We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

What Is Oregon's "Old Man"?

Updated: Jun 04, 2024
Views: 4,003
Share

There is a weather-beaten old tree stump that has been floating in Oregon's Crater Lake since 1896. Still bobbing vertically around the lake in 2016, this stump of a mountain hemlock tree is known as “The Old Man of the Lake” and it moves with the help of wind and lake currents. The low temperature of the water has slowed the decomposition of the wood, allowing it to reach the ripe old age of 120, and counting.

The top four feet (1.2 meters) of the tree stump have been bleached white and are partially covered with fontinalis, a moss typically found at much deeper water levels. The entire stump is believed to be about 30 feet (9.1 m) in length.

Facts about Oregon's Crater Lake:

  • Crater Lake, located in south-central Oregon, is famous for its deep blue color and the clarity of its water.
  • With a maximum depth of 1,949 feet (594 m), Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and the ninth deepest lake in the world.
  • American explorer John Wesley Hillman “discovered” the lake in 1853. He called it Deep Blue Lake. The lake had two other names -- Blue Lake and Lake Majesty – before finally becoming known as Crater Lake.
Share
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.allthingsnature.org/what-is-oregons-old-man.htm
Copy this link
All Things Nature, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

All Things Nature, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.