Crater Lake National Park: A Visit to the Deepest Lake in the America

Travel writer Eva Eldridge joins Big Blend Radio's "Parks & Travel Podcast to share her firsthand visit to Crater Lake National Park, Oregon's only national park and home to the deepest lake in the United States. 

Hear how the caldera formed after Mount Mazama's eruption 7,700 years ago, why the lake has no inlet or outlet, the striking clarity and blue of the water, hiking trails around the rim, the volcanic Pinnacles, and how Oregon's lush west side gives way to high desert on the east. 

Eva and host Lisa D. Smith also swap stories about accessible ways to experience national parks, snowy encounters at Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Pacific Crest Trail. It's a great listen as National Park Week 2026 comes to a close.

LINKS & RESOURCES: - Read Eva's full article on Crater Lake National Park: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/crater-lake-national-park-2026  - Plan your visit to Crater Lake National Park: https://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm  - Learn more about Eva Eldridge and her writing: https://evaeldridge.com/