US Park Info: Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake is widely known for its intense blue color and spectacular views.
During summer, visitors may navigate the Rim Drive around the lake, enjoy boat tours on the lake surface, stay in the historic Crater Lake Lodge, camp at Mazama Village, or hike some of the park's various trails including Mt. Scott at 8,929 ft. Diverse interpretive programs enhance visitors' knowledge and appreciation of this national park, 90% of which is managed as wilderness. The winter brings some of the heaviest snowfall in the country, averaging 533 inches per year. Although park facilities mostly close for this snowy season, visitors may view the lake during fair weather, enjoy cross-country skiing, and participate in weekend snowshoe hikes

 

 

 

---

Basic Information for Crater Lake National Park

The park is always open, but many of the roads and facilities are closed during the winter.

How to Get to Crater Lake National Park:
PLANE - Portland or Seattle

CAR -From the North: From Roseburg - route 138 east to the park's north entrance. From Bend - Route 97 south to route 138 west to the park's north entrance. From the South: From Medford - Route 62 north and east to the park's west entrance. From Klamath Falls - Route 97 north to route 62 north and west to the park's south entrance.

Weather & Climate
Usually cool and rainy during most of the Spring/Summer/Fall. Winter experiences cold with tremendous amounts of snow

Accessibility
Visitor Center is accessible

---

Where to Stay at Crater Lake National Park

Camping
Lost Creek Campground
Open Late Summer to Early Fall
16 Tent Sites

Mazama Campground
Open Summer to Early Fall
Has 200 sites. Sites available on First Come, First Serve basis. Potable Water, Flush Toilets, Picnic Tables and fire rings are available.

---

What to Do at Crater Lake National Park

Activities
If you want to explore the lake a little closer you should experience a boat tour. Only for those who are willing to hike about 15 minutes down into the crater. Access is by 1.1 mile Cleetwood Trail which descends 700 feet to the lake surface. Guided tours explore Wizard Island. The price can be expensive at $25 per person but it's well worth it

Fishing
Actual fishing season is during the summer, but you can fish year round. All waters in the park are open to fishing and no license is required. Fishing is allowed in the park from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. All waters are restricted to use of artificial lures and flies only.

Scuba Diving at Crater Lake National Park
Permits are available at the visitor center and verify your diving ability. Keep in mind the altitude of the lake is at 6000 feet, so high altitude dive charts should be used. . You get down to the lake via Cleetwood Trail which is roughly 1 mile long and has a vertical drop of 700 feet. You must be able to carry all of your diving equipment as there are no wheeled vehicles allowed (cars, wagons, etc).

Day Hiking. There are over 90 miles of trails, with marked routes from 15 minutes to more than two hours. Hiking or climbing inside the caldera is prohibited. Conditions within the caldera are extremely dangerous. The Cleetwood Trail is the only safe and legal access to the