OREGON, USA — Visitors considered Crater Lake National Park the "most beautiful" of all national parks in 2023, according to a survey by Travel Lens.
Based on Google Maps reviews, the Travel Lens team took a look at the most aesthetically pleasing national parks across the U.S.
"Famous for its deep, vividly blue lake and impressive caldera, the park is a testament to volcanic power and natural resilience," Travel Lens said. "Visitors are captivated not only by the iconic lake but also by the dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and rich flora surrounding it."
Located in south-central Oregon, the iconic Crater Lake, the deepest in the U.S., is the star of the national park, famous for its deep blue, clear water. Crater Lake has two small islands: Wizard Island and Phantom Ship.
Crater Lake employees have previously warned that the pristine waters are being threatened by visitors ignoring signs prohibiting the use of gear that could result in invasive species being introduced into the lake. Several incidents of illegal climbing in the caldera have also been reported.
Though Crater Lake offers ranger-guided snowshoe walks, this year, the start date for them hasn't been announced due to staffing shortages. However, once they begin, they will be offered on Saturdays, Sundays and most holidays. The park also announced that Rim Drive and North Entrance Road are closed for the season, and will begin reopening "in June depending on snowpack and plowing operations." Highway 62 remains open, however.
The road to Rim Village is open, except when there is heavy snow, the park added.
Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks in Washington also saw accolades, but Crater Lake was the undisputed winner.
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