According to Native American Legend, Crater Lake in Oregon was formed in a great battle between the god of the above world and the god of below. A more scientific explanation suggests the lake was formed by a volcanic eruption and the collapse of a nearby Mount Mazama. Explorers discovered the lake in their search for gold. They said Crater Lake was the bluest Lake they ever saw. The area around the lake became a national park on May 22, 1902.