The Ultimate Guide to Crater Lake National Park — Best Things To Do, See & Enjoy!

Crater Lake National Park was established in the Cascade Mountains of southern Oregon in 1902. This park stretches over 183,000 acres of evergreen forest, mountains, streams, and a magnificent lake.

The Crater Lake area was formed over 7,700 years ago when a violent eruption activated the collapse of a tall peak in the area. The park was named after the lake, filled mostly with water from the massive amounts of yearly snowfall.

Crater Lake National Park brings in over 640,000 guests annually who want to explore all the beauty and wonder found in the park.

How To Get to Crater Lake National Park

Where Is Crater Lake National Park?

Crater Lake National Park is nestled in the Cascade Mountains in southern Oregon. As the only national park in the state of Oregon, Crater Lake National Park is found 90 miles south of Bend and 100 miles from the Pacific Coast.

Whether you plan to arrive by plane, personal vehicle, or another form of transportation, you will be captivated by the beauty and wonder that awaits you at Crater Lake National Park.

Nearest Airports to Crater Lake National Park

There are several airports close to Crater Lake National Park. Some of these airports are smaller options for private flights, while others are more well-known and offer commercial flights. Let’s take a look at some of the major airports that are close to Crater Lake National Park and see what they have to offer.

Eugene Airport (EUG)

Eugene Airport is the closest major airport to Crater Lake National Park. This airport is located 120 miles from the park, and it takes about 3.5 hours to drive there.

Eugene Airport offers nonstop flights to over a dozen major cities in the West and Southwest. Eugene Airport services many popular airlines, including Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American, Delta, Southwest, and United.

Rogue Valley International Medford Airport (MFR)

Rogue Valley International Medford Airport is an airport in Oregon that some travelers decide to use when flying to Crater Lake National Park. This airport is 80 miles southwest of the park and takes about an hour and 45 minutes to arrive.

Rogue Valley International Medford Airport services many popular airlines, including Allegiant, American, Delta, and United. This airport offers nonstop flights to 12 major cities in the western U.S., including Salt Lake City (SLC), San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), and Las Vegas (LAS).

Driving to Crater Lake National Park

There are 3 entrances that can be utilized for those driving to Crater Lake National Park. The most popular entrances are the west and south entrances. Below, the routes from different major cities are laid out.

From the Medford Area

The drive from Medford to Crater Lake National Park takes approximately an hour and 45 minutes, just 80 miles apart. Travelers arriving from the Medford area in the west will follow Highway 62 to the west entrance. The park’s west entrance is open year-round.

From the Klamath Falls Area

Those coming from the Klamath Falls are in the south and are just 60 miles from Crater Lake National Park. Highway 97 to Highway 62 is the route that will bring you to the park’s south entrance. This entrance is also open year-round. This journey will take about an hour and a half to drive.

From the Eugene Area

From Eugene, travelers will leave Interstate 5 in Eugene and take Highway 58 to Highway 97. Turning west on Highway 138 will take you to that entrance if the north entrance is open.

There are times during the year when the north entrance is closed, so be sure to plan ahead. If it is closed, continue south on Highway 97 and drive through the town of Chiloquin until you can access Highway 62 to the park’s south entrance.

From the Roseburg Area

For those arriving from the Roseburg area, northwest of the park, Highway 138 East will take you to the park’s north entrance. If the north entrance is closed, follow Highway 138 to Highway 230 and then Highway 62. This route will take you to the west entrance of the park.

Taking the Train to Crater Lake National Park

Travelers who enjoy taking a trip by railway will be delighted to learn that Amtrak can get you very close to Crater Lake National Park.

Those who utilize Amtrak’s train service will arrive at the Klamath Falls station and can rent a car, Uber, or take the seasonal Crater Lake Trolley to the park’s entrance. Klamath Falls is only 60 miles from the park, making this an excellent option for those who prefer to let someone else do the bulk of the driving.

