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On a recent early morning flight from L.A. back to Portland, the pilot was obviously bored. Almost everyone on the plane was snoozing, but I exchanged smiles with the few who were awake as this came over the p.a.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we are now passing over historic Crater Lake. Formed from a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago when 12,000 foot high Mount Mazama collapsed, the lake is 1943 feet deep. The color of the water was gray green until recently when Steven Spielberg decided to color it blue for a movie."

The pilot had the script in his hand as he told us good-bye at the door. It is true that the incredible blue of Crater Lake is so startling that you almost think it is unreal. But Mother Nature, not Hollywood gets all the credit. Ditto for Wizard Island in the middle. Among the unique features of Crater Lake is the fact that it is inside the caldera left from Mount Mazama. While the generous annual snow pack (about 533 inches) melts into it, there are no streams or rivers in or out. Evaporation and seepage keep the lake at a steady level.

When we moved to Oregon decades ago, Crater Lake was our first place to vacation. Surrounded by 2000 foot high cliffs, the lake seems like it is in a paradise all its own. On the crest of the Southern Cascade Mountain Range, Crater Lake is the seventh deepest lake in the world and the deepest in the United States. The depth was something our sons talked about constantly on our boat tour that and the possibility of lake monsters.

We stayed in CRATER LAKE LODGE which has a fascinating history of its own. Opened in 1915, it was immediately popular. In 1922, upgrades were made, doubling the number of guest rooms and adding private bathrooms. But lack of money left the project unfinished until the mid 1930's and during that time maintenance was lacking. The CCC landscaped the areas around the lodge and the National Park Service paved the parking areas and walkways. The lodge was closed during WWII.

Today, after an extensive renovation in 1995, Crater Lake Lodge still preserves its historic charm but offers modern comfort, privacy, service, and fine dining. The lodge is open from late May to mid-October.

The CABINS AT MAZAMA VILLAGE are just seven miles from the rim of Crater Lake. Nestled in Ponderosa pines, the cabins offer one or two queen beds with a private bath. There are no televisions, telephones, or air conditioners, but one look at your surroundings and you won't miss them.

For those who prefer to be one with

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