Centred around the caldera of an ancient volcano, Crater Lake National Park is one of North America’s most striking natural landscapes. The protected area is best known for its intensely blue waters, dramatic cliffs, forests and alpine meadows.
The park's namesake – Crater Lake – is the deepest lake in the United States. It was formed 7,700 years ago when the 3,700m-high Mount Mazama collapsed following a huge eruption.
But beyond these staggering views lies a world of biodiversity, with a rich variety of wildlife making their home in its forests, volcanic rocks, waters and skies.
Wildlife in Crater Lake National Park
Mule deer
Deer are commonly found in Crater Lake National Park at dawn and dusk, and are a frequent sight for visitors.
Black-tailed deer
A subspecies of the mule deer, Columbian black-tailed deer are among the most commonly spotted large mammals in the park.
Roosevelt elk
Elk are most likely to be seen in higher meadows and forests, particularly at dawn and in quieter areas away from people. Unlike deer, they require more patience to spot.
Black bear
Black bears are mostly found in the park’s remote, wooded areas. While not abundant, they range across much of the park. Keep your food secure at all times, as bears may be closer than you think.
Red fox
The park is home to a rare and elusive subspecies known as the Sierra Nevada red fox.
Coyote
Coyotes can often be seen near roads at dusk, particularly when deer are active.
Bobcat
Harder to spot than many other animals, bobcats are more often detected by their tracks.
Cougar
Known both as cougars or pumas, these apex predators inhabit the park but are rarely seen. More often, their presence is noticed through tracks, scat, or remains of prey.
American marten
Rarely spotted, American martens help regulate populations of small mammals and birds.
Townsend's chipmunk
Yellow-bellied marmot
Marmots are known for their distinctive whistles – listen for them as you travel through the park. They usually emerge from their burrows around midday when temperatures rise.
Pika
Pikas live among rocky slopes, where their squeaking calls are often heard before they’re seen. They are highly sensitive to climate change, as they cannot sweat or pant effectively, and rely on cool, shaded habitats.
Golden-mantled ground squirrel
These striped squirrels are often found around picnic areas – but be sure not to feed them.
Douglas squirrel (Chickaree)
Smaller than grey squirrels, Douglas squirrels are often heard chattering even when they aren’t seen.
Snowshoe hare
Snowshoe hares have excellent camouflage. Their seasonal moulting allows them to change from brown in summer to white in winter.
Porcupine
North American porcupines (one of the toughest animals) are difficult to spot but inhabit the park’s dense forests.
Bats
Crater Lake’s bat species include little brown, big brown, silver-haired and hoary bats. They are most often seen on summer evenings near water, hunting insects.
Clark’s nutcracker
These grey and black corvids are easy to spot around Rim Village.
Steller’s jay
The electric blue plumage of the Steller’s jay makes it easy to identify. They are common year-round and often visit picnic and camping areas.
Common raven
Common ravens are present year-round and are bold scavengers, often visiting campsites.
Bald eagle
Though not common, bald eagles may be seen near the lake, searching for fish.
Peregrine falcon
Peregrines nest on cliffs and may be seen flying along ridgelines while hunting.
Canada jay
Also known as the grey jay, these birds are often found along forest edges.
American dipper
True to its name, the American dipper can be seen bobbing and diving in streams.
Crater Lake newt
The Crater Lake newt is endemic to the park and found along the lake’s edge.
Pacific tree frog
Small amphibians like the Pacific tree frog are found in streams, ponds and meadows.
Long-toed salamander
Common garter snake
The park’s most well-known reptile, the common garter snake is often found along the lakeshore. It is most active on warm afternoons.
Kokanee salmon
Introduced between 1888 and 1941, kokanee salmon now play a role in the lake’s ecosystem.
Rainbow trout
Another introduced species, rainbow trout feed on aquatic insects.
Top image: Crater Lake. Credit: Michael Heiman/Getty Images
