Imagine seeing Crater Lake by accident. Near this spot, on the back of a mule in1853, gold prospector John Hillman became the frst European-American to stumble across what he called “Deep Blue Lake.”The first mile of a 6-mile (9.7-km) trail along the West Rim of Crater Lake, through a pretty, old-growth forest. Great views of the lake and Wizard Island. Use caution near cliff edges.