Stop 15-Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake was formed thousands of years ago when there was a huge volcanic explosion and the volcano collapsed.  The caldera filled in with snow and rain and is now almost 2,000 feet deep and 6 miles across.  The lake is famous for its clarity and bright blue color.  It is one of the most pure bodies of water in the world since no streams or rivers feed the lake there is a very low level of nitrates so no algae (thank you, Ranger Brian, who lead the evening program last night).  We camped in the park and then in the morning drove the rim, took a hike and then drove for hours through the desert in Oregon and Nevada.  We're in Winnemucca, NV and we're off to Salt Lake City tomorrow.

 The Pinnacles.  They are an important geological feature.  I don't remember why.

 Our hike destination. This is the first year the trail is open and there were a bunch of rangers laying the rock to line the path.  It was nice to see the work that has to be done, it gave me an appreciation for all the labor involved in making the parks ready for the visitors.  Great job, rangers!