It used to be kind of boring to talk about the weather -- not so much anymore, sadly. A massive heat dome is expected to cover most of the country this week, bringing yet another round of extremely hot summertime temperatures. Meanwhile, the Bootleg Fire in SE Oregon has surpassed 400,000 acres and is burning toward Summer Lake, the area I blogged about last week (where we visited the Wildlife Refuge in early June.). I am afraid catastrophic weather events (fire, flooding, extreme heat) are the future barring a miracle and I hope for that miracle for everywhere.
But meanwhile I'm tapping into my inner Pollyanna (thinking only happy thoughts ) by posting pictures that may bring some cooling thoughts ... most of them are from last month.
June in Oregon (but not the part of the State where we live).
We stopped at Crater Lake National Park near the end of our early June trip. The above picture is on the highway between Crater and Diamond Lakes. There was still quite a bit of snow and some of the roads inside the park were not yet open.
This was the first time we'd visited Crater Lake since 2009. So long ago! The mosaic below is from that earlier visit, which was in late July of that year. That's usually a better time to visit, but I am very glad we were there earlier this year.
Crater Lake NP, July 2009
Top: View from the rim; Wizard Island; Phantom Ship. Bottom Row (all views we were unable to get to this year) : The Pinnacles; Vidae Falls; Pumice Castle.
You can see there was still a little snow even then, but all of the roads were open by that time, so this shows some of the Park's attractions that we were unable to visit this year.
The rest of this post is from last month's trip. Information about the Lake (in bold) is taken from the Crater Lake Visitor Guide given to us as we entered the Park. (We always take and read those newspaper-format handouts when we visit any National Park -- they are an invaluable resource.)
Crater Lake from the rim of the caldera -- with a view of Wizard Island
Crater Lake National Park is dedicated to protect the deepest lake in the United States. The Lake is located inside a caldera formed 7,700 years ago when a 12,000 foot volcano collapsed after a major eruption. Wizard Island is a cinder cone that erupted out of the Lake around 7300 years ago. Now the slopes of the volcano are covered by old-growth forests that are home to birds, mammals, and hundreds of native plant species. The Park is a central part of the cultural traditions of local American Indian tribes, whose ancestors witnessed the lake's formation.
Clark's Nutcracker
A pair of Clark's Nutcrackers were having a loud argument in the trees that edge the Lake at one of the best viewpoints. A good bird photo op can distract my camera from anything. Update: Thank you to Sondra (see here) for correctly identifying this bird.
Phantom Ship Island
I'm using that distraction as an excuse for this poorly focused picture of the Phantom Ship. This island is as tall as a 16-story building. Made of erosion-resistant lava that is 400,000 old, it is the oldest exposed rock within the caldera.
All of the pictures are straight out of the camera. Crater Lake is this blue year-round because it is so clear. And it stays clear because there are almost no nutrients in the lake to support things like algae. There are no streams or rivers to bring nutrients and sediments into the lake. Click here for an article from Oregon Public Broadcasting about true blue lakes in the Pacific Northwest. I found the explanation very interesting when I read it shortly after our visit.
Grateful that we've been able to visit many of our country's beautiful National Parks and thankful for all that the dedicated NPS employees do to protect and share these national treasures.
LINKING this week to the following, with thanks to the hosts:
MOSAIC MONDAY; NATURE NOTES; THROUGH MY LENS; TRAVEL PHOTO SOUVENIRS; OUR WORLD ON TUESDAY; TUESDAY TREASURES; MY CORNER OF THE WORLD; THANKFUL THURSDAY; SKYWATCH FRIDAY; FRIDAY BLISS; and SATURDAY CRITTERS
These are just amazing. You've had so many travels!
Posted by: Jennifer Jilks | August 01, 2021 at 08:33 AM
All these years I thought Tahoe was the deepest! Makes sense a crater would be. I live in what is billed, or they bill themselves as, The Gateway to Crater Lake. Nice to see it on a clear day, my visits have been foggy! It's pretty, but to be honest, a bit boring since there are no beaches! It's kind of creepy scary to me.
Posted by: Lisa | July 31, 2021 at 10:04 PM
Excellent captures of the lake. What a wonderful place. Loved seeing the Clark's Nutcracker.
https://craniumbolts.blogspot.com/2021/07/pics-from-hoskote-home.html
Posted by: Shiju Sugunan | July 31, 2021 at 04:54 AM
Hello Sallie,
Lovely images from your trip! The views are just fabulous. I would love to visit Crater Lake. The lake water looks so pretty. Cool sighting and photo of the Clark's Nutcracker. Something needs to be done about the climate crisis now! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend! PS, thank you for the comment on my blog.
Posted by: Eileen | July 31, 2021 at 02:27 AM
Such an interesting place! I love the phantom ship a lot. Something good came from a something bad there, so there's hope that it will happen in the rest of the world, too :)
Thanks for sharing your link at My Corner of the World this week!
