Travel + Leisure Named Crater Lake The Most Beautiful Place In Oregon, And We Couldn't Agree More
By Sarah McCosham|Published May 24, 2022
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Steeped in epic history, extraordinary wonder, and breathtaking beauty, Crater Lake is truly one of the crown jewels of Oregon. It’s a place we truly can’t get enough of, whether it’s tackling one of its superlative scenic trails, staying overnight at its historic lodge, or stargazing in its immensely dark skies. Adventures abound in Crater Lake, making it a bucket-list must for pretty much everyone. It’s truly one of the most marvelous wonders of the world… and it’s not just us who think so. Travel + Leisure recently named Crater Lake as the most beautiful place in Oregon, and we couldn’t agree more.
There's nowhere in the world quite like Crater Lake.
The lake’s history is as deep as its waters, tracing back more than 7,700 years to when a powerful eruption collapsed an ancient volcano, forming what we know today as Crater Lake.
There are many ways to experience this extraordinary national park in Oregon, from cruising the 33-mile-long Rim Drive that encircles the lake to chartering a boat that journeys through its pristine waters.
Hiking is also an ideal way to explore the magnificent landscape of Crater Lake National Park -- all 183,224 acres. From short, accessible trails to longer, backcountry treks, there are some pretty amazing hikes you can do in the park.
In fact, visitors hike quite literally along the rim of this dormant volcano, which, if you ask us, is the very definition of a bucket-list-worthy adventure. These views? Are you kidding?
Park visitors are allowed to swim at designated areas, and there are even several rocks for adventurous souls who are ready to jump in, feet first. Just bring a warm change of clothes!
And when the sun sets over this immaculate cerulean pool, another show begins.
Listed by the National Park Service’s Dark Sky Team as one of its top 10 dark sky locations, the beauty of the night sky at Crater Lake is extraordinary. Because the caldera is so isolated, there is virtually no light pollution to compete with the night sky, which in turn allows visitors to see literally millions of distant stars... without a telescope.
Spring, summer, fall, or winter, night or day; no matter when you visit this pristine place in Oregon, know this: you're in for the most beautiful, bucket-list adventure of your life.
When was the last time you explored Oregon’s incredible national park? Not only is Crater Lake an epic bucket list accomplishment, but it really is the most beautiful place in Oregon.
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