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National park in Oregon
Photo: Tom Holland User: (WT-shared) Xltel at wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Crater Lake National Park is a national park in southern Oregon, in the United States. The centerpiece of the park is Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States, known for its deep blue color.
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Can be reached in the summer from the Rim Drive on a paved, 6-mile (9.6 km) road. These eerie spires of eroded ash rise from the edges of Sand and Wheeler Creeks in pinnacle-fashion. On the way you'll pass Lost Creek Campground. Once upon a time, the road continued east of the turn-out, to the former East Entrance of the park. A path now replaces the old road and follows the rim of Sand Creek (and more views of pinnacles) to where the entrance arch still stands. A different route back to the Rim Drive, is to take the Grayback Road, a one-way, westbound only, gravel road.
Exhibits on geology and lake research, and a popular view of the lake.
Only for those who are willing to hike about 15 minutes down into the crater. Access is by 1.1 mile (1.8 km) Cleetwood Trail which descends 700 feet (213 m) to the lake surface. An additional ticket will get you onto Wizard Island. Once there you can explore the island, hike to the Witches Cauldron crater, or visit Fumarole Bay. The price can be expensive but it's well worth it.
Season May 20 through Oct 31; however, it is legal to fish the lake year round. All waters in the park are open to fishing and no license is required. All waters are restricted to use of artificial lures and flies only. No organic bait of any kind can be used in Crater Lake National Park. This includes live or dead fish, power bait, and fish eggs or roe. The lake contains Kokanee Salmon and rainbow trout. No private boats or flotation devices are allowed. Fish must be packed out, they can not be cleaned at the lake. Streams contain Eastern, Rainbow, German Brown and Bull Trout. The streams, however, are largely inaccessible due to the steep canyons surrounding them.
Permits (no charge) are only issued from the Canfield Building (Ranger Station) in the Park Headquarters complex. A ranger will confirm your diving ability and give you specific information about diving in the lake. The lake level is at 6,173 feet in elevation, so high altitude dive tables should be used in planning your dive. Access is by Cleetwood Trail is 1.1 miles in length and descends 700 feet to the lake surface. You must be able to carry all your equipment up and down the trail. Wheeled vehicles are prohibited. Restrooms are available at the top and bottom of the Cleetwood Trail but there are no food or drinking water facilities.
There are over 90 miles (145 km) 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 lake’s shore.
Paved roads only, including the 33-mile Rim Drive. Bicycling is difficult because of the steep hills and high altitudes and also because the Drive may not have shoulders and has blind curves. It is only for riders experienced with traffic.
On ungroomed trails by permit only.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Spectacular views of Crater Lake. Dinner entrées emphasize the Pacific Northwest.
Built in the late 1800s and offers a cozy and comfortable night's stay. There is high demand and you should plan your travels well in advance. They also have great breakfast.
71 rooms. Normally open mid-May through mid-October. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
40 units located in the Mazama Village complex. Reservations are recommended.
16 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. Lost Creek Campground is a small campground for tents only (16 sites) on the road to Pinnacles Overlook ($10 per night). It usually opens in early July and closes in mid-October.
Open mid June to early October (weather permitting). 214 sites, 28 sites with electricial hookups. 160 sites can be reserved in advance, 54 sites are first-come, first-served. Mazama Village Campground is mostly forested and each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and bear locker. Running water and flush toilets are provided. 75% of the sites are reservable in advance and the rest are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Store near Crater Lake National Park; accepts resupply packages (UPS only, $5 hold fee). PCT mile ~1822, 1 mile off-trail.
By car
The north entrance is typically closed for the winter season (mid-October to mid-June).
On foot
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a well known trail that extends along the West coast of the United States, from Mexico to Canada. It passes through California, Oregon, and Washington State.
The 33-mile (53 km) Rim Drive encircles Crater Lake, giving varied perspectives of the lake, rim, and surrounding terrain.
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Medford · Regional · MFR
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