CRATER LAKE

deep lake within a huge volcanic caldera in the Cascade Range, southwestern Oregon, U.S. The crater, 6 mi (10 km) in diameter, is the remnant of a mountain, Mt. Mazama, which rose much higher (probably to 12,000 ft ) until an eruption more than 6,000 years ago destroyed the upper portion. Later, lesser outbreaks are indicated by cinder cones on the caldera floor; one of these, Wizard Island, rises above the water. The intensely blue lake, which is 1,932 ft deep, and its surrounding region became a national park in 1902, which includes 250 sq mi (647 sq km). Animal life inhabiting the area includes deer, bears, eagles, hawks, owls, and grouse, and, particularly in summer, there is an abundance of song and insectivorous birds. Crater Lake contains limited numbers of fish, all introduced by man. The area's plant life is predominantly pine and fir trees, with wild flowers covering the meadows in summer.