Crater Lake National Park is an American national park located in southern Oregon. Established in 1902, Crater Lake National Park is the fifth-oldest national park in the United States and the only national park in Oregon. The park encompasses the caldera of Crater Lake, a remnant of a destroyed volcano, Mount Mazama, and the surrounding hills and forests.
The earliest time that you can enter Crater Lake National Park is 6:00 AM.
What time does Crater National Park open?
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 want to avoid the crowds at Crater Lake National Park, arrive before 9 am. The park gets very busy during peak season, so arriving early will help you avoid the crowds. Keep in mind that the annual average snowfall in the park is 43 feet, so the lake can be hidden from view by snow clouds for days at a time.
Is Crater Lake open to the public today
We regret to inform you that the CLOSED for 2022-2023 winter season. It will be reopen in June 2023.
If you’re headed to Crater Lake National Park, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the park is located in southern Oregon, so you’ll need to take I-5 north to Medford, then take Oregon 62 north and east to the park’s west entrance. The west entrance is open year-round, but if you’re looking for some stunning views, the north entrance is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that the drive along the cliffs can be a bit treacherous, so take your time and enjoy the scenery!
Can you do Crater Lake in a day?
Crater Lake National Park is a great place to visit for a day or two. The lake is the highlight, but there are also plenty of other things to see and do. The scenic drive around the lake is definitely worth doing, and there are plenty of short hikes to take. Even just one day at Crater Lake provides enough time to get a fairly complete visit.
There is no need to make a reservation to enter the park. You can just show up and enjoy the great outdoors!
Which entrance to Crater Lake is best?
The most convenient way to access Crater Lake National Park is from the west and south on Ore 62. This route runs through the southwest corner of the park and provides easy access to all the major attractions.
May and June are not the best months to hike in the park because the trails are covered in deep snow. It can be difficult to follow the trails and it’s also dangerous.
How long does Crater Rim Drive take
If you want to experience the amazing lava flow that has been happening on the Big Island of Hawaii, then you need to allow at least 90 minutes to two hours for the drive. The round-trip is 38 miles and you will be descending 3,700 feet. The road is covered in lava from the 1986 lava flow, so you can only hike so far. But the experience is definitely worth It!
All visitors at Crater Lake National Park are required to pay an entrance fee. However, fees are waived on the following days: Martin Luther King, Jr (Jan 16, 2023) and First Day of National Park Week (Apr 22, 2023).
What is not allowed at Crater Lake?
Hello,
We would like to remind you that firearms, bicycles, and motorized vehicles are not permitted in the backcountry. Pets are permitted on leash in developed areas only. Pets often threaten small wildlife. Even well-behaved domestic pets leave scents that disturb the local wildlife.
Thank you for helping us keep the backcountry safe and enjoyable for everyone!
Rim Drive is the road that encircles Crater Lake. It is a popular road for those who want to enjoy the views of the lake, as well as for cyclists and motorcyclists. The road is narrow and winding, and does not have shoulders, so it is important to allow at least two hours to circumnavigate the lake. If you are driving a larger vehicle or towing, you should allow even more time. Traffic goes both directions on Rim Drive, so be aware of oncoming traffic when driving.
What is the best drive to Crater Lake
The Rim Drive is the perfect way to experience Crater Lake National Park. This 33-mile (53 km) drive loop takes you around the Crater Lake, offering stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. There are tight curves and no shoulders on the Rim Drive, so be sure to drive carefully. This is one of the highest roads in Oregon, so be prepared for altitude sickness if you are not used to driving at high altitudes.
Crater Lake is a beautiful place to visit, but be sure to bring a jacket and long pants for the cooler evening temperatures. The lake is located 6,000 feet above sea level, making it cooler than many other places in summer.
Can you sleep in your car at Crater Lake?
All vehicles must be left at Park Headquarters 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.
The water of Crater Lake is very cold and deep, so be careful when swimming! The designated areas for swimming are usually well-marked and the water is beautiful.
Warp Up
10:00 AM
Crater Lake National Park opens at 8:00 am during the summer months. When winter arrives, the park opens at 9:00am.
