Here is an inspiring view of Crater Lake - that which is left of grim old Mt. Mazama - the deepest and bluest lake in the world. It measures two thousand feet in depth and the intensity of its color is almost unbelievable even while you look at it. Many Alpine lakes are blue under some lights. The deep blueness of Crater Lake may possibly be due to mineral which the water holds in solution; yet a glassful of the water is as clear as the clearest. Its cliffs from skyline to surface are a thousand feet high, and its color may be due in part to these surrounding walls and to its enormous depth. From the rim, a narrow margin of the water along the walls appears to be sea-green. The lake has no visible inlet or outlet as it occupies the great cavity left by Mt. Mazama when it disappeared into its own depths. It is a gem of wonderful color in a setting of pearly lavas relieved by patches of pine-green and snow-white - a gem which varies in hue with every atmospheric change and every shift of light. Because of the unique character and extraordinary beauty of the lake called by Joaquin Miller, 'The Sea of Silence', Crater Lake National Park was established in 1902.
A few days spent on the rim, on the trail, or in a launch upon the lake will give glimpses of world building features and nature history. At no point is there a beach. The steep walls descend and plunge into the water. When Mt. Mazama collapsed leaving clean cut the edges which today are Crater Lake's surrouding cliffs, there was instantly a surging back. The crumbling lavas were forced again up the huge chimney. But not all the way. The vent became jammed. In three spots only did the fires emerge again. Three small volcanoes formed in the hollow. But these in turn soon choked and cooled. During succeeding ages springs poured their waters into the vast cavity, and Crater Lake was born. Its rising waters covered two of the small volcanic cones. The third still emerges. It is called Wizard Island.
Here is Dutton Cliff on the southeast shore, with the so-called Phantom Ship stranded on a forbidding shore. The Phantom Ship is a volcanic island masted with rock spires and decorated with a few scattered evergreen trees. From a number of points it has the appearance of a ship but under certain lights and shadows, 'The scene changes magically while you watch' and the ship blends so completely with the walls beyond that it vanishes.
The Three Sisters is considered by Mr. J.S. Diller of the U.S. Geological Survey as probably affording the most interesting field for glacial studies in the United States with the exception of Alaska.
According to the legend of the Klamath and Modoc Indians the mystic land of Gaywas was the home of the great god Llao. His throne in the infinite depths of the blue waters was surrounded by his warriors, giant crawfish able to lift great claws out of the water and seize too venturesome enemies on the cliff tops. War broke out with Skell, the god of the neighboring Klamath Marshes. Skell was captured and his heart used for a ball by Llao's monsters. But an eagle, one of the Skell's servants, captured it in its flight, and a deer, another of Skell's servants, escaped with it; and Skell's body grew again around his living heart. Once more he was powerful, and once more he waged war against the God of the Lake. The Llao was captured; but he was not so fortunate. Upon the highest cliff his body was torn into fragments and cast into the lake, and eaten by his own monsters under the belief that it was Skell's body. But when Llao's head was thrown in, the monsters recognised it and would not eat it. Llao's head still lies in the lake, and white men call it Wizard Island. And the cliff where Llao was torn to pieces and is named Llao Rock.
