Crater Lake is the only national park in the state of Oregon, and at a staggering 1,934 feet, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States. While its depth is impressive, it is the vivid color that draws most of its visitors coming every year. Crater Lake is the perfect weekend getaway for people of all ages and athletic abilities.
History of Crater Lake National Park:
Oregon’s only national park wasn’t always a lake. It was once a towering volcano. Over 7,000 years ago Mount Mazama exploded and collapsed leaving the crater-like shape within itself. Despite what the name suggests, this natural phenomenon is technically called a caldera, not a crater.
After the explosion, the caldera then filled with rainfall and snowmelt creating the lake we see today. One of the reasons Crater Lake is so clear is because this water has very little movement. There is no entry or exit points from the lake. Because of this, sediment and debris are not stirred up allowing for the stunningly bright blue waters.
When to visit Crater Lake:
The park is open 24 hours a day year-round, but you should keep in mind that most of the roads are inaccessible during the majority of the year due to heavy snowfall. On average, Crater Lake receives about 48 feet (15 meters) of snow a year. Every April the park begins the process of clearing the roads, but they don’t typically have the road completely cleared mid-July. If you are wanting to drive completely around the lake, plan your visit during mid-July through August.
How to get to Crater Lake National Park:
There are three entry points to Oregon’s Crater Lake. The park’s South and West entrance are open year-round, but the North entrance is only open during the summer.
The park can easily be found through your cell phone’s map application or GPS. It does not have a physical address, so you will need to search “Crater Lake” or “Rim Village”. Cell phone service is limited within the park, so it is best to start your route search well in advance.
Costs:
The entry cost is $25 per vehicle. We suggest buying the America the Beautiful Pass. It is a pass that allows you into all National Parks for a year. The America the Beautiful Pass costs $80 per vehicle, but you can easily make it worth your while by visiting a few more parks. Plus it is a great incentive to get out and explore the beauty that the United States has to offer.
How long should you stay:
Crater Lake is a relatively small park. You shouldn’t need more than a day or two to see everything it has to offer. We suggest spending at least three or four hours, but you can adjust the time to best fit your schedule. If you are wanting a longer trip, look into other great sights that the great state of Oregon has to offer.
What to do in the park:
– Rim Drive
The great thing about Crater Lake is that the views are stunning all the way around the lake. The 33-mile Rim Drive that circles the lake has 30 different overlooks. Each of these overlooks are easily accessible; however, this does not take away from their beauty. Because of this, Crater Lake is a great location for those struggling with mobility.
– Hiking
If you prefer to walk, there are also trails around the lake. You can park your car at the visitor center near the West and South entrance. There is a parking lot designated for RVs and campers. You can also park your car at any of the lookout points along the Rim Drive.
– Fishing
This Oregon lake does not naturally have fish, but it was stocked with salmon and trout in the late 1880s, early 1900s. You do not need a fishing license to fish, but you will need to bring your own fishing equipment as they do not offer any services to rent or purchase it at the park. In order to get down to the lake, you will need to take Cleetwood Cove Trail. This steep one-mile descent is the only legal path to the shore of the lake.
– Boat Tour
During the summer, Crater Lake offers a couple of different boat tour options through this beautiful Oregon lake. It is advised to book your reservations in advance to ensure that you get your desired date and time.
The prices for the Standard Two-Hour Tour are as follows: adults: $44.00, child (ages 3-12): $30.00, and children (ages 2 and under): are not permitted.
The prices for the Wizard Island Tour, which is the only option that allows you to get on the island in the middle of the lake, are as follows: adults: $55.00, children (ages 3-12): $37.00, and children (ages 2 and under): are not permitted
Make sure to keep the following in mind before booking your tour.
- You must be able to descend and ascend a steep one-mile trek down to the lake and back up to the road.
- All attendants must be at least three years old.
- There are no bathrooms on the boat.
- Make sure to dress accordingly. While on the boat, there is a chance you could experience strong winds and water splashes from waves.
– Trolley Tour
The summer also offers daily trolley tours. This is a perfect option for those that are nervous about driving the Rim Drive themselves, for the trolley will safely take you around the complete loop. While on the tour, the trolley has frequent stops for you to get out and enjoy the beautiful scenery. These tours are two hours long and do not have bathrooms. It is recommended that you book your reservations in advance for there are only twenty-five passengers per trolley. The cost of the trolley tour is as follows: adults-$29, seniors- $26, and children 6-13 $18.
You can book your reservations here.
– Winter Activities
Crater Lake experiences snow most of the year. While you are unable to drive around the perimeter of the lake, they do offer a surplus of activities such as snowshoeing, sledding, and even skiing. For more information on winter activities check out the National Park’s website.
Where to stay in and near Crater Lake National Park:
$$$ Crater Lake Lodge and The Cabins at Mazama Village These are both great if you are wanting a hotel or lodge.
$$ Mazma Campground This is the only RV and camper friendly campground. It has all the necessary hookups. Both reservations and walk-up sites are available.
$ Lost Creek Campground This is a tent-only campground. It does not take reservations but is simply first come first serve.
FREE Beaver Marsh Rest Area and Annie Creek Sno-Park These are both bare-bones with no water or facilities, but it is a great option for those wanting to save money and are okay with boondocking in their camper or RV.
Tips for Visiting Crater Lake National Park:
Don’t Forget Sunscreen:
It is always important to take preventative measures and protect your skin when outside. There are plenty of trees around the perimeter of the lake, but you will be completely exposed to the elements if you take a boat tour or hike down to the lake.
Pack Plenty of Water:
It is recommended to have at least half a gallon of water per person. We always suggest packing more to be prepared especially if you are going to be outside and are planning to be physically active. It is important to note that there are no water stations along the lake, but they do have fountains at the visitor center.
Arrive early:
We found that several pull-offs have very limited parking. The earlier you can arrive the better chance you have to find prime parking. (Parking can be especially difficult if you are pulling a trailer. If you are, we suggest unhitching the trailer and the visitor center first.) Arriving early will also allow you to enjoy Crater Lake with less noise and distraction, and it is significantly easier to get a picture without anybody in it.
Follow the Leave no Trace Principles:
Keeping our national parks clean is so important. By following the Leave No Trace Principles you can do your part to protect our lands and wildlife. A great rule of thumb is to always leave it better than you found it. Pick up after yourself and if you see trash take it with you.