INTERESTING BRIEFS OF CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK

Crater Lake was discovered June 12, 1853.

The area was established as a national park in 1902.

The lake has an area of 20 square miles, the crater 27 square miles.

The greatest diameter of the lake is 6 miles, the shoreline circumference being approximately 20 miles.

The lake, sounded in 1886, has a maximum depth of 1,996 feet.

Crater Lake is the deepest lake on the continent of North America and fifth deepest lake in the world.

The lake has no direct inlet and outlet, yet it is a body of fresh water.

The lake derives its water from snow and rain falling within the crater. Annual loss of water is by seepage and evaporation.

Average annual snowfall at Crater Lake is 53 feet; annual precipitation is 72 inches.

In 1932-33, the annual snowfall was 73 feet. Lake level varies 1 to 3 feet annually, being highest in spring, lowest in fall.

In 1941, the lake level was approximately 6,163 feet above sea level.

Due to the great depth and moderate winter temperatures the lake does not freeze.

Wizard Island rises 780 feet above the lake and covers approximately one square mile.

Hillman Peak, 8,156 feet, is highest point on crater rim, rising 1,996 feet above the lake.

Palisade Point, Kerr Notch, and Wineglass are low points on the rim, being slightly more than 500 feet above the lake.

The lodge and Rim Village area are at an elevation of 7,100 feet, approximately 950 feet above the lake.

The lake was devoid of fish until 1888 when the first fish were planted. Fish are planted annually.

Over 570 species of ferns and flowering plants have been identified in the park.

The park's check-list of birds includes 120 species.

Large and small mammals found in the park include approximately 60 species.

Crater Lake National Park is an outstanding blend of scenic and scientific values.

The crater cupping the lake was probably formed within the past 5,000 years by the collapse of the peak of an ancient volcano.

OREGON CAVES
NATIONAL MONUMENT,
OREGON

Oregon Caves National Monument, 160 miles southwest of Crater Lake, is one of the scenic attractions of southern Oregon, administered by the superintendent of Crater Lake National Park. The monument is in the heart of the Siskiyou Mountains and is easily accessible by paved highways.

The Caves, also known as "The Marble Halls of Oregon," offer visitors an opportunity to explore several miles of winding passageways and large rooms, which nature has decorated with fantastic formations, weird in their eerie beauty. Guide service through the electrically lighted caverns is available throughout the year.

In the 480 acres of the monument there are several miles of excellent trail, affording visitors an opportunity to enjoy views of the mountains mantled with a virgin Douglas fir type forest and to study the wildlife.

Lodging and meal service are available approximately from May 1 to October 15 at the well appointed Oregon Caves Chateau, located near the entrance to the Caves. During the summer season park rangers and the crew at the Chateau present a campfire program each evening.

LAVA BEDS
NATIONAL MONUMENT,
CALIFORNIA

In northern California, 105 miles south of Crater Lake, the Lava Beds National Monument, administered by the Crater Lake National Park staff since 1933, covers an area of 45,967 acres. It is noteworthy for volcanic, historical, and archeological features of distinctive importance.

The monument is open to travel the entire year from points along the Klamath Falls, Oregon-Alturas, California Highway. Administrative headquarters of the monument are maintained at Indian Well, with a park ranger in charge. A small museum of old war relics and volcanic specimens is maintained here. A campground is nearby. No gasoline, food, or other accommodations are available in the monument, but these can be procured within 20 miles of the area at Merrill, Oreg. or Tulelake, Calif.

The area includes a vast field for geologic study. During recent geologic time volcanic activity poured rivers of molten lava from numerous fissures and vents. Cinder cones rise above the sloping lava terrain. There are scores of lava tubes or caves, some of which are open to visitors.

Within the monument are the important battlefields of the famous Modoc War of 1872-3. The Stronghold, a natural fortification in which 53 Modoc warriors defended themselves against the attacks of nearly 1,000 United States troops, is an attraction of the monument.

At Petroglyph Point numerous petroglyphs are carved in rock, and in caves pictographs appear—two types of the symbolic writing of prehistoric Indians.

During the winter and spring months, mule deer are seen in large numbers. Small mammals and numerous species of birds are common. The cliffs of Petroglyph Point offer an exceptional opportunity for the study of birds of prey. Along the north boundary of the monument thousands of water fowl may be seen feeding in the Tulelake Bird Refuge.