Blue Lake Crater, Volcanic crater in Jefferson County, Oregon, United States
Blue Lake Crater is a volcanic depression in the Cascade Range featuring three interconnected water basins surrounded by steep forested slopes. These basins sit at roughly 3,460 feet (1,050 meters) elevation and together create a striking geological feature in the landscape.
The volcano was last active roughly 1,300 years ago, causing eruptions that scattered ash across nearby lakes including Suttle Lake. This activity marked one of the region's most recent volcanic events.
The Elliott Corbett Memorial State Recreation Site, named after a World War II soldier, encompasses the crater and includes an arts center called Caldera.
Multiple hiking trails circle the crater, with routes extending over 2 miles through volcanic slopes and forest areas. The trails remain accessible throughout the year, though snow in winter can affect conditions.
The water in the basins shows unusual chemical properties with elevated sodium and chloride concentrations influenced by nearby hot springs. This mineral composition gives the water its distinctive character.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
