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 lake is the deepest in the United States and is famous for its deep blue color and water clarity. Visitors can access the lake by boat, hike around the caldera, or take a scenic drive. Crater Lake National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day.
The park opens at 8:00 am.
What time can you enter Crater Lake National Park?
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.
We regret to inform you that the resort will be closed for the winter season from 2022-2023. It will reopen in June 2023.
How much time should you spend at Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake is an amazing place and definitely worth the effort to get here. Once you’re here, take the time to explore and enjoy the views. It’s definitely worth spending at least one full day and one night at Crater Lake.
If you’re coming from the south, the best way to get to the park is to take I-5 north to Medford, then take Oregon 62 north and east to the west entrance. The west entrance is open year round, and if you like driving along cliffs and seeing the natural setting of the lake, it’s definitely worth checking out.
Is there a fee to get into Crater Lake?
If you are planning to visit Yellowstone National Park, you will need to pay a fee to enter. The fee for private vehicles is $30 in the summer and $20 in the winter. This fee covers your vehicle and all occupants for 7 days. If you are entering on a motorcycle, the fee is $25 in the summer and $15 in the winter.
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.
When should you not go to Crater Lake?
May and June are not the best months to hike in the park because of the deep snow. Most trails are either too difficult to follow or too dangerous.
If you only have one day to visit Crater Lake National Park, you can easily complete the scenic drive around the lake and have time for a couple of short hikes. The lake is definitely the highlight of the park, so even just one day provides a fairly complete visit.
Is Crater Lake National Park worth it
Crater Lake National Park is an incredible place to see the deepest lake in the United States. The vast, deep blue water and panoramic summit views are something you won’t want to miss. There’s no shortage of things to do in the park, so you’ll definitely want to check it out.
If you want to avoid the crowds at Crater Lake National Park, arrive before 9 am. The average annual snowfall in the park is 43 feet, and the lake is often hidden from view by snow clouds.
How do you dress for Crater Lake?
Crater Lake is a beautiful place to visit, but be sure to pack warm clothes! Even in the summer, the evenings can get chilly and you’ll want to have something to keep you warm.
There are three ways into Crater Lake National Park, the most convenient being from the west and south on Ore 62, which runs through the southwest corner of the park. To get to the park’s west entrance, drive northeast from Medford 75 miles on Ore.
How can I get into Crater Lake for free
As of January 16, 2023, all visitors at Crater Lake National Park will be required to pay an entrance fee. However, this fee will be waived on April 22, 2023, which is the first day of National Park Week.
Crater lake is a magnificent sight and the only way to really appreciate it is to drive the Rim Road. Starting early in the morning is the best way to avoid the crowds and enjoy the views. There are many lookout points and overlooks that offer stunning views of the lake with very little effort.
How far is it to walk to Crater Lake?
The Cleetwood Cove trail is the only trail in Crater Lake National Park that provides access to the lake shore. The trail offers stunning views of the lake, as well as access to the boat dock at the bottom of the trail. The steep trail takes between 15 and 25 hours to complete, and is 22 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 700 feet.
If you’re visiting Crater Lake, you can swim at designated areas, but beware — the water is usually very cold! The water of Crater Lake is a deep, gorgeous blue, so it’s definitely worth taking a dip, but make sure you’re prepared for the cold!
Warp Up
The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day.
The park opens at 8 am all year round.
