Mount Mazama's destruction occurred only 7,000 years ago. We know Native people lived in the area at that time and probably observed the death of this massive mountain. It is likely they also visited Crater Lake long before any white men came into the area. Crater Lake was first seen by white men on June 12, 1853. These men where in search of gold but they found this scenic gem and called it "Deep Blue Lake". Perhaps this was their first glimpse.