Taking the Bus to Crater Lake National Park

There are options for those who want to take a bus to Crater Lake National Park. These bus options vary based on which area you are arriving from.

Some popular bus lines include Greyhound Bus and the Route 60 bus from Rogue Valley Transportation. Greyhound takes guests from Portland to Medford, and the Route 60 bus takes guests from Klamath Falls to Crater Lake Avenue.

Bottom Line: Taking a bus will lengthen your journey as there are many stops along the way, but it’s an excellent option for those who would rather not drive their vehicle to Crater Lake National Park.

Getting Around Crater Lake National Park

There are several options for getting around Crater Lake National Park. The best option for navigating around the park is to use your vehicle. Other options, such as trolley tours and boat tours, are seasonally available. The National Park Service offers printable and interactive maps on its website to help guests map their itinerary.

It is important to note that cell phone service is extremely limited in and near Crater Lake National Park. A printed map or GPS device is essential to pack with you when visiting the park.

Another interesting bit of information is that the park doesn’t have a physical street address, which makes arriving a bit tricky if you are driving yourself. The best thing to do is to enter Rim Village as your destination or use the coordinates for Crater Lake National Park.

What To See and Do in Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park has something for every adventurer. There’s no shortage of activities, from cycling to birdwatching to amazing hikes and unique rock formations. Let’s discover the incredible opportunities for visitors to Crater Lake National Park.

Bicycling

Cyclists enjoy visiting Crater National Park and especially love riding the scenic Rim Drive. Each year more and more bicyclists come to ride around this beautiful park. Rim Drive is the most popular route for cyclists. This drive is 33 miles long and can be strenuous at times.

There are also several hazards for driving cycling this road, including steep, downhill sections, rocks, animals, and narrow roads without shoulders. While cycling through Crater Lake National Park is quite a feat, it is an adventure in which people from around the world enjoy participating.

Birdwatching

Over 250 species of birds have been found in Crater Lake National Park. This large number of birds makes birdwatching a popular activity for park guests of all ages and stages in life.

Each Tuesday morning during the summer, the Crater Lake National Park and Klamath Bird Observatory offer a bird banding demonstration where visitors can learn about the birds and their ecology and how data is collected for long-term conservation monitoring.

Guests can also see birds up close during these presentations. Popular species of birds in this park include the bald eagle, osprey, kingfisher, and American white pelicans. These fascinating birds are spotted in many areas around the park, including around the lake, on several of the trails, and on the caldera.

Boat and Trolley Tours

During the summer months, boat and trolley tours are available for an exciting view of Crater Lake National Park. These daily boat tours feature a park ranger who tells about the park and lake. The tour circles the caldera and highlights the incredible features of the park.

The Crater Lake Trolley offers daily park tours from July to September. This transportation service allows guests to sit back and enjoy the scenery of Crater Lake National Park.

The trolley traverses the 33-mile Rim Drive and makes 7 stops at popular overlooks in the park. A ranger rides along on the trolley, shares information about the park, and invites passengers to participate in trivia and commentary.

Cleetwood Cove Trail

For those wanting a closer view of Crater Lake, Cleetwood Cove Trail provides a close encounter with the beauty of the lake. Cleetwood Cove Trail is a steep, strenuous hike over a mile long. The trail ends on the shore of Crater Lake. Cleetwood Trail is the only permitted way to access the shore of Crater Lake. Many activities are available on the lake, such as boat tours, swimming, and fishing.

Fishing

Fishermen enjoy visiting Crater Lake National Park to fish in the pristine lake and flowing streams. There hasn’t been any evidence of native fish from Crater Lake, but from 1888 to 1941, the lake was stocked with 7 different types of fish. Two of those types of fish still thrive today, and the rest, unfortunately, do not.

An estimated 60,000 Kokanee salmon and rainbow trout currently make their home in the lake. There are also several streams in the park that are open for fishing and 2 that are closed in order to protect and preserve the native bull trout found in Crater Lake National Park.

