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Crater Lake

This is Oregon's only national park. It's an odd one -- a one-trick pony high in the Cascades that offers visitors little else than the stunning view of the deep blue waters of the nation's clearest lake, which was formed when Mount Mazama blew its top some 8,000 years ago. Once you've seen it, though, you've seen it, and thousands of people turn around at this point and move on without staying more than a couple hours, even though it's a three-hour drive back to anywhere.

While you're at the park, though, check out the Crater Lake Lodge, which is Park Service's successful restoration of the less than classic original. Better still, book a room and stay the night.

all text and images © 2005-06 by Bob Keefer
no reproduction allowed in any form without written permission