Crater Lake has inspired people for hundreds of years. No place else on earth combines a deep, pure lake, so blue in color; sheer surrounding cliffs, almost two thousand feet high; two picturesque islands; and a violent volcanic past. It is a place of immeasurable beauty, and an outstanding outdoor laboratory and classroom.
Crater Lake is located in Southern Oregon on the crest of the Cascade Mountain range, 100 miles (160 km) east of the Pacific Ocean. It lies inside a caldera, or volcanic basin, created when the 12,000 foot (3,660 meter) high Mount Mazama collapsed 7,700 years ago following a large eruption.
The Basics
Hours:
Visitor Centers
Steel Visitor Center - Open early April through early November, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, daily. Winter hours are early November through early April, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, daily except December 25th.
Rim Visitor Center - Open early June through late September, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM, daily. Closed October through May.
From Roseburg Take Route 138 east to the park's north entrance.
From Bend Take Route 97 south to Route 138 west to the park's north entrance.
From the North (Winter):
The park's north entrance is closed in the winter and spring.
South and West Entrances
From Roseburg Take Route 138 east to Route 230 south to Route 62 east to the park's west entrance.
From Bend Take Route 97 south to Route 62 north and west to the park's south entrance.
From Medford Take Route 62 north and east to the park's west entrance.
From Klamath Falls Take Route 97 north to Route 62 north and west to the park's south entrance.
Climate
Weather plays a dramatic role at Crater Lake National Park. Winter, especially, shapes the landscape; snow generally begins to accumulate each year in October and doesn't melt in most places until the following June. Summer weather is more predictable, with warm, dry days, blue skies, and cool nights. Nevertheless, there may be days even in August when the lake is completely obscured by clouds and fog. Visitors to Crater Lake National Park should be prepared for any kind of weather, any time of the year.
Mazama Campground has 200 sites and is open early June through early October. Reservations are not taken, however sites are usually available. Running water, flush toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings are provided. Please Note: Weather can impact the opening and closing dates of the campground.
Lost Creek Campground has 16 tent sites and is open from mid-July to early October. Please Note: Weather can impact the opening and closing dates of the campground.
Fees
Car - $10.00
Reservations
Reservations are strongly recommended for Crater Lake Lodge and Mazama Village Motor Inn.
Guided Tours
Summer Programs
Crater Lake Boat Tours are given daily from early July to mid-September. Tickets are sold only at the Cleetwood Cove Trailhead parking area. (PLEASE NOTE: Boat tour access requires hiking 2.2 miles round trip on a strenuous trail.)
Discovering Crater Lake Talks - Explore the special qualities and features of the "Jewel of the Cascades," and how it came to be. This 15 minute talk is presented four times daily starting early July through Labor Day.
Junior Ranger Program - Visitors 6-12 year old may become "Junior Rangers" by participating in this activity. The program is available at the Mazama Campground Amphitheater from early July through Labor Day.
Evening Programs - Join park rangers for in-depth presentations of various topics relating to the natural and cultural history of Crater Lake. Specific topics are posted at the visitor centers and campgrounds. Programs are presented at the Mazama Campground Amphitheater from early July through Labor Day.
Please check at park visitor centers for the most current schedule of activities.
Winter Programs
Rangers lead interpretive snowshoe walks and discuss various aspects of winter ecology. Walks are presented every Saturday and Sunday from Thanksgiving weekend through late March at 1:00 PM. Please sign up in advance by calling (541)594-3100 or stopping by the Steel Visitor Center at Park Headquarters when you arrive. Participants must wear snowshoes because of the deep snow conditions along the route. Snowshoes are provided and there is a 30 person limit on each walk, and a minimum age of 8 years.
Hours of Operation: Open daily, except December 25th November to April 10:00 am-4:00 pm May to October 9:00 am-5:00 pm Location: Park Headquarters Special Programs: An 18-minute film, Crater Lake: The Mirror of Heaven, is shown every half hour. Exhibits: Exhibits provide park orientation. Available Facilities: Post Office at Steel Visitor Center open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, except holidays.
Rim Visitor Center
Hours of Operation: June through September, 9:30 am-5:00 pm Location: Rim Village Exhibits: Exhibits on geology and lake research are located in the nearby Sinnott Memorial Overlook, open July through September. Available Facilities: Crater Lake Lodge is located nearby.
Campgrounds
Mazama Campground
Open mid-June to early October (weather permitting). Mazama campground has 200 sites and is open mid-June through early October. Reservations are not taken, however sites are usually available. Running water, flush toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings are provided. Please Note - Weather can impact the opening and closing dates of the campground.
Lost Creek Campground
Open mid-July to early October (weather permitting). Lost Creek Campground has 16 tent sites and is open from mid-July to early October. Please Note - Weather can impact the opening and closing dates of the campground.
