Crater Lake National Park
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Park Alerts (3)
About Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake inspires awe. Native Americans witnessed its formation 7,700 years ago, when a violent eruption triggered the collapse of a tall peak. Scientists marvel at its purity—fed by rain and snow, it’s the deepest lake in the USA and one of the most pristine on Earth.
Artists, photographers, and sightseers gaze in wonder at its blue water and stunning setting atop the Cascade Mountain Range.
Things To Do
Snowshoeing at Crater Lake
Snowshoeing is a popular activity during the long winter at Crater Lake National Park.
Biking at Crater Lake
Each year, increasing numbers of cyclists come to Crater Lake National Park to ride around the lake on the physically demanding, 33 mile (53 km) Rim Drive. Steep hills at high elevation may encourage even the most fit riders to pause at many of the road's thirty overlooks and pull-outs. The payoff however is spectacular scenery, viewed at a pace that few visitors choose to take enough time for.
Scenic Rim Drive
The historic Rim Drive includes 33-miles (53-km) of lake views, panoramic vistas, forests and meadows. The contours of the road were designed to compliment the natural landscape, and disappear from view as you look across the lake from any point.
Available Activities
Weather
July, August, and September are your best bets for warm, dry weather. In May, June, and October, sunny days alternate with periods of rain and snow. Winters at Crater Lake are long and snowy.
Storms from the Pacific Ocean dump an annual average of 41 feet (13.5 meters) of snow at park headquarters. When it's raining or snowing, the lake is usually hidden by clouds.
Crater Lake is completely invisible about 50% of the time in the winter!
Getting There
From the west (Medford) - Take Hwy 62 to the West Entrance. Open year-round. From the south (Klamath Falls) - Take Hwy 97 north to Hwy 62 to the South Entrance.
Open year-round. The North Entrance is on Hwy 138 and is accessed from Interstate 5 east at Roseburg or Hwy 97 south from Bend and Chemult. Winter travelers from Roseburg take Route 138 east to Route 230 south to Route 62 east to the park's west entrance.
Travelers from Bend take Route 97 south to Route 62 to the park's south entrance.
Plan Your Visit
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Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Some roads, trails, and facilities, however, are closed seasonally due to snow. North Entrance Road, and West and East Rim Drives close for the season on November 1 (or earlier if there is significant snowfall). Crews begin removing snow from these roads in April, but opening dates vary. The North Entrance Road and West Rim Drive tend to open in early June. The East Rim Drive typically opens in early July.
West Entrance
The park's West Entrance on Oregon Highway 62 is open year round.
South Entrance
The park's South Entrance on Oregon Highway 62 is open year round.
North Entrance
The park's North Entrance, off of Oregon Highway 138, is usually open from June through October. It is closed in the winter due to snow. Opening dates vary each year depending on snowfall and road conditions.
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
This is the summer entrance fee and is charged from mid-May through the end of October. Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15-passenger capacity or less) and all occupants. Good for 7 days.
Entrance - Private Vehicle
This is the winter entrance fee. Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15-passenger capacity or less) and all occupants. Good for 7 days.
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Summer rate from mid-May to October 31st.
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Winter rate from 11/1 through mid-May.
Entrance - Per Person
Admits one individual with no motor vehicle (bicyclist, hiker, pedestrian). Youth 15 and under are admitted free of charge. Good for 7 days.
Entrance - Snowmobile
Admits one individual on a snowmobile for travel on snow covered North Entrance Road closed to regular vehicle traffic. Youth 15 and under are admitted free of charge. Good for 7 days.
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
Fees for commercial vehicles are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board. In addition to the $25 per vehicle there is also a $15 per passenger charge.
Commercial Entrance - Van
Fees for commercial vehicles are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board.
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
Fees for commercial vehicles are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
Fees for commercial vehicles are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board.