Crater Lake, Oregon
The initial reason for our being in Oregon originated some eleven months ago when our youngest visited the University of Oregon in Eugene. Having now established her there my wife and I made for the woods. Our base of operations centered at Odell Lake just north of Crater Lake. The lodge there has a history, and we were attracted to the possibility of seeing Bald Eagles in the area. This possibility became reality on our second evening there when we made our way down to the docks a short distance from the lodge. While scanning the tops of the trees on the northeast shore of the lake a lone Bald Eagle flew into view and sat upon a snag. Western Grebes and Common Mergansers floated on the lake below. In the mornings we found Mallards and an American Dipper at the mouth of the creek. But I digress.
I had long wanted to visit Crater Lake. Since learning of it in my college classes on geology I had dreamed of someday visiting this wonder. The story of Crater Lake is rooted in the history of the formation of the Western United States. Without volcanic activity there would be no western United States as we know it. One such volcanic mountain was Mount Mazama rising more than 12,000 ft. When it blew its top millions of years ago the violence of the explosion was enough to remove 5,000 ft. of mountain. By that measure it would make the 1980 explosion of Mount St. Helens look like a non-event. Mt. Mazama’s caldera collapsed after the expulsion of all that magma and subsequent rain and snowfall filled the caldera with water. The deepest part of the lake is 1943 ft., and it is the bluest water you will ever see! Klamath Indians have stories about this lake, but it was not until 1853 that any white man gazed upon it. We have William Gladstone Steele to thank for getting this area designated as a national park. We should be grateful that there were people like Mr. Steele who had the foresight and persistence to see such a task through. It took Mr. Steele seventeen years to do so, culminating in 1902 when Theodore Roosevelt signed the legislation.
When reaching the rim at The Lodge of Crater Lake be prepared for a view that will long stick in your memory. We tried to take several pictures, but none compare to the majesty and awesome enormity of the lake and its clear blue waters. We followed the eastern trail around the lake taking time to visit the Pinnacles (fumaroles formed during eruption by hot escaping gases), Videa Falls, and the Pumice Castle.
Crater Lake National Park is vast. It is comprised of 183,224 acres and ranges in elevation from 4000 to almost 9000 ft. Diverse habitats of Ponderosa Pine in the south to White-barked Pine in the highest elevations afford itself to a variety of wildlife. Pine Martens, elk, dear and bear are resident. The park lists 158 species of birds. Twice a White-headed Woodpecker was sighted, once below us flying into the pines lining the walls of the caldera and once high above us in the treetops.
This country is blessed with many resources and spectacular places. We contemplate if we could ever see all the wonders of the United States. Yet, I would hope that many will someday make their way up to this national park. It will take your breath away.
Roy Smallwood is the owner of Kingbirdfeeders.com. Roy began this enterprise after a 26 year career as a teacher of science. His love and enjoyment of the outdoors and birding in particular is the impetus for the company. He is an active member of the Central Texas Audubon Society. He encourages everyone to participate and enjoy birding whether in the backyard or in the field. Visit www.kingbirdfeeders.com for , binoculars and spotting scopes and happy birding!
