Crater Lake National Park is located in southern Oregon, about a 5-hour drive from Portland. The park is most easily accessed from June through October, when the roads are clear of snow. To get to the park from Portland, take Interstate 5 south to Exit 6 for Medford. Head east on Highway 62 for about 50 miles, then turn south onto Highway 97. This road will take you directly to the park.
From Portland, take I-5 south for about 220 miles to Eugene. In Eugene, take I-105 west for about 60 miles to I-5. Continue north on I-5 for about 15 miles to exit 61 for Oregon 138 west. Follow Oregon 138 for about 66 miles to Oregon 62. Turn right on Oregon 62 and follow it for about 23 miles to the park entrance.
How to get to Crater Lake from Portland by train?
The closest bus station is also in Klamath Falls, and taking the Greyhound bus from Portland to Klamath Falls is a bit cheaper and faster than the train, with a travel time of 6 hours and 45 minutes. However, this route is not as scenic as the train.
If you’re planning on driving from Portland to Crater Lake, you should budget for at least 4 hours and 30 minutes behind the wheel. Although you could make the trip in half a day, it’s more enjoyable to take your time and explore a bit along the way. Make sure to factor in plenty of breaks to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery!
How do you get to Crater Lake without a car
Crater Lake by train is a popular choice on a more extended train vacation. It’s also a popular route for people from Portland who don’t want to rent or drive a car. The Coast Starlight train operates year-round, but the Klamath Shuttle is only available between July 1st and Labor Day.
Crater Lake National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest. You can hike a dormant volcano, camp, drive the Scenic Rim, and wander old-growth forests. To reach Crater Lake National Park via Amtrak, disembark at the Klamath Falls stop.
Is it worth it to drive to Crater Lake?
If you find yourself in Oregon, Crater Lake National Park is a must-see. The lake is truly a sight to behold and well worth the effort it takes to get there. There are two easy ways to access Crater Lake from Seattle. The fastest is down I-5 through Eugene. The other takes you along Oregon State Hwy 97 past Bend, Oregon. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
Crater Lake National Park is a must-see for anyone visiting Oregon. The lake is absolutely stunning and the drive around it is very scenic. Even if you only have one day, you can still see a lot of the park. I would definitely recommend doing a couple of short hikes and taking the time to enjoy the views.
When should you not go to Crater Lake?
Please be aware that the park’s hiking trails are deep in snow during May and June. It is typically difficult or dangerous to follow these trails during this time.
There are few places as breathtaking and awe-inspiring as Crater Lake. Located in Oregon, this national park is home to the deepest lake in the United States. And while it may take some effort to get there – it’s definitely worth it.
Ideally, you should spend at least one full day and one night at Crater Lake. Getting here can be a bit of a hassle (it’s far away and there are long lines to get into the actual park), so once you actually do make it, you don’t want to worry about getting back in your car and heading back if you can help it.
There are plenty of things to do at Crater Lake. You can hike around the rim of the crater, take a boat tour of the lake, go fishing, or simply sit back and take in the stunning views. And at night, the stars put on a show that you won’t want to miss.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Oregon, make sure to add Crater Lake to your itinerary. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
Do you need reservations for Crater Lake
You are welcome to enter the park at any time! There is no need to make a reservation in advance.
The best way to explore Crater Lake is by doing the rim drive. It is a 33-mile loop that takes about one hour. However, you should budget at least a few hours to enjoy all the incredible photo ops.
Can you see Crater Lake for free?
If you’re planning on visiting Crater Lake National Park, be sure to bring your entrance fee with you. You’ll need to either show your physical pass or digital pass (on your mobile device) at the entrance gate. Photos of physical passes will not be accepted.
If you’re planning on circumnavigating Lake Tahoe, you’ll need to allow at least two hours for the trip. This doesn’t include any stops for sightseeing or taking in the scenery – if you want to do that, you’ll need to add extra time to your trip. Keep in mind that this is the minimum amount of time you’ll need if you’re driving a small car or motorcycle; if you’re driving a larger vehicle or towing something, you’ll need to allow for more time.
What city is closest to Crater Lake
Prospect is a small town located in southern Oregon, about 60 miles east of the state capital of Salem. It is most notable for being the nearest town to Crater Lake National Park. The town has a population of about 1,000 people and is a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to the park. The town is home to a number of historical buildings, including the Prospect Hotel, which was built in 1876 and is one of the oldest hotels in Oregon.
Crater Lake is best seen by car. You can circumnavigate the lake in an hour along the 33-mile Rim Drive, the highest paved road in Oregon. The full loop usually is open from late June to mid-October, depending on snowmelt.
What is the closest airport to Crater Lake National Park?
The closest major airport to Crater Lake National Park is Eugene Airport, which is 120 miles northwest of the park. There is also an airport at Klamath Falls, OR, which is 60 miles south of the park, and an airport at Medford, OR, which is 80 miles southwest of the park.
If you’re looking for a moderate to difficult hike with some stunning views, this is the one for you. You’ll see Crater Lake, Wizard Island and the Phantom Ship as you make your way up the fairly steep incline. Wildflowers line the trail, adding to the already breathtaking scenery.
Warp Up
From Portland, take I-5 south to Eugene. In Eugene, take I-105 west to Roseburg. In Roseburg, take Oregon Route 42 north to Crater Lake National Park.
The best way to get to Crater Lake National Park from Portland is to take Highway 97 south to Klamath Falls. From there, you can take Highway 62 east to the park. The drive takes about 5 hours.
