Crater Lake Park is a BC Parks site about 35 kilometres southeast of 100 Mile House. BC Parks says it was established through the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land-Use Plan Goal 2 special feature process.
The park protects a unique lake feature: a steep-sided, deep lake surrounded by basalt formations.
Crater Lake is a compact Cariboo destination for scenic appreciation, fishing, picnicking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The lake is fed by a canyon and a series of small, visually attractive waterfalls, and BC Parks notes a resident population of rainbow trout as well as reported freshwater clams.
The official trail list is short but useful. Crater Lake Viewpoint Trail is a 200 metre route, and a one kilometre section of Purver Canyon Trail passes through the park. That makes the park a good fit for visitors seeking a short viewpoint stop or a focused natural-feature visit rather than a large developed campground.
The special-feature story is the main reason to go: deep water, basalt formations, canyon-fed waterfalls, fish, and a quiet Cariboo setting near 100 Mile House.
Plan around Crater Lake Viewpoint Trail, the Purver Canyon Trail section, fishing with the required licence, wildlife viewing, picnicking, scenic photography, basalt and waterfall observation, short canyon-side nature study near the lake, and low-impact nature study.
Check the location map, current advisories, fishing regulations, and access conditions before travelling. The official page does not list developed facilities, so bring water, food, navigation, and basic day-use supplies.
