Discovered in 1853 by John Wesley Hillman, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and is renowned for its deep blue color and water clarity. Visitors can enjoy Crater Lake National Park year-round, although the most popular time to go is during the summer months. To get to Crater Lake, fly into the nearest airport, which is in Medford, Oregon, and then drive about an hour and a half to the park.
The best way to get to Crater Lake is to take Highway 62 east from Medford for about 60 miles. Then take a left on Highway 230 and follow it for another 25 miles until you reach the park.
What is the best way to visit Crater Lake?
This is an amazing place to explore and the best way to do it is by car. The Crater Lake rim drive is one of the most scenic byways in America and it is only 33 miles long. It will take you about an hour to drive around the lake, but you will want to budget a few hours to enjoy all the incredible views. There are many great photo opportunities along the way, so be sure to bring your camera!
The Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only place where it is safe and legal to get down to the lake shore. The trail usually opens late June.
Can you drive down to Crater Lake
Yes, you can drive up to Crater Lake. The paved road was built between 1926 and 1941. The road’s winding design, providing stunning panoramic views, is very curvy and fun for a leisurely ride, so it pays to take it slow. At its lowest point, Rim Drive is 6,500 feet (2,000 m) above the sea level.
There are a few different ways to get from Portland to Crater Lake National Park, but one option is to take a public bus. Buses are available year-round that travel from Portland to Medford, and from Medford to Klamath Falls. From Klamath Falls, you can then take a bus or shuttle to Crater Lake. This is a great option if you don’t have your own transportation, or if you want to save on gas and parking fees.
Is 1 day enough for Crater Lake?
Crater Lake is definitely the highlight of Crater Lake National Park and you can easily complete the scenic drive around the lake in just half a day. So even if you only have one day to visit the park, you’ll still be able to enjoy a couple of short hikes and see most of what the park has to offer.
May and June are great months to visit Crater Lake National Park! The roads and trails are usually open and the weather is perfect for hiking and exploring. The park is also less crowded during these months, so you can enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.
How much time do you need at Crater Lake?
Crater Lake is a beautiful place that is definitely worth the effort to get to. Once you’re there, take the time to enjoy it and don’t worry about getting back to your car right away.
Crater Lake National Park is definitely a place to add to your list of must-see national parks! The deep blue water is simply stunning and the views from the summit are absolutely breathtaking. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy in the park, from hiking and camping to fishing and swimming. No matter what you enjoy, you’re sure to have a great time at Crater Lake National Park!
Is it worth it to drive to Crater Lake
Crater Lake is one of the most beautiful places we have ever seen. It is definitely worth taking the time to visit. The drive around the rim is also very enjoyable and we were able to stop at most of the lookout points. Hiking down to the water’s edge is also a great option, but in our opinion, the best views are from the top.
All visitors at Crater Lake National Park are required to pay an entrance fee. Please be prepared to show your physical pass or digital pass on your mobile device. Photos of physical passes will not be accepted.
Do I need a reservation for Crater Lake?
You don’t need a reservation to enter the park. Just show up and enjoy!
The entry fee for Crater Lake National Park remains $30 per car in summer and $20 per car in winter. Passes for Crater Lake can be purchased in advance at Recreation.gov, along with the $55 annual pass or the $15 snowmobile fee.
Can you do a day trip to Crater Lake from Portland
If you’re planning on driving from Portland to Crater Lake, it’s best to budget for at least a half-day of driving. The trip is 250 miles and will take approximately 4.5 hours, but that doesn’t include time for breaks. If you want to enjoy the drive and make frequent stops, it’s best to plan for a weekend getaway or spread the drive out over a few days.
If you’re looking for a moderate to difficult hike with some amazing views, this is the one for you. You’ll get to see Crater Lake, Wizard Island, and the Phantom Ship while you’re working up a sweat. Be warned though, it is fairly steep in parts.
How long does it take to do Rim Drive at Crater Lake?
The lake is quite large, so allow at least two hours to circumnavigate it by car or motorcycle. If you are driving a larger vehicle or towing, you will need to allow more time. There are many sites to see along the way, so take your time and enjoy the scenery!
Looking to enjoy the stunning views at Crater Lake National Park? Be sure to plan ahead for your visit!
Starting May 13, 2018, the park will be increasing its entrance fees for both vehicles and people. A single vehicle will cost $25 to enter, and each person will cost an additional $12. So be sure to bring some extra cash for your visit!
And starting from January 1, 2020, the fees will be increasing again. This time, a vehicle will cost $30 to enter, and each person will cost an additional $15. So if you’re looking to enjoy the park on a budget, be sure to visit sooner rather than later!
Final Words
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to get to Crater Lake may vary depending on your location and transportation options. However, some tips on how to travel to Crater Lake National Park from various starting points include taking a bus from Medford, Oregon or Bend, Oregon, driving from Eugene, Oregon or Klamath Falls, Oregon, or flying into the Crater Lake-Klamath Regional Airport.
Crater Lake is a destination that is definitely worth the effort to get to. It is one of the most beautiful and secluded places on earth, and it is an experience that you will never forget. There are many different ways to get to Crater Lake, but the most common is to take a bus or car. Once you arrive at Crater Lake, you will be able to take in the stunning views, go for a swim, or even take a hike. No matter what you do, Crater Lake is sure to make your vacation one to remember.