Hiking Trails

There are 26 hiking trails for adventurers to trek in Crater Lake National Park. These trails range in difficulty from easy to strenuous, and each course begins at 4,000 feet in elevation. It is important to remember that the weather is unique in Crater Lake National Park, and to be prepared for snowy and icy trails from December to June.

Picnicking in the Park

A great way to rest and refuel while enjoying the beauty of Crater Lake National Park is to pause for a bit and set up a picnic in the park. Crater Lake has 4 picnic areas, including Goodbye Picnic Area, Lodgepole, Annie Falls, and the Ponderosa picnic area.

Bottom Line: These picnic areas are surrounded by the gorgeous trees and wildflowers in the park and are often visited by the wildlife that makes their home in Crater Lake National Park.

Ranger Programs

Ranger programs are offered during the winter and summer seasons at Crater Lake National Park. These programs are an excellent way to learn about and experience the park.

The summer programs typically begin in late June and continue through the middle of September. The winter ranger programs are exciting, with ranger-guided snowshoe walks being offered from late November through April.

There are even ranger programs available for youth ages 6 to 12. The junior ranger program provides opportunities for young visitors to learn about the Crater Lake area’s history, geology, and culture and earn badges once they complete various activities and challenges.

For those hoping to learn about the ranger programs, each visitor center offers a schedule of when and where these events take place.

Rim Village Walking Tour

The Rim Village Walking Tour is a self-guided walking tour that takes park visitors through the historic Rim Village district.

This tour skirts the caldera’s rim, and it takes about 3 hours to get the whole experience. Some major points of interest along the way include Kiser Studio, the Crater Lake Natural History Association Bookstore, and the Crater Lake Lodge area.

Participating in the Rim Village Walking tour is an ideal way to learn about and experience Crater Lake National Park.

Scenic Rim Drive

The Scenic Rim Drive is a 33-mile drive that showcases some of the most amazing places in Crater Lake National Park. The road provides access to 30 different overlooks throughout the park, 5 picnic areas, trailheads for many hikes, waterfalls, and incredible rock formations. The park system recommends a minimum of 2 hours to drive this scenic road.

Visitor Centers

There are 2 visitor centers located in Crater Lake National Park: Rim Visitor Center and Steel Visitor Center.

Rim Visitor Center

Rim Visitor Center is located in Rim Village in the historic Kiser Studio. Rangers are stationed at this visitor center and are eager to help guests with any questions or even help with planning their trip. Several exhibits about the park’s history, culture, and geology are set up for visitors to learn about Crater Lake National Park. Rim Visitor Center offers stunning views of Crater Lake, a gift shop, and picnic areas.

Steel Visitor Center

Steel Visitor Center is a great place to stop while visiting Crater Lake National Park. This visitor center offers access to the Lady of the Woods Trail and connects to the Castle Crest Trail. This visitor center features a ranger station where rangers happily answer questions about the park, several exhibits, a 25-minute film, and a gift shop.

Winter Activities

Crater Lake National Park receives an average of 42 feet of snow annually. The park offers exciting opportunities for winter adventure, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ranger-guided snowshoe walks, and snowmobiling.

Snow covers the park from November to May and sometimes even in October and June, which is great for adventurers at Crater Lake National Park. Visitors have an abundance of opportunities to participate in an endless list of winter activities.

Best Times To Visit Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park is open year-round, so you can essentially plan a visit to this national park anytime. There are many times throughout the year when certain areas and attractions throughout the park are closed down or inaccessible. Planning ahead is essential in order to check all the sights and activities off your must-see list during your trip to Crater Lake National Park.

Best Time to Visit Crater Lake National Park in the Winter

Visiting Crater Lake National Park in the winter is a magical experience. The park is bustling with thrilling winter activities and covered in a sparkling blanket of snow. The best time to visit this park for winter beauty and excitement is from mid-March to mid-April. This time frame provides breathtaking views of the giant snowbanks near Rim Village.

