Crater Lake National Park
- Wild Dirt
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Crater Lake National Park Travel Guide
Crater Lake National Park in southern Oregon protects one of the deepest and clearest lakes on Earth. Formed nearly 7,700 years ago after the collapse of Mount Mazama, the lake fills a massive volcanic caldera with water of astonishing depth and color. Steep cliffs ring the lake, dropping nearly 2,000 feet to its surface, while Wizard Island rises from the blue like a quiet punctuation mark in the middle of the basin.
Crater Lake feels less like a place you pass through and more like a place you pause. The silence, the scale, and the depth invite stillness as much as awe.
“Crater Lake inspires awe. Its depth and clarity invite reflection more than conquest.”
How to Get There
Crater Lake is located in southern Oregon, about 80 miles northeast of Medford and 60 miles north of Klamath Falls. The closest airports are Rogue Valley International–Medford Airport (MFR) and Klamath Falls Airport (LMT). Most visitors arrive by car via Highway 62 from Medford or Highway 97 to Highway 62 from the south. Rim Drive circles the lake but typically opens only from late June through October, depending on snowpack. Many visitors combine Crater Lake with road trips through Oregon, Northern California, or the Cascade Range.
Know Before You Go
The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle for a seven-day pass. Snow closes much of the park from October through late spring, and access is limited in winter. Even in summer, the weather can change quickly. Temperatures are cool year-round, especially at the rim. Swimming is only allowed at Cleetwood Cove, the park’s single lake access point. There are no gas stations inside the park. Cell service is limited. Bears and other wildlife are present but typically avoid visitors.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (July–September) is the most reliable season for full access, clear roads, and boat tours. Early summer brings lingering snowfields and waterfalls. Fall offers crisp air, golden light, and fewer visitors before snow returns. Winter transforms the park into a snowbound landscape ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, though lake views are weather-dependent.
Best Things to Do
Drive Rim Drive for ever-changing perspectives of the lake’s shifting blues. Take a ranger-led boat tour to circle Wizard Island and Phantom Ship when operating. Hike down to Cleetwood Cove for the rare chance to touch the water. Watch clouds and light move across the caldera from Watchman Overlook or Cloudcap. Stay after sunset for stargazing in one of Oregon’s darkest night skies.
Best Hikes
Cleetwood Cove Trail (2.2 miles round trip, strenuous): The only trail to the lake level. A steep descent with a demanding climb back up.
Watchman Peak Trail (1.6 miles round trip, moderate): A short climb to a fire lookout with panoramic lake views.
Garfield Peak Trail (3.4 miles round trip, moderate): One of the best high viewpoints over the caldera.
Sun Notch Trail (0.8 miles round trip, easy): A brief walk with a striking view of Phantom Ship.
Places to Stay
Crater Lake Lodge sits dramatically on the rim and offers rustic rooms with historic character. Cabins and campgrounds are available at Mazama Village, about seven miles from the rim. Campgrounds typically open from late June through September. Outside the park, lodging is available in Fort Klamath, Diamond Lake, and Chemult.
Places to Eat
Dining options inside the park are limited. Crater Lake Lodge Dining Room offers seasonal meals with lake views. Mazama Village has a café, camp store, and casual dining options. Visitors often bring picnic supplies. Nearby towns provide additional restaurants, diners, and grocery stores, especially in Klamath Falls and Medford.