When a volcano erupted and collapsed 7,000+ years ago, it left behind a deep crater that eventually filled with rainwater and is known today as Crater Lake. It’s nearly 2,000 feet deep at its deepest point and 1,000+ feet deep on average, making it one of the deepest lakes in the world by both metrics.

Take a 30-mile ride around Crater Lake National Park on Rim Drive for the most magnificent overlooks or take a boat to Wizard Island in the center of the lake, which is a volcanic cinder cone left behind by a separate eruption.

Other highlights include Pumice Castle, Cloudcap at Sunset, Phantom Ship Overlook, Mount Scott hike, and Pinnacles Overlook.