Hot Tip: There are fewer snowstorms during winter, and the days are longer, which means the skies are visitors can appreciate clear and spectacular views of the lake.

Best Time To Visit Crater Lake National Park To Avoid the Crowds

For those wanting to visit Crater Lake National Park and avoid crowds, an excellent time to visit is the month of September. In September, the number of summer visitors has decreased, and the park is typically much less crowded with school being back in session.

Another perk of visiting in September is that fall is beginning to make its appearance in the park. The weather is ideal, and fewer crowds make September a perfect time to visit Crater Lake National Park.

Best Time To Visit Crater Lake National Park in the Summer

Mid-July is an incredible time to visit Crater Lake National Park in the summer. By mid-July, the snow has finally melted, animals are migrating back to the area or coming out of hibernation, wildflowers are blooming, and all the roads and facilities are open. Visiting Crater Lake National Park in mid-July will be a magical experience to remember for ages.

Cheapest Time To Visit Crater Lake National Park

For those who want to visit Crater Lake National Park and save money simultaneously, the best time to visit is from mid- to late September.

The heavy crowds are fewer at this time of the year due to school going back in session. Flight rates and lodging prices are also lower at this time of year, making it a great time to visit Crater Lake National Park while being mindful of your budget.

Annual Events in Crater Lake National Park

Many events take place in Crater Lake National Park throughout the year. Whether you are interested in running a marathon, cycling through the park, or doing service projects, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Let’s look at some of the events offered in Crater Lake National Park.

Crater Lake Rim Run

Crater Lake Rim Run is an annual event in crater national Park each August. This event brings visitors from all over the U.S. and provides a unique, remarkable way to experience the park. The Crater Lake Rim Run is a 6.7-mile run/walk, 13.1-mile run, and 26.2-mile run around the rim of Crater Lake National Park. This run has been taking place for over 45 years.

Ride the Rim

Ride the Rim is an event that takes place each year in September. This event is hosted by Crater Lake National Park, Friends of Crater Lake, and Discover Klamath Visitor and Convention Bureau. Ride the Rim is a 2-day event for cyclists, runners, or walkers who enjoy adventure and nature. This free event takes place on 2 separate weekends in September in Crater Lake National Park.

Project Weekend

Project Weekend takes place each year in August at Crater Lake National Park. This is one of the most popular events for volunteers in the park. Those visiting the park during Project Weekend can camp, enjoy delicious foods, and participate in service-based projects to help care for Crater Lake National Park.

Participating in Project Weekend is a great way to enjoy the beauty of Crater Lake and make a positive impact so that others can enjoy visiting this park.

Where To Stay in Crater Lake National Park

There are many accommodation options for those planning to visit Crater Lake National Park. The park has several choices for lodging on its property, and there are several towns surrounding the park that offer even more options. From primitive camping adventures to luxury resorts, there is something for every traveler who comes to Crater Lake National Park.

Inside the Park

There are 2 options for lodging inside Crater Lake National Park. Crater Lake Lodge and the Cabins at Mazama Village are 2 facilities managed by Crater Lake Hospitality. These options have cabins and standard rooms available for guests throughout the year.

Other options for lodging in the camp include staying in one of the campgrounds on the property. Lost Creek Campground and Mazama Campground are 2 popular choices for camping enthusiasts.

For campers that prefer a more rustic and primitive experience, there are several backcountry camping sites throughout the park. Let’s explore the different options for staying in Crater Lake National Park.

Backcountry Camping

There is an abundance of backcountry campsites available in Crater Lake National Park. More than 95% of this park is managed as wilderness. There are options for camping in the summer months from June to September and all winter camping opportunities from October to May.

Backcountry camping permits are required year-round for any overnight trip in the park. These permits can be obtained from the ranger station at the park headquarters. This ranger station is 100 yards from the Steel Visitor Center.

Backcountry camping permits are free of charge, and those who plan to camp in the backcountry areas must have a valid park entrance pass for their trip.

