National park · United States
Crater Lake National Park
Go late June to mid-October, when Rim Drive is open: drive the 53 km (33 mi) rim in 3–4 hours, walk Cleetwood Cove down to the water, and climb Garfield Peak before 10:00. Outside that window the rim road is snowbound and the lake is mostly a viewpoint.Go late June to mid-October, when Rim Drive is open: drive the 53 km (33 mi) rim in 3–4 hours, walk Cleetwood Cove down to the water, and climb Garfield Peak before 10:00 AM. Outside that window the rim road is snowbound and the lake is mostly a viewpoint.Go late June to mid-October, when Rim Drive is open: drive the 33 mi (53 km) rim in 3–4 hours, walk Cleetwood Cove down to the water, and climb Garfield Peak before 10:00. Outside that window the rim road is snowbound and the lake is mostly a viewpoint.Go late June to mid-October, when Rim Drive is open: drive the 33 mi (53 km) rim in 3–4 hours, walk Cleetwood Cove down to the water, and climb Garfield Peak before 10:00 AM. Outside that window the rim road is snowbound and the lake is mostly a viewpoint.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
741 km² (286 sq mi)286 sq mi (741 km²)
approximate
Established
1902
Best months
Jul–Sep
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 741 km² (286 sq mi)286 sq mi (741 km²)
- Land area; the lake itself covers about 53 km² (check).
- Established
- 1902
- Best months
- Jul–Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
Crater Lake fills the caldera left when Mount Mazama collapsed about 7,700 years ago. At 594 m it is the deepest lake in the United States and the ninth deepest in the world, fed only by rain and snowmelt, with no inlet or outlet. The park sits above 2,100 m in the Cascade Range and averages roughly 13.5 m of snow a year, so the rim road and most trails are a summer operation. Winter access is limited to the south entrance and the village area, on skis or snowshoes.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1902.
Size and age
741 km² (286 sq mi)286 sq mi (741 km²) · national park since 1902
Land area; the lake itself covers about 53 km² (check).
Why go
- The deepest lake in the country, and the colour is the point: no sediment, no algae, so light penetrates deep and comes back blue.
- A 53 km (33 mi) rim road with 30-plus overlooks, all of them a short walk from the car.A 33 mi (53 km) rim road with 30-plus overlooks, all of them a short walk from the car.
- Wizard Island, a cinder cone inside the caldera, reached only by the Cleetwood Cove trail and a boat.
- Real alpine walking at 2,100 m, from 20-minute viewpoints to a 2,721 m summit.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarAvoid
- AprCaution
- MayCaution
- JunGo
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepBest
- OctGo
- NovAvoid
- DecAvoid
- JanRim Drive closed; snowshoe or ski only
- FebDeep snow; north entrance shut
- MarSnowpack at its deepest
- AprSteel Visitor Center open; roads still snowbound
- MaySouth entrance open; rim road usually still closed
- JunRim Drive opens late June; snow patches on trails
- JulEverything open; wildflowers; busiest
- AugWarmest and driest; smoke possible
- SepClear, quieter after Labor Day
- OctEarly October fine; rim road closes mid-month
- NovSnow returns; most facilities shut
- DecWinter access by the south entrance only
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clark's nutcracker and grey jay around the rimJun–Sep | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Mule deer grazing the meadowsJun–Oct | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Kokanee salmon and rainbow trout in the lakeMay–Oct | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Black bear and elk in the surrounding forestMay–Oct | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Medford (MFR airport)
I-5 exit 30, then Oregon 62 north and east to the west and south entrances.
1.5–2 h
From Klamath Falls
US 97 north, then Oregon 62 north and west to the south entrance.
1.5 h
From Portland or Eugene
I-5 south to Roseburg, then Oregon 138 east to the north entrance — closed mid-October to mid-June.
4.5–5.5 h
From Bend
US 97 south, then Oregon 138 west to the north entrance.
2.5–3 h
From Pacific Crest Trail
The PCT crosses the park; the store at Mazama Village is a resupply point about 1.6 km (1 mi) off the trail.The PCT crosses the park; the store at Mazama Village is a resupply point about 1 mi (1.6 km) off the trail.
