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Crater Lake National Park is one of the most impressive sites in the United States! The diverse attractions and amazing scenery will provide excitement to everyone who visits.
In this Crater Lake National Park guide, we will discuss everything you need to know for trip!
Table of Contents
Crater Lake National Park Guide
Geological Formation of Crater Lake
Around 7,700 years ago, Mount Mazama erupted in one of the most violent volcanic events in North American history. This caused the summit of the volcano to collapse and create a caldera.
Over centuries, the caldera filled with rainwater, creating the iconic lake we see today (the same process created Lake Quilotoa in Ecuador).
History of Crater Lake
Crater Lake was designated as a National Park in 1902 by President Theodore Roosevelt. It is the 5th oldest National Park in the United States!
The park’s primary goal was to protect the pristine waters of Crater Lake, the surrounding forests, and the unique geological features resulting from the collapse of Mount Mazama.
Location and Accessibility
Crater Lake National Park is located in southern Oregon, within the Cascade Range. It is approximately 60 miles (95 km) north of the California border and 100 miles (160 km) east of the Pacific Ocean.
The park covers an area of 183,224 acres, with 670,500 visitors visiting the park in 2020.
Accessibility to Crater Lake is generally good, with several routes leading to the park. The park is accessible year-round, though winter conditions can make travel challenging due to heavy snowfall and potential road closures.
During the summer months, all park roads and facilities are usually open, including Rim Drive, a scenic route that circles the lake. In winter, the north entrance and Rim Drive close due to snow, but the south entrance remains open, and visitors can still enjoy winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Getting to Crater Lake National Park
Driving to Crater Lake
The best way to explore Crater Lake National Park is by car. You can find several nearby locations, including Klamath Falls, where you can rent a car.
From Portland, OR
The drive from Portland to Crater Lake is approximately 250 miles (402 km) and takes about 4.5 hours. The most common route is to take I-5 South to OR-58 East, then follow OR-138 East to the park’s north entrance.
From Medford, OR
If you’re starting in Medford, the drive is shorter, around 80 miles (128 km), and takes about 2 hours. Take OR-62 East directly to the park’s west entrance.
From Bend, OR
Driving from Bend, Oregon to Crater Lake is approximately 140 miles (225 km) and takes around 3 hours. Follow US-97 South to OR-138 West, which will lead you directly to the north entrance.
Public Transportation to Crater Lake
There is currently no public transportation to Crater Lake.
Closest Airports to Crater Lake
Rogue Valley-Medford Airport in Medford, Oregon is about 75 miles (120 km) from Crater Lake National Park.
Redmond Municipal Airport in Redmond, Oregon is about 122 miles (196 km) from Crater Lake National Park.
Activities and Things to Do at Crater Lake National Park
Rim Drive
Rim Drive is one of the main highlights of the park. This 33-mile (53-km) paved road circles Crater Lake, providing impressive views of the park.
There are over 30 spots to pull out and check out the view during this 2-3 hour drive.
Wizard Island
Wizard Island is the very recognizable island in the middle of Crater Lake. Many people believe it to be the peak of Mount Mazama. However, it is actually a newer volcano that erupted from the lake about 7,300 years ago.
There are also occasionally boat tours that will take you to Wizard Island. However, these are not always running, so check in advance.
Sinnott Overlook
The Sinnott Overlook provides one of the best views of Crater Lake! It is located behind the Rim Village Visitor Center on the southern coast of the lake.
In addition to the amazing view of Crater Lake, the Sinnott Overlook also has geology exhibits explaining the formation of the lake. It is open from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm.
Phantom Ship
Phantom Ship Island is much smaller than Wizard Island, and many visitors completely miss it!
While on the Rim Drive, you may notice an island off the southern coast resembling a small sailboat. This is actually over 160 ft (48m) tall!
Phantom Ship Island is over 400,000 years old! It is the oldest exposed rock within the caldera.
Cleetwood Cove Trail
The only (legal) way to reach the shore of Crater Lake is to take Cleetwood Cove Trail. This is a steep 1.1 mile (1.7 km) hike that drops 700 ft (213 m) in elevation.
Hikers should be in good shape and have good hiking shoes. There are toilets at the top of the trail.
This trail is normally open from mid-June to late October.
Swimming at Crater Lake
Once you make it to the shore of Crater Lake, you are able to swim in the water. There are no lifeguards available. In addition, swimmers must stay within 100 yards of shore and not leave Cleetwood Cove.
The shore is rocky and slippery. Be very careful if you are climbing on rocks. There is a small rocky cliff where people jump into the water, but be sure you are a good swimmer before attempting it!
Fishing at Crater Lake
Fishing is also permitted at the bottom of Cleetwood Cove Trail. You do not need a fishing license, and there are no restrictions on the size, type, or number of fish you take. However, you cannot use organic bait.
Rainbow trout and kokanee salmon are both present in the lake. Both species were introduced in Crater Lake by humans about 100 years ago.
Best Times to Visit Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park is open 365 days a year. The best time to come is between July and September.
From mid-October to mid-June, much of the park, including Rim Drive, is closed due to snow.
If you come in July or early August, you will see wildflowers line most of the parks roads and trails.
Lodging and Accommodation Options
If you want to stay in the park, there are two hotels available: Crater Lake Lodge, which overlooks the lake, and The Cabins at Mazama Village.
There are two campgrounds available: Mazama Campground and Lost Creek Campground. You can reserve your site in advance here.
There are also a few hotel options available in nearby Fort Klamath.
Check out the map below to see available accommodations in Fort Klamath.
Tips for Visiting Crater Lake National Park
What to Pack
- Good hiking shoes
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Lifestraw
- Insect repellant (during the summer months)
- Food and water
- Drawstring bag
Safety Tips
- No hiking or climbing inside the caldera! You can only access the shore of Crater Lake via the Cleetwood Cove Trail
- Stay on the hiking trails, not only for your safety, but also to prevent erosion
- About 50 black bears live in the park. There are also bobcats and mountain lions, but these are rare. Make sure not to approach or feed the wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crater Lake Worth Visiting?
Yes, Crater Lake is definitely worth visiting! Even if you only have one day to visit, you should be able to explore all of its main attractions.
How Deep is Crater Lake?
Crater Lake is 1,943 ft (592 m) deep, making it the deepest lake in the United States. It is 300 ft deeper than Lake Tahoe, the 2nd deepest lake in the country.
Crater Lake is also the 9th deepest lake in the world, and the deepest lake in the world formed by volcanic activity!
Can You Swim in Crater Lake?
Yes, you can swim in the lake. You are only able to swim at the bottom of the Cleetwood Cove Trail. The water is very cold, but very refreshing! It is also very clear.
Can You Drink From Crater Lake?
Because there are no inlets to Crater Lake, such as rivers, which can carry silt or pollution, the water in Crater Lake is very clean! In fact, it is arguably cleaner than most tap water.
However, don’t drink the water at Cleetwood Cove. The presence of swimmers has made this section of water less clean. Make sure to use a Lifestraw if you drink from around this area.
