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Tribal History
The tribal creation story and significance of Crater Lake.
A sagebrush bark sandal found buried beneath ash from the eruption of Mt. Mazama. Fort Rock, Oregon.
The Klamath Tribes, which include the Klamath, Modoc and Yahooskin band of the Snake, knew Crater Lake as gii-was, meaning "a sacred place." The Cow Creek Umpquas also knew and respected Crater Lake.
Native Americans experienced the collapse of Mount Mazama about 7,700 years ago, and have many stories about the creation of Crater Lake and its many features. The National Park Service has collected many of their stories.
We encourage you to learn more about the Klamath Tribes and the Cow Creek Umpquas.