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Rim Village and the south rim | Crater Lake Lodge, the visitor centre, Sinnott Memorial Overlook and the Garfield Peak trailhead. | Open year round by the south entrance; the busiest part of the park. |
| East Rim Drive | Cleetwood Cove, Mount Scott, Cloudcap and the Pinnacles turn-off. | Open late June to mid-October only. |
| West Rim Drive | Watchman Overlook, Discovery Point and the road down to the north entrance. | Open late June to mid-October only. |
| Mazama Village | Campground, motor inn, store and petrol, 11 km (6.8 mi) south of the rim.Campground, motor inn, store and petrol, 6.8 mi (11 km) south of the rim. | Open with the summer season. |
| The Pinnacles | Fossil fumarole spires along Sand Creek, reached by a 9.6 km (6 mi) side road.Fossil fumarole spires along Sand Creek, reached by a 6 mi (9.6 km) side road. | Paved road, summer only. |
Sketch map
- 1Steel Visitor Center · Headquarters≈42.897, -122.134Map ↗
- 2Rim Village · Town≈42.911, -122.143Map ↗
- 3Sinnott Memorial Overlook · Viewpoint≈42.911, -122.143Map ↗
- 4Cleetwood Cove trailhead · Trail≈42.976, -122.088Map ↗
- 5Watchman Overlook · Viewpoint≈42.943, -122.172Map ↗
- 6Mount Scott · Summit≈42.923, -122.016Map ↗
- 7The Pinnacles · Viewpoint≈42.850, -122.008Map ↗
- 8Mazama Village · Sleep≈42.867, -122.166Map ↗
Take the points offline
8 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions around the rim and the south entrance, for orientation only.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrance, private vehicle | US$30 | vehicle | Valid 7 days; 2026 estimate (check) |
| Entrance, motorcycle | US$25 | motorcycle | Valid 7 days; 2026 estimate (check) |
| Entrance, per person on foot or bike | US$15 | person | Valid 7 days; 2026 estimate (check) |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | US$80 | year | Covers this park and most federal fee areas; 2026 estimate (check) |
| Boat tour to Wizard Island | US$44–60 | person | Plus the standard lake cruise fare; book ahead; 2026 estimate (check) |
| Mazama Village Campground | US$25–45 | night | Tent to RV with hookup; 2026 estimate (check) |
| Lost Creek Campground (tents) | US$15 | night | First-come, first-served; 2026 estimate (check) |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entrance permit or guide
Backcountry camping permit or guide
Scuba diving permit or guide
Winter ski or snowshoe routes permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- US$30
- US$25
- US$15
- US$80
- US$44–60
- US$25–45
- US$15
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on National Park Service — Crater Lake National Park before you go.
Park rules
- Caldera rim
- Climbing or hiking inside the caldera is prohibited; people have died on the loose rim rock. Cleetwood Cove is the only legal way to the shore.
- Fishing
- No licence needed, but artificial lures and flies only — no bait of any kind. No private boats or float tubes.
- Pets
- Not allowed on any trail; they can be walked only where cars can go.
- Water
- Do not drink from the lake or streams without treating it; the lake water is high in minerals.
- Drones
- Launching drones is prohibited in the park (check).check
- Leave no trace
- Rocks, plants and artefacts stay where they are; no hunting; no smoking on trails.
Where to stay
In the park
Crater Lake Lodge
Historic 71-room lodge on the rim; open mid-May to mid-October, books out months ahead.
In the park
Mazama Village Motor Inn
40 motel units in the village complex, 11 km (6.8 mi) from the rim.40 motel units in the village complex, 6.8 mi (11 km) from the rim.
In the park
Mazama Village Campground
214 sites with flush toilets and bear lockers; most reservable, some first-come.
In the park
Lost Creek Campground
16 tent-only sites off Pinnacles Road; first-come, first-served.
Near the park
Prospect and Union Creek
Small historic hotels and cabins on Oregon 62, 45–60 minutes from the south entrance.
Safety
Altitude medium
Snow on trails in June and July medium
Loose rim rock high
Afternoon thunderstorms medium
Wildfire smoke medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Rim Village, the lodge, the visitor centre and several rim overlooks have paved paths and parking.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on the trail: the rim slopes erode fast and shortcutting switchbacks damages them.
- Pack out everything, including food scraps, and use the bear lockers at Mazama.
- Fill a bottle at the visitor centre rather than buying single-use plastic on the rim.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Crater Lake National Park?
A private vehicle pays about US$30 for seven days, a motorcycle about US$25, and someone arriving on foot or by bike about US$15 (2026 estimate). The US$80 America the Beautiful annual pass covers this park and most other federal fee areas.
What are the best hikes in Crater Lake National Park?
Garfield Peak from the lodge for the classic view, Watchman Peak for a fire lookout above Wizard Island, Mount Scott for the high point, and Cleetwood Cove if you want to touch the water. All four are between 2.6 km and 8.2 km return.
When is the best time to visit Crater Lake National Park?
July to early October, when Rim Drive and the trails are clear. Late June often still has snow patches. The rim road closes mid-October and reopens around late June, so winter visits are limited to the south entrance area.
Can I drive around the lake?
Yes, on Rim Drive: 53 km with more than 30 overlooks, open late June to mid-October. Allow three to four hours with stops. In winter only the road to Rim Village is plowed.
Can I swim in Crater Lake?
People do jump in from the shore at Cleetwood Cove, but the water stays cold all year and there is no beach or lifeguard. The 1.8 km trail down and 213 m climb back is the only legal access.
Do I need a reservation to stay in the park?
Yes for the lodge and the motor inn, which book out months ahead for July and August. Mazama Village Campground takes reservations for most of its 214 sites; Lost Creek is first-come, first-served.
Is Crater Lake worth it if I only have half a day?
Yes. Drive to Rim Village, walk the Sinnott Memorial Overlook and the short rim path, and stop at two or three overlooks on East Rim Drive. That covers the lake in about three hours.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go