Old Man of the Lake

Oregon’s Crater Lake is one of the ten deepest lakes in the world. This lake is incredibly beautiful and for many years attracts nature lovers and hikers. But not only that attracts tourists. For over 100 years a tree floats on the lake. This tree is known as the Old Man of the Lake.

The lake’s surface is six miles wide. There is no inlet or outlet to the lake: it is supplied with water from the great amounts of snow that fall every year. (Crater Lake National Park is one of the snowiest areas in the Pacific Northwest.) The water of Crater Lake is some of the clearest fresh water found anywhere in the world.

Crater Lake contains a prominent island known as Wizard Island, which was formed during the eruption over 7,000 years ago. A smaller island is called the Phantom Ship. Look also for the “Old Man of the Lake,” a hemlock log that has been floating upright in the lake for more than 100 years. Wind currents enable the Old Man to travel to different locations around the lake.

There is much to do in Crater Lake National Park in addition to admiring and contemplating the lake itself. Day hikes, fishing and scuba diving are among the activities enjoyed by visitors.