Posted by: My Corner of the World | July 30, 2021 at 06:40 PM
Wow! Impressive snow shots ~ love the little bird ~ and what an awesome Phantom Ship ~ Xo
Living in the moment,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative harbor
Posted by: A ShutterBug Explores | July 30, 2021 at 03:15 PM
I love Crater Lake and no surprise to see snow in June. I once visited during smoky haze. Thank you for actually reading the NPS guides to our national parks. Sure wish more people would.
Posted by: Gaelyn | July 30, 2021 at 02:32 PM
Beautiful shot. I love that area of Oregon----well I love Oregon and Washington for the same reasons----Beauty
MB
Posted by: MaryBeth Schwartz | July 30, 2021 at 09:17 AM
Greetings and Salutations! Agreed. Crater Lake area is on my "bucket list." Beautiful place. Nice job on the photographs. Thanks for all the background information.
Posted by: JM Illinois U.S.A. | July 30, 2021 at 06:30 AM
Wish we would get some real heat. Way too cold for the season.
Posted by: Iris Flavia | July 30, 2021 at 03:52 AM
Majestic looks
Posted by: Nanda | July 30, 2021 at 03:14 AM
Whutta wonderful place. Thank You very much for sharing!!
Posted by: Einari Sinappi | July 29, 2021 at 11:32 PM
Thank you for the cool and cooling photos! I was fortunate to be able to visit Crater Lake one year on vacation. It's a trip I will never forget!
Posted by: Peter B. | July 29, 2021 at 03:47 PM
Crater Lake is definitely on my bucket list. It just looks so beautiful and pristine.
Posted by: Alan | July 29, 2021 at 02:04 PM
Your photos are spectacular and it's nice to have the extra info about this amazing place! We are having a little rain shower this afternoon and that has cooled things off a bit. I would love to travel to Crater Lake again. It's been a long time for me! Hugs!
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | July 29, 2021 at 01:31 PM
Beautiful scenes.
Posted by: Jim, Sydney, Australia | July 29, 2021 at 12:29 PM
Crater Lake is a favorite of ours too.
Beautiful photos.
The fires are so scary and devastating..stay safe.
Sue
Posted by: Suzan Batz | July 29, 2021 at 10:20 AM
I had NO idea Crater Lake would have snow in June!
Posted by: Michele Morin | July 29, 2021 at 08:19 AM
Wonderful photos of Crater Lake & Wizard Island. The information was interesting too. Try to survive the upcoming heat.
Posted by: riitta k | July 28, 2021 at 09:22 PM
The lake is a fabulous colour and it's interesting why. Its great that you can get out to visit NP's again.
Posted by: diane | July 28, 2021 at 09:10 PM
...I never made it to Crater Lake, thank for taking me along.
Posted by: tomthebackroadstraveller | July 28, 2021 at 04:16 PM
such a gorgeous place, the crater lake. Loved to see some snow in your first photo. It did cool off a bit. Is that island really that tall. Brings some perspective, doesn´t it? Amazing!
Posted by: NatureFootstep | July 28, 2021 at 02:13 PM
Beautiful. Looks like the perfect place for a hot summer's day.
Amalia
xo
Posted by: handmade by amalia | July 28, 2021 at 05:55 AM
I'm sorry. We had no electricity and therefore now my late comment here...
...there are lovely captures, thank you for sharing. Indeed, Sallie, the weather is totally out of normality.
Happy MosaicMonday
Posted by: Heidrun STALLWANGER | July 28, 2021 at 04:36 AM
I think I'd rather be a Crater Lake than dealing with fires, we've been watching coverage of the ones happening in California.
Posted by: Amy Franks | July 27, 2021 at 09:16 PM
It is so tragic, what is going on in Oregon and California just now. Really hope for this bad climate development to stop!
What a beautiful lake!
Posted by: Villroses hage | July 27, 2021 at 08:20 AM
You prompted me to look up Crater Lake, and it is impressive that it was formed by a volcanic eruption many times greater than the latest Mt. St. Helens. The resulting lake is so pretty, by the looks of your photos. What a wonderful trip you had.
Posted by: Yvonne | July 27, 2021 at 08:10 AM
Oh I am so envious of your scenic trips. This is too gorgeous for words.
Posted by: Fun60 | July 27, 2021 at 05:34 AM
I was there a few years ago, just wow - amazing. I wish more people would believe in the climate change issues we are facing.
Posted by: Tamar A Strauss-Benjamin | July 27, 2021 at 04:02 AM
This heat wave is tough but waking up more people to climate change. I remember Gore was totally aware of it. I sometimes wonder where we’d be with carbon emissions had he been elected all those years ago. What a brilliant name, Wizard Island, and how incredibly lovely is the lake. These jewels formed by nature over very long periods are more wondrous than any great work of art!
