As of June 18, Highway 138 is still closed past Diamond Lake due to continuing snow and avalanche hazard. The section of highway between Diamond Lake and Crater Lake is not expected to open until late July or early August. Travelers should check current conditions before heading out, as conditions can change quickly in the area.
Highway 138 is open to Crater Lake.
What roads are open to Crater Lake?
The Pinnacles Road is currently closed, but the Munson Valley Road is open. The last three miles of the Munson Valley Road are only open in the winter. The Highway 62 west boundary is also open.
Crater Lake is a beautiful place to visit and the Rim Drive is a great way to see it. The full loop is usually open from late June to mid-October, depending on snowmelt.
Is Highway 62 to Crater Lake open
The Medford and Klamath Falls entrances to Crater Lake National Park are both open year-round. From Medford, take Highway 62 to the park’s West Entrance. From Klamath Falls, take Highway 97 to Highway 62 and the park’s South Entrance.
The three ways into Crater Lake National Park are from the west and south on Ore 62, from the east on Ore 138, and from the north on Ore 230. The most convenient way is from the west and south on Ore 62, which runs through the southwest corner of the park.
What is the best drive to Crater Lake?
The Rim Drive is a must-see for anyone visiting Crater Lake. You won’t be able to appreciate the majesty of the lake without taking the Rim Drive. It is a two-lane road with a drop off on one side that circles the lake. There are lots of vista points where you can safely stop to appreciate the views.
The entrance fee for Crater Lake National Park is $30 per vehicle or $25 per motorcycle. This fee is valid for 7 days and covers all occupants of the vehicle. You can purchase your pass at the park entrance station, or online in advance. Please be prepared to show your physical pass or digital pass on your mobile device. Photos of physical passes will not be accepted.
When should you not go to Crater Lake?
If you’re looking to hike the park’s trails, you’ll need to wait until the snow has melted. Typically, the trails are covered in deep snow in May and June, making them difficult or dangerous to hike.
Puʻupuaʻi Overlook and parking area are closed to protect nēnē. Devastation Trail is partially open from Devastation parking area and Old Crater Rim Drive remains open. Please avoid these areas to prevent disturbing the nesting birds.
Is it worth it to drive to Crater Lake
Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park is definitely worth a visit! The lake is absolutely stunning and there are two easy ways to get there from Seattle. I-5 is the fastest route but Oregon State Hwy 97 is a bit more scenic. Either way, you won’t be disappointed!
The center is open year-round daily, except for Christmas Day, December 25. From late April through early November, the hours are 9 am to 5 pm. From early November to late April, hours are 10 am to 4 pm.
Is the trolley running in Crater Lake?
The final day of trolley tours for Crater Lake National Park for the year will be Friday, September 30th. The park offers daily trolley tours during the summer months, typically starting in July and running through mid-September. This is a great opportunity to see the park and learn about its history and geology.
Rim Drive is a beautiful road that circles Crater Lake in Oregon. It is about 33 miles long and has numerous pull-offs and lookout points where you can stop to enjoy the stunning views. Allow a minimum of two hours to drive the entire road, longer if you are driving a larger vehicle or towing a trailer. Traffic goes both directions on Rim Drive, so be aware of oncoming traffic when making passes. Rim Drive is often shared with bicyclists, so please be cautious when passing and yield to them when possible.
What is not allowed at Crater Lake
It is important to remember that firearms, bicycles, and motorized vehicles are not permitted in the backcountry. Pets are only permitted on leash in developed areas and they often threaten small wildlife. Even well-behaved domestic pets leave scents that can disturb the local wildlife.
If you’re looking to experience Oregon’s natural beauty, Crater Lake should definitely be on your list. And fortunately, Medford, Eugene and Bend are all much closer to the lake than Portland is. So if you’re coming from any of those cities, you won’t have to travel far to enjoy everything that Crater Lake has to offer.
Do you need reservations for Crater Lake?
If you’re planning on visiting Crater Lake National Park, it’s a good idea to make reservations for lodgings in advance. The Crater Lake Lodge and Mazama Village Cabins both recommend making reservations beforehand, to ensure that you’ll have a place to stay during your visit.
How to Spend One Day at Crater Lake
The best way to spend one day at Crater Lake is to take the scenic drive around the lake. The West Rim Drive and East Rim Drive connect to form one 33-mile loop around the lake with numerous pullouts and overlooks. You can also take a trolley tour or go hiking on one of the many trails. Boat tours are also available for a more up-close experience of the lake.
Conclusion
Yes, highway 138 is open to Crater Lake.
Yes, Highway 138 is open to Crater Lake.
