Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is known, of course, for its brilliant blue water–the lake is the deepest in the country, measuring nearly 2,000 feet to the bottom. Surrounded by a dramatic 20-mile ring of cliffs, this park is a mainstay for many vacationers, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. 

Last month, photographer Christopher C. McDaniel turned his camera upward, capturing how the park’s majestic sky can rival the beauty of its famous water. Thanks to McDaniel for sharing his image with us, which is even more beautiful at full size and definitely worth checking out on his Flickr page.

-Jennifer Errick, Editor, Online Communications

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• Author Shares His Love for the Darkest Skies and Most Brilliant Stars (May 30, 2012)
• Friday Photo: Billions of Stars on View in the Lone Star State (February 17, 2012)
• Headed to a Park with Your Camera? Read These Tips! (April 4, 2012)