbed; the blue wavelengths are scattered and are seen by the human eye (educational credit given to my grade school science teacher, Ms Lee). Crater Lake is considered to be the world's cleanest large body of water and since its inception as a National Park, they do everyting possible to preserve its purity. The best suprising secret of Crater Lake is that it is still an active volcano (I thought it was extinct); it is only sleeping until nature is ready for a make-over. The (local) Klamath Indian Tribe has passed down stories of their encounter of the colossal eruption and scientific evidence agrees that the event happened as they have taught their tribespeople for generations. Geologists have also found remnants of Indian relics buried under layers of ash inside distant caves. There are still areas where several hundred feet of ash still exist deterring and slowing regrowth. The "must do" hike is Cleetwood Cove Trail that leads down to the water; it is just under 2-1/2 miles (round trip) and is considered strenuous - well, the hike back up, anyway. There are trails leading to every direction that offer incredible views of the lake, Phantom Ship (an island of pinnacles from the big eruption) and Wizard Island (a cinder cone volcano that jutted up from a later eruption). They offer boat tours (purchase tickets well in advance) and you can get a permit to hike Wizard Island (limited access, dates and times). No personal watercraft or floatations are allowed on the lake but you can fish. Everyone carrying fishing rods up the hill said they caught nothing but there was some small fish and a crawdad close to shore where I had put my feet in...seeing the fish and crawdad was another suprise. In my opinion, the best place to view Phantom Ship is from Sun Notch Trail- near the southern rim and Wizard Island - anywhere along the west rim and the sunset - from Watchmen Trail. In addition, allow 2-3 hours for driving the rim ridge (30 miles) because every turn-out and overlook is as breathtaking as the one before and I suggest you time your tour so you can end the drive in time to make your way back to the Watchman Trail to see the sunset. After hiking dusty and sometimes snow-covered trails, the best part is the lasting memory of a place that truly exudes power, tranquility and sheer beauty. It is difficult to continue writing about the rest of the time spent near Crater Lake because there is no comparison; however, the campground at Joseph H. Stewart State Park is equal in hospitality, cleanliness and is very family oriented. It is about 45 miles south of Crater Lake in the small town of Prospect, on the Rogue River and Lost Creek Lake. The county is very "off-road" vehicle friendly and offers miles and miles of trails through beautiful forests. Also, for less strenuous hiking, there are trails that run along the Mill Creek (on Prospect access road). Some of the trails lead near the water and demand caution; at any time, the power plant (up stream) can release large amounts of water causing a rapid increase in the water level. Most of the water on Rogue River is classified as ClassV rapids and are only for the most experienced kayakers (not me); although, there were a few places I was tempted to try. There are areas where locals were enjoying the refreshing waters along the Rogue River and Mill Creek as the area temperature was reportedly higher than normal; many were also enjoying the prestine lake. This part of our beautiful country will remain on my top ten list and I welcome the opportunity to visit it again.