The largest of these [Wizard Island) rises above the surface of the water and discloses itself as a large cinder cone. . . .

The other two prominences are disclosed only by the plummet for their tops are submerged, one at a depth of about 450 feet, the other at a depth of about 825 feet. The depth of the floor upon which these prominences stand varies from 1,600 to 2,000 feet. . . . So far as known to me this is the deepest fresh water in the United States. [16]

While the soundings progressed from July 11 to August 5, Captain Dutton studied the various formations around the lake; at the same time the topographic details were worked out on a map by Mark B. Kerr and Eugene Ricksecker. The dimensions of the surface were figured at 6-1/4 miles in length by 4-1/4 miles in width. Dutton, meanwhile, assessed that the lake had no visible outlet, thus discounting theories that it was the source of the Rogue River. The importance of the Dutton survey in the ultimate preservation of Crater Lake cannot be overemphasized, for it was the first expedition to scientifically determine the physical facts about the lake and dispel or confirm what had heretofore been only conjecture. (The Geological Survey large-scale map and description of Crater Lake was not released for another ten years, however.) Another important accomplishment included the official naming of several significant points of interest:

The Watchman: named for the party of engineers stationed on the summit to receive signals and record the soundings taken.

Glacier Peak: named for its glacial striations; first known as Maxwell Peak for Sir [Lord?] William Maxwell who had earlier explored the lake; later renamed for John Wesley Hillman.

Llao Rock: named by Steel in 1885 for the Indian spirit considered to be Chief of the Under-world; formerly known as Mount Jackson in honor of Major James Jackson, U.S.A.

Palisades: name given to a section of the northeast rim because of its supposed resemblance to the Palisades on the Hudson River.

Redcloud Cliff: section of rim named for red color of the rocks.

Sentinel Rock: prominent rock further south of Redcloud Cliff.

Kerr Notch: dip in rim at head of Sand Creek named for Mark B. Kerr, chief engineer of Dutton Survey.

Dutton Cliff: named by Steel for Captain Dutton.

Vidae Cliff: named to honor a young woman of Portland.

Eagle Crags: series of jagged rocks on south rim where eagles have nested.

Cathedral Rock: later changed to Castle Crest; named for resemblance to cathedral spires.

Prospect Rock: prominent rock on edge of rim opposite old upper camping ground. Later called Victor Rock in Honor of Mrs. Frances Fuller Victor.

Eagle Cove: small bay where trail from rim to water would be located.

Steel Bay: just east of Llao Rock; named by J.S. Diller for Will G. Steel.

Cleetwood Cove: named for boat used by Dutton survey party and left behind on their departure.

Grotto Cove: named after some caves found at the water level.

Phantom Ship: the prominent rock jutting out of the water under Dutton Cliff.[17]

 

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