Length: 1/2 mi RT
Elevation Change: None
Season: Summer thru Fall
Difficulty: Easy
Permit: NW Forest Pass Not Required
Features:
NEW! Click for PDF Topo Map of this Hike
Here is an interesting little hike that I never intended to hike and never thought
worth putting on my hiking guide CD. Boy, was I wrong. This is a wonderful little
family hike and is also wheelchair accessable.
A paved road takes you to the trailhead and a paved trail takes you to this small wonder
of the world. The quarter mile walk to the lake edge crosses an open swampy area before
it passes briefly though a small grove of trees. There is an informative sign at the lake
edge, explaining how they think this pool came into existence. The sign also cautions
you to not let pets or people in this nearly freezing body of water.
The water is extremely pure and extremely cold, averaging only a few degrees above freezing.
This causes the water to have an incredibly beautiful color even though it is extremely clear.
The pool is about 40 feet deep and about a hundred feet across. They think that was caused
by an underground water source creating a cavern into which the entire surface collapsed.
There are the remains of trees that fell in with it, so this hole probably isn't ancient.
Nevertheless, it is a beautiful little lake set in a wonderful meadow. I highly recommend
this hike for the whole family.
Little Crater Lake
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