Visiting Crater Lake National Park is an experience you will never forget. And there are plenty of ways to see the lake for free!
The best way to see Crater Lake is by taking the Rim Drive. This 33-mile road goes around the caldera and provides stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. You can drive the Rim Drive any time of year, but it is especially beautiful in the summer.
Another great way to see Crater Lake is by hiking one of the many trails in the park. There are trails of all different lengths and difficulty levels, so there is something for everyone. Hiking is a great way to get up close and personal with the amazing scenery of Crater Lake National Park.
If you are wanting to explore the lake itself, there are a few different options. Boat tours are available in the summer, and they are a great way to see Crater Lake from a different perspective. You can also go fishing in the lake, but a permit is required.
No matter how you choose to see Crater Lake, you are sure to have an incredible experience.
There is no entrance fee to Crater Lake National Park. However, there are fees for certain activities, such as camping, boat tours, and the Rim Drive.
How do you access Crater Lake?
If you’re looking to explore a new park, The park is a great option. It’s about a 3-hour drive from Eugene, and you can take Interstate 5 South to Highway 58 to Highway 97 South to Highway 138 West to reach the north entrance of the park. If that entrance is closed, you can drive to either the west or south entrance. Once you’re there, you can hike, camp, fish, and more. So pack your bags and hit the road for a great adventure.
If you’re coming from the west or south, the most convenient way to get to Crater Lake National Park is via Ore 62. The road runs through the southwest corner of the park, so it’ll be a quick and easy trip.
Does Crater Lake have timed entry
The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day! You can arrive at any time, no reservations are needed to enter the park. However, many of the park’s roads, trails, and facilities are closed seasonally due to snow.
If you’re planning on visiting Crater Lake, be aware that the best way to see it is by car. The Rim Drive, which loops around the lake, is 33 miles long and takes about an hour to complete. It’s also the highest paved road in Oregon, so you’ll be able to take in some stunning views. The road is usually open from late June to mid-October, but this can vary depending on the amount of snowmelt.
Can you see Crater Lake for free?
If you are planning to visit Crater Lake National Park, please be aware that you will need to pay an entrance fee. You can either purchase a physical pass or a digital pass in advance, or pay the fee upon arrival. Please note that only physical passes or digital passes on mobile devices will be accepted – photos of physical passes will not be accepted. Thank you for your cooperation!
The Crater Lake is definitely the highlight of the Crater Lake National Park. You can easily complete the scenic drive around the lake in as little as half a day. So, even just one day at Crater Lake provides time for a couple of short hikes and a fairly complete visit.
When should you not go to Crater Lake?
If you’re planning on doing any hiking in the park during May or June, be aware that the trails will likely be covered in deep snow. This can make it difficult or even dangerous to follow the trails.
The average car can circumnavigate the lake in two hours, but larger vehicles may take longer. There are many scenic stops along the way, so plan to spend at least two hours on the road.
Do you need a reservation to go to Crater Lake
If you’re looking to stay near Crater Lake, it’s highly advised that you make reservations in advance – especially if you’re hoping to stay at Crater Lake Lodge or Mazama Village Cabins. Both locations fill up quickly and it can be difficult to find lodgings here without a reservation.
Crater Lake National Park is a beautiful place to visit and the fees have gone up a bit over the years. Currently, it costs $15 per vehicle and $10 per person to enter. However, on May 13, 2018, the fees will go up to $25 per vehicle and $12 per person. Finally, on January 1, 2020, the fees will be $30 per vehicle and $15 per person. So if you’re planning on visiting Crater Lake National Park, be sure to factor in the increased fees.
Can you see Crater Lake without hiking?
The Rim Drive is one of the great things about Crater Lake as it allows you to see the lake from so many different angles without having to walk too much. There are plenty of parking spots and overlooks all around the lake, so you can just stop and admire the view without having to go on a long hike.
Highway 62 is the best route to take to the park’s South Entrance from the northwest. If the North Entrance is closed, Highway 230 to Highway 62 is the best route to take, entering the park through the West Entrance.
Is there parking at Crater Lake
All overnight vehicles must be left at Park Headquarters located three miles below the rim during the winter months. In the summer, vehicles may be left at designated trailhead parking areas or nearby pullouts. A valid park entrance pass and backcountry camping parking permit must be displayed on your dashboard.
Hi,
We regret to inform you that our resort will be closed for the winter season of 2022-2023. We will be reopening in June 2023. Thank you for your understanding.
What is not allowed at Crater Lake?
Pets are not permitted in the backcountry in order to protect the local wildlife. Firearms, bicycles, and motorized vehicles are also not permitted in order to reduce the noise and disturbance in the area. Pets are only allowed in developed areas on a leash. Even well-behaved pets can leave scents that disturb the local wildlife.
The admission prices are: Adult – $1000 per person, Child – $500 per child (5 to 15), Under 5 years – Free.
Warp Up
There is no one definitive answer to this question. Some possible options include camping in the park overnight or hiking in from one of the park’s entrances.
There are many ways to get into Crater Lake for free. The best way to do this is to find a friend who already has a pass, or to join an organized group tour. Another way to get into Crater Lake for free is to volunteer your time to help with maintenance or other activities around the park.
