Crater Lake, Oregon

Oregon’s Crater Lake isn’t exactly for the new diver but it can be an intriguing dive if you know what you’re doing and don’t mind lugging your gear down a long trail. The lake in southwest Oregon exists because of the eruption and collapse of Mt. Mazama almost 7,000 years ago. It is the deepest lake in the United States, and the seventh-deepest in the world. All divers must obtain a diving permit in person. It is free and available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Permits are only issued from the Canfield Building (Ranger Station) in the park headquarters complex. A ranger will confirm your diving ability — a C-card must be presented — and provide a dive briefing. The lake is accessible for diving only by hiking the Cleetwood Trail, which is on the north side of Crater Lake. The trail is 1.1 miles long. You must be able to carry all your equipment up and down the trail. Wheeled vehicles are prohibited.

Depths to: 1,943 feet (589 m)

Visibility: Best July through September and can
exceed 100 feet (30 m).

Water temperature: 32-65 degrees Fahrenheit (0-19 degrees Celsius). The average summer temperature is 50-58 F (10-15 C). A 0.25-inch full wet suit or a dry suit is required.

Aquatic life: Kokanee salmon, rainbow trout.

Fees: Diving is free but $10 is charged to enter Crater Lake National Park.

On-site amenities: Restrooms are available at the top and bottom of the Cleetwood Trail.

More info: Call the park at (541) 594-3100 or visit www.nps.gov/crla/.

Open: Accessible for divers from mid-June
to mid-September.

Getting there: From U.S. Highway 97, drive west on Oregon Highway 138 to the north entrance to the park. Follow the road into the park to Rim Drive and turn left. Look for boat landing or Cleetwood Trail signs.