The Cabins at Mazama Village

The Cabins at Mazama Village are situated in an old-growth forest of lodgepole pines. This rustic lodging facility offers modern conveniences to those who stay here.

The property consists of 10 cabins, each with 4 separate rooms. Other amenities include an amphitheater, camp store, and café near the village. This lodging option is open from late May to September.

Crater Lake Lodge

Crater Lake Lodge is a historic lodge surrounded by sub-alpine meadows and forests nearly 1,000 feet above Crater Lake. This lodge initially opened in 1915 and was reconstructed in 1995.

Crater Lake Lodge features 71 rooms, with several of those rooms showcasing incredible views of the lake, Rim Village, or the beautiful landscape that makes up Crater Lake National Park. This lodge is open from the middle of May to early October.

Lost Creek Campground

Lost Creek Campground typically opens early in June and closes in mid-October. This campground is considered primitive by many because there’s no water or other utilities available.

Lost Creek Campground offers 16 sites for those who are tent camping. Registration takes place on a self-service basis on the day of arrival. Campsites fill up quickly in this campground, so if you want to be sure to have a spot, it’s essential to arrive early.

Mazama Campground

Mazama Campground is open only during the summer, from June through September. This campground is in an old-growth forest at 6,000 feet in elevation.

Mazama Campground offers 214 sites with picnic tables, bear-resistant food lockers, and a fire ring. There are also seasonal flush toilets and coin-operated showers available. These sites are perfect for tent camping or for those using an RV or camper. Other features of this campground include a dump station, a camp store, and an amphitheater.

Towns Near Crater Lake National Park

Several towns surround Crater Lake National Park and make excellent choices for setting up a base camp during your national park vacation. Whether you are looking for excitement and entertainment or a peaceful place to retreat, these towns have a solution for everyone.

Ashland

Ashland has a variety of opportunities waiting for every visitor. Ashland is home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and the gateway to Rogue Wine Country.

Guests enjoy the world-class theater, wineries, hiking trails, and fine dining in Ashland. Lodging accommodations are plenty, with a plethora of charming bed and breakfasts throughout the town. This city is an hour and 45 minutes away from Crater Lake National Park, but well worth the drive.

Prospect

Prospect is about 37 miles from Crater Lake National Park. This city is centered around the notorious Prospect Historic Hotel.

Prospect has an impressive list of restaurants serving everything from freshly-caught seafood to artisan desserts. With local wineries and breweries, a host of cultural events, and a host of bed and breakfasts, resorts, and boutique hotels, there’s something for every traveler.

Shady Cove

Shady Cove is a charming city just an hour from Crater Lake National Park. This city offers incredible access to the Rogue River and a host of outdoor adventures, including snow sports, golfing, boating, and watersports.

Bottom Line: There are plenty of dining options and lodging accommodations available for visitors, no matter what type of stay they seek.

Where To Eat in Crater Lake National Park

There are several dining options for those who want to grab a bite in Crater Lake National Park. Some of these dining options are only open seasonally, but there’s always something available for a meal in the park. Crater Lake Hospitality is the park’s concessioner, and several places can provide you with precisely what you need to refuel and reset and get back out to explore the park.

Annie Creek Restaurant

Annie Creek Restaurant is located in Mazama Village. Annie Creek’s menu includes specialty sandwiches, pizza, soups, vegetarian meals, and local beer on tap. This family-friendly restaurant is open from May to September daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Crater Lake Lodge Dining Room

Crater Lake Lodge Dining Room is the on-site restaurant at the Crater Lake Lodge. This dining room boasts beautiful views of the lake and is perfect for enjoying a pleasant meal with friends or family.

Crater Lake Lodge Dining Room has a buffet available for breakfast and dinner service, and favorite menu items are the seafood étouffée, the herb-marinated flank steak, and the ratatouille.

The breakfast buffet is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Crater Lake Lodge Dining Room is open from May to October for breakfast and dinner daily. Reservations are required for those who want to dine here in the evening.

