The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park, the sole major National Park in Oregon, is a destination of unrivaled beauty and history. Known for its pristine waters, the park is home to the deepest lake in the United States and the ninth deepest in the world. The park spans across 183,224 acres and offers visitors breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and a variety of activities to enjoy. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about visiting Crater Lake National Park, including must-see features, campground options, historic hotels, best hiking trails, and essential logistics for a memorable trip.
History & Culture
Crater Lake National Park was established in 1902 to protect the lake, the caldera it sits within, and the surrounding old-growth forests and mountain peaks. European contact with the region began in 1853 when a group of prospectors searching for gold stumbled upon the lake. However, the Native American connection to the area dates back even further. Artifacts discovered under layers of ash and pumice indicate that the region was used as a hunting ground and temporary camping site by the Makalak people before the eruption of Mount Mazama. Today, the Klamath Tribes and the Umpqua, who live in southwestern Oregon, continue to share legends about the formation of Crater Lake.
Things to Do
There is no shortage of activities to enjoy at Crater Lake National Park. First-time visitors should start their exploration at one of the two visitor centers – Steel Visitor Center (open year-round) and Rim Visitor Center (open in the summer only). Both centers offer exhibits, ranger desks, a relief map, a park film, and a park store.
Boat Tours
Embarking on a boat tour is an excellent way to experience the beauty of Crater Lake. Two types of boat tours are available – the standard lake cruise and the Wizard Island tour. Both tours require passengers to hike the strenuous 2.2-mile Cleetwood Cove Trail down to the boat dock and back. The standard lake cruise offers a leisurely two-hour tour around the lake, providing close-up views of Wizard Island, Phantom Ship, and other natural points of interest. The Wizard Island tour includes a three-hour stop on the island, where visitors can hike, fish, or swim.
Scenic Drives
Driving, biking, running, or walking the 33-mile scenic byway known as Rim Drive is a fantastic way to see the lake. The route is especially enjoyable on "Ride The Rim" days when a good portion of the route is closed to motorized vehicles. Allocate at least two hours for the drive, as there are over 30 pullouts with striking panoramas and roadside exhibits. For those who prefer a guided tour, Crater Lake Trolley offers a two-hour exploration of Rim Drive, complete with a guide and stops at multiple points of interest.
Hiking Trails
Crater Lake National Park boasts 90 miles of hiking trails to suit every level of hiker. Some favorite day hikes include:
Castle Crest: A half-mile loop through a verdant meadow, perfect for wildflower enthusiasts.
Cleetwood Cove Trail: The only hike allowed within the caldera, this 2.2-mile, out-and-back trail offers access to the lake's shoreline.
Wizard Island Summit Trail: A 2.2-mile round trip to the summit of the Wizard Island cinder cone.
Sun Notch: A short 0.8-mile uphill stroll to the rim, offering views of the Phantom Ship.
Plaikni Falls: A 2-mile hike through the forest, leading to a snowmelt-fed waterfall.
For more adventurous hikers, 95% of the park is managed as wilderness, providing ample opportunities for backcountry exploration.
Seasons & Weather
Crater Lake National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, the park's roads, trails, and facilities may be closed depending on the season. Summer months are the best time to visit for warm and sunny weather, while shoulder seasons may offer sunny days interspersed with periods of rain and snow. Winters at Crater Lake are long and snowy, with an average of 43 feet of snow each year at the park headquarters.
Before heading to the park, it's essential to check the current conditions and road closures, as weather can significantly impact your visit. The road from Mazama Village to Park Headquarters is open year-round, but other roads are weather-dependent.
Camping & Accommodations
Lodging options within Crater Lake National Park include Crater Lake Lodge, The Cabins at Mazama Village, Mazama Campground, and Lost Creek Campground. Crater Lake Lodge, a historic building with 71 rooms, offers unrivaled views of the lake and is open from mid-May to late October. The Cabins at Mazama Village provide simple but clean accommodations and are open from late May to early October.
For camping enthusiasts, Mazama Campground offers 214 sites for tents and RVs, while Lost Creek Campground provides 16 sites for tents only. Both campgrounds are open from early July to early October.
Additional lodging options can be found outside the park in the Fort Klamath, Union Creek, Diamond Lake, Prospect, and Chiloquin areas.
Dining Options
Dining options within Crater Lake National Park are limited but include Rim Village Café & Gifts, Annie Creek Restaurant, Crater Lake Lodge Dining Room, and Mazama Village Camper Store. Outside the park, additional dining options can be found in the nearby towns of Chiloquin and Prospect.
How to Get There
Crater Lake National Park is situated in the middle of three highways: OR-230, OR-138, and OR-62. The park's west and south entrances are located off Highway 62, while the north entrance is accessed from Highway 138. The closest airports and Amtrak stations are in Klamath Falls and Bend, while larger airports can be found in Eugene and Portland.
Accessibility
Crater Lake National Park offers several features to make commercial facilities and front-country trails accessible for visitors with mobility issues. These include accessible trails like Godfrey Glen, partially accessible trails such as Pinnacles and Sun Notch, and designated parking, tables, and restrooms at some picnic areas. The park also offers ADA cabins in Mazama Village and ADA rooms at the Crater Lake Lodge.
Tips for Your Visit
Purchase a seven-day pass online in advance to save time at the entrance gate. Passes are $15 per pedestrian or bicyclist, $25 per motorcycle, or $30 per car.
Check weather and road conditions before your visit, as snow or inclement weather can impact park access and facilities.
Bring plenty of water, sunblock, and layers to stay warm/cool during your visit. A rain jacket is also recommended.
Be prepared for limited cell service within the park.
Pets are allowed on leash in certain areas of the park but are prohibited on most trails.
With this ultimate guide to visiting Crater Lake National Park, you're now equipped with all the essential information to make your trip an unforgettable experience. Whether you're hiking the scenic trails, cruising the lake on a boat tour, or simply taking in the awe-inspiring views, Crater Lake is a destination that should not be missed.
