Flight Over Crater Lake, Oregon

The lake was formed when a very large volcano lost its top and the remaining cauldron filled with rain and melting snow. It is the deepest lake in north America at 1,932' deep and the water is very clear. Since the rim is about 8,000' in elevation, it must have been quite a mountain before the eruption and collapse.


Crater Lake is truly spectacular when seen from the air. There is a white Piper Pacer flying just above the center of this picture, in the saddle of the South Rim. It's hard to see but trust me, it's there.


Looking toward the North Rim you can see the little white Pacer a bit easier. The newer volcano inside the crater is called Wizard Island. That funny color in the lower right is either the reflection of a high altitude con-trail or a mess on my window.


Returning from Crater Lake to Medford (MFR), you get a nice view of Mount McLaughlin. The peak is a little under 10,000' high and its pyramid shape makes it an easy landmark to use for visual navigation. It is a welcome sight when returning home after long flights.