Located in southern Oregon, Crater Lake National Park has a history that is just as rich and geologically intriguing as the park’s stunning environment. Crater Lake, a beautiful caldera created when Mount Mazama collapsed over 7,000 years ago as a result of a volcanic eruption, is the park’s focal point.

The Klamath people, among other Native American groups, have deep historical ties to the region. It wasn’t until non-native inhabitants “discovered” the lake in 1853. It was designated as a national park in 1902 due to the area’s clean blue waters and picturesque surrounding rocks.

The formation of Crater Lake National Park was a watershed moment in American conservation history, as it was the country’s fifth national park. The park now protects more than 180,000 acres, including high-elevation alpine scenery and old-growth forests.

The deep blue Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and among the deepest lakes in the world. The lack of nearby running water contributes to its unparalleled cleanliness. The lake’s cinder cone, Wizard Island, gives it an ethereal air.

Those interested in learning more about the park’s geological wonders, Native American heritage, ecological diversity, and the struggles to preserve such a wonderful natural resource would benefit greatly from reading a book on the park’s history. It would shed light on the ongoing initiatives to preserve this historic site while also honoring its place of prominence among America’s national parks.