Visiting Crater Lake National Park Amidst Its Unusual History
Photo by @kalvisuals
Despite various claims to Bigfoot-sightings, Crater Lake National Park is still one of the most visited outdoor areas in Oregon. Along with being home to one of the nation's most fascinating conspiracy stories, this natural lake has become a prime vacation spot full of mysterious and unusual phenomenons. Having panoramic views and lush hiking trails, many visitors overlook the dangers and suspicions that America’s 5th National Park holds. Here are some of the things visitors may want to know before visiting Crater Lake National Park, our nation's most mysterious park.
History of Crater Lake National Park:
Discovered in the 1800s, Crater Lake was first stumbled upon and acknowledged due to its vibrant blue water. Over the next couple of decades, William Steel would dedicate his life to making Crater Lake known. Years later in 1902, Crater Lake National Park became Oregon’s first and only National Park. Throughout its history, this mysterious park has been a part of scientific discoveries as well as acclaimed deaths and disappearances.
3 Unsettling Stories of Crater Lake National Park:
Wizard Island - Visitors will say that the most iconic feature of the park is Wizard Island, an island in the middle of the lake. Despite the island being a camp-free zone, hikers have claimed to see mysterious campfires and boats leaving the island at night. Although this may seem normal, park rangers have gone to explore these fires only to find no remnants at all.
Photographer Charles McCuller - In the winter of 1975, photographer Charles McCuller left his hometown in Virginia to visit his friend in Oregon. Shortly after arriving, McCuller decided to take a solo two-day trip to Crater Lake National Park. He never returned. A year later, two hikers stumbled upon a pair of jeans and shoes sitting upright on a log, 12-miles from where McCuller was said to be hiking. In the pocket? McCullers car keys. Only McCuller’s skull and ankle bones were found. What happened to McCuller remains a mystery to this day.
Airplane Crashes- In 1975, Jean Nunn wished her husband and two colleagues off as they prepared their plane for takeoff. Jean went to bed early that night as the plane was scheduled to fly over Crater Lake. It never reached its destination. 7 years later, the wreckage was discovered by a hiker and the bodies were confirmed. The cause of the crash is still unknown.
Visiting Crater Lake National Park:
Although this National Park holds a lot of dark secrets, visiting Crater Lake National Park will give visitors the views and memories that will last a lifetime. The park has two main campsites; Mazama Village Campground and Lost Creek Campground. Both sites give visitors panoramic views of the lake and are first-come-first-serve. The park features over 14 different hiking trails as well as a 33-mile picturesque Rim Drive.
Being an area full of mystery, Crater Lake draws in thousands of visitors each summer with the hopes of seeing a strange phenomenon. Bigfoot or not, visiting this Oregon treasure is a must-do for hikers who love the Pacific Northwest.
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Written by @visualsbyry