V. Geological and
Biological Information on Crater Lake Area
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E. Points of Geological Interest
in Crater Lake National Park
17. Phantom
Ship
Scanning the blue surface, one's
eye is caught by an interesting sail-like rock rising from the waters on the far
right close to the foot of Dutton Cliff. This is the Phantom Ship. Seen two
miles away in certain lights the illusion is excellent. The masts seem to tilt
rakishly and the sails shine in the sun. There are times when the Phantom Ship
suddenly disappears, and times again when it as suddenly appears. . . . Hence
its name and mysterious repute.
[20]
A rugged island rising
dramatically 175 feet above the lake surface, the "ship" is formed of molten
rock and volcanic ash. The "sails" are remnants of a volcanic dike from a
smaller mountain pre-dating Mazama, making this the oldest lava exposed in the
caldera.
Illustration 4. Phantom Ship.
Courtesy Oregon Historical Society.