Rim Village Café

Rim Village Café is located near the Crater Lake Lodge. This dining option is ideal for those who need a grab-and-go meal. Rim Village Café provides a delightful light menu of sandwiches, salads, and snacks.

For those who don’t want to take their food on the run, there’s a patio with spectacular views of Crater Lake National Park. Rim Village Café is open daily and serves guests from 10 a.m to 5 p.m.

Crater Lake National Park Facts

1. A New National Park Established

Crater Lake National Park was established on May 22, 1902. Crater Lake was America’s sixth national park, following other well-known parks such as Yellowstone, Sequoia, and Yosemite National Parks.

2. Deepest Lake in America

Crater Lake is the deepest lake in America. At its deepest, it measures 1,943 feet deep. This famous lake is striking blue and filled with water directly from the snow or rain. This lake has no other water sources, making it an incredible landlocked lake.

3. Mazama Newt

The Mazama newt is a rough-skinned newt found only in Crater Lake. This amphibian is nicknamed the Crater Lake Newt and is believed to have been around for hundreds of years.

4. Old Man of the Lake

The Old Man of Crater Lake is a massive hemlock that has floated upright in Crater Lake for over 100 years. There are many ideas and beliefs regarding Old Man, from Native American legends to local explanations for this floating phenomenon.

Some believe Old Man is responsible for the weather at the park, while others have more scientific ideas about why it is floating and traveling upright.

This stump doesn’t just stay in one place, either. It floats upright day in and day out, incredibly traveling around the lake. This mystery keeps visitors coming to Crater Lake and trying to understand it more and more.

5. Wizard Island

Wizard Island is an exciting attraction in Crater Lake National Park. It got its name because it resembles a sorcerer’s hat. This island is actually the top of a cinder cone volcano. Visitors are welcome to take a boat tour to explore the island.

6. Phantom Ship

Phantom Ship is a natural rock formation in Crater Lake that resembles a ghost ship. This formation stands 170 feet above the water and is a popular must-see attraction for park visitors.

7. Father of Crater Lake

William Gladstone Steel is known as the Father of Crater Lake. He was an American journalist that spent nearly 2 decades campaigning for Crater Lake to become a national park. William Steel read about Crater Lake as a young child and was able to visit the area in 1885. He set out on a mission to have Crater Lake designated as a national park and was able to see that take place in 1902.

8. Extreme Weather

Crater Lake National Park has extreme weather that is not typical for other parts of the world. From October through June, the park is blanketed with snow, and snowfall has been known to reach up to 42 feet annually. Winter temperatures have dipped into the teens, and summers have reached up to 100 degrees.

9. Castle on the Cliff

A fascinating feature found inside Crater Lake National Park is Pumice Castle. This rock formation is also called Castle Rock, and it is made up of vibrant, orange, and pink volcanic information that looks exactly like a medieval castle. This stunning natural feature is a top attraction at Crater Lake National Park.

10. A Sacred Place

Crater Lake was and still is a sacred place to most Native Americans in Oregon and northern California. The Makalaks, now known as the Klamath Indians, believed if you looked at Crater Lake, it would lead to death. Many Native American groups still won’t look at Crater Lake because of these beliefs.

11. A Surplus of Wildlife

Crater Lake National Park is home to an abundance of animals. Over 70 species of mammals can be found in the park, including elk, deer, black bears, squirrels, and the adorable pika.

Besides the variety of mammals, several fish, amphibians, birds, and invertebrates make their home in the park. Some noteworthy animals found in Crater Lake National Park include the coastal-tailed frog, 3-toed woodpeckers, and the red fox.

Final Thoughts

Crater Lake National Park is a remarkable place filled with beauty, wonder, and mystery. No matter what type of adventure you are seeking, you can find everything you are looking for and more at Crater Lake National Park. Visiting this national park will surely leave you with memories to last a lifetime.