The road to Crater Lake National Park usually opens around Memorial Day weekend, weather and road conditions permitting. The closure date varies depending on the amount of snowfall in a given year, but is typically sometime in October or November.
The road to Crater Lake National Park opens for the season on April 1 each year.
Is Crater Lake Access Road open?
We regret to inform you that the winter season for 2022-2023 has been cancelled. We hope to be able to open again for the following winter season. Thank you for your understanding.
The 502-mile loop trail near Crater Lake, Oregon is a very popular area for birding and scenic driving. The best times to visit this trail are May through October.
Is Highway 62 to Crater Lake open
The Medford entrance to Crater Lake National Park is open year-round, while the South Entrance from Klamath Falls is only open seasonally. To get to the park from Medford, follow Highway 62 to the West Entrance. From Klamath Falls, take Highway 97 to Highway 62 and the South Entrance.
The Crater Lake National Park is a great place to visit all year round. However, in the winter the north entrance road and Rim Drive are closed to wheeled vehicles. The west and south entrances are plowed daily as needed and are open to automobiles throughout the year. Winter time offers excellent opportunities for lake viewing and photography.
What time do the gates open at Crater Lake?
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.
Crater Lake is best enjoyed by car. You can take in the views at various viewpoints, and then circumnavigate the lake in an hour along the Rim Drive. The full loop is usually open from late June to mid-October, depending on snowmelt.
When should you not go to Crater Lake?
The park has more than 90 miles of hiking trails, but in May and June they are typically covered by deep snow. When snow-covered, most trails are either too difficult to follow, or too dangerous. If you plan to hike in the park during these months, be sure to check the trail conditions before you go, and be prepared for deep snow and cold weather.
Rim Drive is the perfect way to see all that Crater Lake has to offer! Whether by car or motorcycle, you can circumnavigate the lake in just two hours. But if you’re driving a larger vehicle or towing, you’ll need a bit more time. So plan accordingly and enjoy the view!
How long does it take to do the Crater Rim Drive
The 38-mile (61 km) round-trip drive to the coast descends 3,700 feet (1,128 m). Allow 90 minutes to two hours round-trip, depending on how often you stop and how far you hike. The road is covered with lava 10 miles from the coast.
There are three ways into Crater Lake National Park. The most convenient way is from the west and south on Ore 62, which runs through the southwest corner of the park. You can also enter the park from the north on Ore 138, or from the east on US 97.
Are there bears in Crater Lake National Park?
No, you don’t have to worry about bears at Crater Lake. The only bear species found there are black bears, and they are generally afraid of humans. They will run away if you make noise, but will protect themselves if they or their cubs are threatened.
The Glacier Point Road will be closed to all traffic in 2022 in order to rehabilitate and improve the road. The only access to Glacier Point will be via the Four Mile, Panorama, and Pohono Trails, all of which are strenuous hikes. This may impact your plans if you were intending to visit Glacier Point, so please keep this in mind when making your travel plans.
Is it worth it to go to Crater Lake in winter
Winter is definitely the best time to visit Crater Lake! You can backpack in the park all year long, and there’s ample opportunities for skiers and snowshoers to experience Crater Lake’s natural beauty. While the park’s summer trails are hidden under snow, you can still enjoy a winter trek. Just be sure to dress warmly and be prepared for cold weather conditions!
If you’re looking to enjoy some winter activities, Crater Lake is the place to be! Annually, the lake receives an estimated 43 feet of snow, making it the perfect spot for sledding, skiing, and snowboarding. The heaviest snowfall typically occurs during the months of December, January, and February, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly.
How is Crater Lake in December?
If you’re planning on visiting Crater Lake National Park during the winter, be prepared for variable weather conditions. The park receives an average of 42 feet of snow each year, so there are often heavy snowstorms. These storms are most likely to occur between November and late March. The coldest temperatures usually occur between December and March, when average high temperatures fall into the 30s degrees.
The lake is definitely the highlight of Crater Lake National Park! You can easily complete the scenic drive around the lake in just half a day. So, even just one day at Crater Lake provides plenty of time for a couple of short hikes and a fairly complete visit.
Warp Up
The road to Crater Lake National Park opens for the season on April 1.
Crater Lake Road typically opens in early July, weather and snowfall dependent. The road is clear and open for vehicles from this point on for the rest of the season.
