Merriam Cone is a
sister cone of
Wizard Island.
While the island cone,
named for its resemblance with a sorcerer's hat,
rises about 800 feet (244 meter) above the average surface of
Crater Lake, Merriam Cone is an
underwater cinder cone.
With the deepest point at 1,943 ft (592 m) below the water surface
(see illustration), Merriam Cone rises over 1,400 feet (430 m) above
the caldera floor—about 500 ft (153 m) short of peaking through
the water surface. Its summit is rounded and does not have a crater.
This is an indication that the volcanic cone formed under water, in contrast to Wizard
Island with the
“Witches Cauldron”
crater at its top. Merriam Cone is located in the northeast part
of Crater Lake south of Punice Point
and Cleetwood Cove; the latter being
accessible via
Cleetwood Cove Trail. From the cove's dock,
tour boats take visitors to Wizard Island, traveling over hidden-from-view
Merriam Cone on their way.