When I first learned about the wocus flower that blooms in the wetlands of Upper Klamath Lake, it was from a kayaker who brought back this beautiful plant from a morning out on the water. It was offered as a gift to the owner of Rocky Point Resort, where I was working at the time. New to the area, I was enthralled by this specimen which I’d never seen before. The two women explained to me that the wocus is a sacred, special plant, and they were right.

The magic that emanates from Crater Lake National Park is undeniable. Of course, as one of the oldest national parks in the United States, many experiences and stories have been shared over the years. However, some of the most fascinating storytelling regarding this natural wonder stems from the tales of Indigenous people who were there to witness its formation.