Discovery Point Trail, OR

History: Discovery Point is where the first reported sighting of Crater Lake occurred by an anglo. A gold prospector named John Hillman left his name and date on a crude plaque in 1853. The lake was rediscovered and was given various names over the years but first named Crater Lake in 1869. It was designated as the nations sixth National Park in 1902.


Geology: Crater Lake is the result of a volcano, Mt Mazama collapsing inward about 6,800 years ago. A subsequent eruption created what we now see as an island and sealed the caldera bottom with fresh lava. The island is called Wizard Island. There are no streams, creeks, or rivers that feed Crater Lake and there is no outlet. The heavy annual snowfall melting took 800 years to fill the caldera. The lake has reached a level of equillibrium between its evaporation and the annual remelt of snow. Crater Lake is the deepest freshwater lake in the United States at 1932 feet.Hike: Starting from the Rim Village, the trail follows the rim westward, paralleling the West Rim Drive. You will encounter many people no doubt on this trail due to the scenic pullouts from the road, which offers nice photographic opportunities of Crater Lake and Wizard Island for the casual tourist. It is a connector trail however for extended dayhikes or backpacking and a side excursion for the Pacific Crest Trail. The rim is about 1,000 feet above the lake and there are no safe ways down to the lake from the south side of the lake. As the continues around the southwest end of the lake it climbs several hills thru stands of trees and rock outcroppings with each vantage point offering a new and unique look at the lake. If you are going to pick only one hike at Crater Lake this would be a good choice.

2009-07-19 AZLOT69