The waters are mesmerizing, and as you stare out at this vast lake the landscape seems surreal. How can something this beautiful, this serene, this deep be right in our back yard? Crater Lake draws people from all over the world to Southern Oregon. Some see the lake from Rim Drive and leave after only a moment. Others make the sketchy hike down to the lake via the only path to take a boat ride or fish. Hard core hikers explore the park's back country and geological wonders, creeks, and waterfalls. Here are some of our favorite stunning views of Crater Lake National Park in southern Oregon, from the lake's blue waters to some of the park's lesser explored areas.

Crater Lake By Night

Crater lake takes on a new personality at night, reflecting the heavens above in it's glassy waters on a still evening. As the sun goes down this lake transforms into a place that seems entirely different than what was there in the light of day.

1. Photo by James Parsons of Extreme Oregon

Crater Lake. Copyright James Parsons of Extreme Oregon.

2. Photo by Hiroinworld

 

Do you love Oregon?

Sign up for monthly emails full of local travel inspiration and fun trip ideas. In each newsletter we'll share upcoming events, new things to do, hot dining spots and great travel ideas.

 Subscribe

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Hiro (@hiroinworld)

3 Photo by Tyholife

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by TYHO (@tyholife) on Apr 1, 2020 at 11:02pm PDT

4. Photo by Shainblumphotography

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Michael Shainblum (@shainblumphotography) on Oct 7, 2019 at 2:06pm PDT

5. Photo by Darrellgulin

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Darrell Gulin / Canon EOL (@darrellgulin) on Jan 12, 2020 at 9:34am PST

6. Photo by CEBImagery

Crater Lake. Photo by CEBImagery via Flickr CC2.

Phantom Ship

This eerie island in the waters of Crater Lake looks like a ghost ship, especially in foggy or low light conditions.

7. Photo by Tivolatman

Phantom Ship at Crater Lake. Photo by Tivolatman via Flickr CC2.

8. Photo by MA1216

Phantom Ship at Crater Lake. Photo by MA1216 via Flickr CC2.

Crater Lake Lodge

This rustic lodge dates back to 1915 and overlooks the lake.

9. Photo by Mcastr5

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Marcelo Castro (@mcastr5)

Crater Lake National Park

10. Photo by James St. John

The pinnacles are a must see when visiting the park.

Pinnacles at Crater Lake. Photo by James St John via Flickr CC2.

11. Photo by Robert Shea

In the northern end of the park sits a vast pumice desert.

Pumice Desert Crater Lake. Photo by Robert Shea via Flickr CC2.

12. Photo by LDELD

Vidae Falls is an easy hike within the park. The falls are small, but pretty. The best time to go is the morning or evening when it will be less crowded.

Vidae Falls inside Crater Lake National Park. Photo by LDELD via Flickr CC2.

13. Photo by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center

Crater Lake as seen from space. Photo by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center via Flickr CC2.

14. Photo by Arthur T. LaBar

The rim around Crater Lake can be dangerous. There are signs around the rim advising people to stay back, nevertheless people ignore the signs and fall every year and have to be retrieved by search and rescue. Some who disappear at the park are never found. This photo also features Mt. Thielsen in the background.

Crater Lake Rim. Photo by Arthur T. LaBar via Flickr CC2.

Crystal Clear Water

From the rim, the water is dark blue, but up close the water is crystal clear. There is only one trail down to the lake. The trail is steep, sketchy in places, and has around a 700 foot elevation gain.

15. Photo by Bryna_PDX

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bryna_PDX (@bryna_pdx) on Jan 7, 2020 at 1:16pm PST

16. Photo by Ray_Explores

Crater Lake by Ray_Explores via Flickr CC2.

17. Photo by Native_waters_kayak_adventures regrammed by Travelcraterlake

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Travel Crater Lake (@travelcraterlake) on Sep 23, 2019 at 3:18pm PDT

Weather Makes A Difference

Whether you visit during winter when there's feet of snow on the ground, during a summer thunderstorm, or during a still day without wind, the scenery changes and makes for a variety of stunning photos.

18. Photo by Art_of_adventures

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kayla Sulak | PNW (@art_of_adventures) on Feb 27, 2019 at 7:54pm PST

19. Photo by Chann1128

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by J Ning (@chann1128) on Mar 3, 2020 at 2:16am PST

20. Photo by K_burnn

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Katie | Adventure • Outdoors (@k_burnn) on May 6, 2020 at 10:00am PDT

21. Photo by Ali.PNW

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Alexandra | PNW🌲🏔 (@ali.pnw)

Share your favorite photos of Crater Lake National Park with us. What's your favorite place within the park to visit? Check out our list of top spots to camp near Crater Lake here.