Posted by: Penelope Notes | July 27, 2021 at 02:40 AM
Beautiful scenes! I've never been there.
Posted by: Linda W | July 26, 2021 at 07:49 PM
Good to see some happy photos Sallie, Crater Lake is just stunning! Though I never look forward to winter, I could jump into the snow right now! :)
Posted by: Rain Frances | July 26, 2021 at 01:25 PM
Speaking of long ago, the only time I've been to Crater lake was in the 50's with my family in a station wagon. It would be good to go again. Beautiful photos!
Posted by: ellen b. | July 26, 2021 at 11:46 AM
Crater Lake is a beautiful area - love all your photos
Posted by: Carol | July 26, 2021 at 11:22 AM
You have many natural wonders in your part of the world. It's heartbreaking to hear of the wild fires and the threat of further destruction due to climate change. Your photos of Crater Lake are beautiful. Such craters filled with water are amazing.
Posted by: Linda P | July 26, 2021 at 10:21 AM
I would love to visit Crater Lake National Park someday, Sallie. It looks beautiful! Can you imagine the explosion that caused that caldera? I guess the earth has survived many disasters and hopefully will survive the climate change disaster happening now. I'm not sure if humans will survive--hope we can all figure out a way to save ourselves by better use of our resources.
Posted by: Pat | July 26, 2021 at 08:19 AM
Sallie, I did enjoy this post on Crater Lake because it was a destination on our cross-country drive to Oregon a few years ago. I do not recall seeing the remains of any snow in the area. It was a cloudy day when we visited, but still the blue beauty of the lake was amazing and we were so glad to have made the drive to see it. It's indeed a national treasure and hopefully, one day, we will re-visit.
Posted by: Beatrice | July 26, 2021 at 08:00 AM
Hi Sallie, the lake looks great I've seen it only once but it is forever etched in my memory. You got the Clark's Nutcracker in y9our photo, a very gregarious bird One of then tried to get Casey's snack when we visited.
The season is very short there by Oct they are closing down...the fires are a huge threat to life in the west, Soon Insurance companies will pull out of the area and policies against fire, mudslides, will not be offered that happened here in SC only they just pulled out of the state altogether, cancelled our insurance and high tailed it after Hugo destroyed so many homes.
Stay safe and have a great week.
Posted by: Sondra | July 26, 2021 at 07:27 AM
What a beautiful lake! And the grey jay is such a handsome bird, I've never even heard of grey jays!
We're having extremely hot summer weather too, sorry about your wildfires. As you say, increasingly extreme weather is sadly the future we face.
Posted by: craftygreenpoet | July 26, 2021 at 06:00 AM
I'd love to visit Crater Lake - the views are spectacular!
Beautiful photos, Sally.
Posted by: Veronica Lee | July 26, 2021 at 05:14 AM
Hello Sallie,
Crater Lake is beautiful, gorgeous views. The lake water is such a lovely color. Our national parks are treasures. I have been hearing about the wildfires and the heat wave, the damage is down right scary. I hope you and your family stay safe from the fires. Take care, have a great new week!
Posted by: Eileen | July 26, 2021 at 02:35 AM
Gorgeous pictures So much snow in June? I guess you have summer. maybe because the snow is in higher areas. Yes I am worried too. Fires and flooding a on the increase at an alarming rate. Huge changes have to happen to counteract this.
Love the photos of the lake and what a work of wonder that phantom ship
Posted by: marja | July 25, 2021 at 09:23 PM
Sallie - amen to your comments about disasters - everywhere, and with no end in sight. So, yes we need plenty of distraction! We have a few fires in Montana, and one of them near Glacier may mean we have to cancel one of our backcountry camping trips in three weeks. Sigh. But at least we are not at risk of losing our house! Love your photos of Crater Lake, especially Phantom Ship Island. Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday!
Posted by: Angie | July 25, 2021 at 09:10 PM
Crater Lake is one of Oregon's treasures, it's absolutely beautiful. Great photos, Sallie. Have a wonderful week.
Posted by: bill burke | July 25, 2021 at 04:48 PM
I have yet to visit Crater Lake. Really enjoyed your photos, specially the cool snowy ones. Thank you for the cool thoughts.
-Soma
Posted by: soma @ InkTorrents.com | July 25, 2021 at 04:38 PM
I'm with you Sallie, I think the catastrophic weather events are here to stay. We've waited too long to just be starting to think about changing things. Global warming is here, not something coming years from now. It's really frightening.
Crater Lake sure is amazing, such a beautiful place, and you got some fantastic photos! Thanks for sharing them with us. Have a great week. :)
Posted by: Martha | July 25, 2021 at 04:05 PM
Gorgeous shots. I'd love to see the lake for myself someday.
Posted by: William Kendall | July 25, 2021 at 02:29 PM