Little Crater Lake In Oregon Is The Coolest Thing You'll Ever See

In Mt. Hood Forest, Little Crater Lake is a pristine oasis that’s a total hidden treasure. Much like its big sibling, Little Crater Lake in Oregon is a resplendent, dazzling body of clear, blue water. However, unlike Crater Lake, which is the deepest lake in the U.S., Little Crater Lake is just 100 feet wide and 45 feet deep. It’s a natural wonder itself and it is definitely a bucket list must for all Oregon adventurers! The best part? The hike to Little Crater Lake is less than half a mile long, and there’s no fee to access the trailhead or lake, making it one of the most accessible adventures in Oregon!

Little Crater Lake is a stunner: pristine blue waters surrounded by vivid, verdant green forest.

Accessing Little Crater Lake is quite simple, too; the Little Crater Lake Trail is an easy, paved trail that's less than a half-mile long!

It's an *incredibly* scenic 0.4-mile walk along the way to the lake. Measuring just 100 feet wide and 45 feet deep, you may be wondering why such a little lake would be named after the deepest lake in the country.

That's because, just like its namesake, Little Crater Lake has some of the most shockingly cerulean waters -- so clear-blue, in fact, that the lakebed is visible from above!

Thanks to an underground aquifer, the aquamarine waters at Little Crater Lake are an icy, 34 degrees year-round. So it's definitely not for swimming -- just for admiring!

There are several places to stop and soak up the scenery, such as this winsome little dock.

This trail is also dog friendly, providing a great place to escape into the Oregon wilds with your four-legged friend!

If you're feeling ambitious and want to extend your trek, you can travel through the forest for up to 15 miles for a loop around the nearby Timothy Lake!

The scenic hike around Little Crater Lake is perfect, though, all on its own.

With views like this, you might be compelled to just sit back, relax, and take it all in.

Have you visited this beguiling little lake before? While you can’t swim in Little Crater Lake in Oregon, the hike to this little bit of paradise really is one of the most splendid treks in Oregon — and the lake really is easily the coolest (or coldest?) thing you’ll see for free! You can learn more about this Mt. Hood Forest wonder at the USDA Forest Service website.

For more free natural wonders in The Beaver State, be sure to check out these amazing adventures. Then start planning your road trip to Oregon!

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Swimming in the Crater Lakes in Oregon

Chris Muras | January 07, 2023

Can you swim in Crater Lake?

Swimming in Crater Lake is allowed, however, Crater Lake Oregon swimming regulations prevent swimming in most parts of the lake. Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only legal and safe access point to the lakeshore. However, the water temperature is quite chilly. The surface of the lake can warm up to 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, but the dark depths below 300 feet are only 38 degrees.

Can you swim in Little Crater Lake?

Swimming is not allowed in Little Crater Lake because the water temperatures do not warm up like its big brother, Crater Lake. Why is there no swimming in Little Crater Lake? The temperature of Little Crater Lake is near freezing 34 degrees Fahrenheit, which is much too dangerous for swimming.

What are some natural wonders in Oregon?

Oregon is full of beautiful natural wonders that are absolutely awe-inspiring. Whether you love pristine beaches with interesting rock formations, ancient volcanic lakes, or mountains like no other, Oregon is the place to be for scenic views. Here are a few of the many natural wonders in Oregon:

Wallowa Lake
Mount Hood
Crater Lake
Steelhead Falls
Oregon Dunes
The Oregon Coast
The Columbia River Gorge
The Painted Hills
Little Crater Lake
Devil's Punchbowl State Natural Area

Painted Hills on the Eastern side of the state is a mesmerizing view, with its colorful undulating mounds and far-reaching vistas. Meanwhile, Crater Lake National Park boasts some of the clearest, bluest water you’ll lay eyes on - perfect for a leisurely canoe trip around Wizard Island! But perhaps most spectacularly, is Oregon Coast’s state park system which stretches across the entire coastline and offers stunning views no matter where you look.

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Little Crater Lake, Oregon, USA

This Oregon Lake Is The Coolest Thing You'll Ever See For Free

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