Rim Drive encircles the rim of the caldera. Sometimes it is a one-way drive; if you have a choice, the most scenic direction to go is counterclockwise.

Phantom Ship as viewed from the Phantom Ship Overlook on Rim Drive

Below: At the left, The Pinnacles features landforms created by a two-fold process: hot gases blew up through the pumice, melting the edges of the blow-holes; throughout the years, erosion wore away the surrounding pumice, leaving the pinnacles standing. Next, a view along the northeast section of the road, with the lake far below and Mount Thielsen in the background. And on the right, standing at the Watchman Overlook, on the west side of the lake, looking north; generally people look at and photograph the lake; but the rim of the caldera has a beauty—a stark beauty—all its own.

©D.L. Mark 1997

  You may buy the Cascade Peaks CD, which has on it all of the Cascade Peaks photos on this site, plus nearly two hundred more -- 550 altogether -- in a larger size, suitable for viewing full screen or printing your own enlargements. Sample photo.

Take the Boat Tour or go back to Crater Lake Village, or go back to the
Cascade Peaks Index or the Crater Lake National Park page.