Crater Lake National Park

Understand

History

Crater Lake was formed from the collapse of Mount Mazama, a volcano in southern Oregon that once stood about 11,000 feet (3,353 m) tall. A series of destructive eruptions around 5000 BC caused the mountain's peak to collapse into its lava chamber, resulting in a caldera nearly 6 miles (9.7 km) wide. Over time, snowmelt and rain collected in the crater to form the lake, which at 1,949 feet (594 m) deep, is the deepest in the USA, 2nd in North America, and 9th in the world. Based on a comparison of average depths, however, Crater Lake at 1148 feet (350 m), is the deepest in the Western Hemisphere and third deepest in the world.

The first known white man to reach the lake was prospector John Hillman, who found the lake in 1853. Largely through the efforts of naturalist William Gladstone Steel, the United States declared Crater Lake a national park in 1902.

Landscape

Flora and fauna

Climate

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Crater Lake's location high in the Cascade mountains (over 7,000 feet/2,150 m above sea level) means that snow is often visible year-round. The lake is often enveloped in heavy snow during the fall, winter, and spring, forcing the closure of roads and trails. In fact, the lake averages 533 inches (1,353 cm) of snow a year. Consequently, the best time to visit Crater Lake is in the summer months, when all facilities, roads, and trails are open.

Visitor information

• Park website

Get in

By plane

The nearest major airport to Crater Lake National Park is Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR), located three miles (4.8 km) north of Medford and 80 miles (129 km) southwest of the park.

By car

From the north

• From Eugene, Portland, and points north on I-5: Follow Interstate 5 south to Exit 124 in Roseburg, then take Oregon 138 east to the park's north entrance.
• From Bend and Central Oregon: Follow U.S. 97 south to Oregon 138 west to the park's north entrance.

The north entrance is typically closed for the winter season (mid-October to mid-June).

From the south

• From Medford and points south on I-5: Follow Interstate 5 north to Exit 30 in Medford, then take Oregon 62 north and east to the park's west entrance (open year round).
• From Klamath Falls: Follow U.S. 97 north to route 62 north and west to the park's south entrance (open year round).

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.

Fees and permits

Entrance fees are valid for seven days. Entrance fees as of 2020 are:

• $15 Bicycle
• $25 Motorcycle
• $30 Car
• $55 Crater Lake Annual Pass

Get around

The 33-mile (53 km) Rim Drive encircles Crater Lake, giving varied perspectives of the lake, rim, and surrounding terrain. Open only during the summer from late June to mid-October, there are many overlooks with interpretive signs. The only access to the lake itself is by steep trail to Cleetwood Cove, where boat tours of the lake are offered. Numerous picnic areas are along the Rim Drive, as is hiking access from Rim Village to Garfield Peak. Rim Drive also accesses Lightning Springs (west side), Cleetwood Cove (north side), Mount Scott (east side), Sun Notch Viewpoint and Crater Peak (south side). Both Kerr Notch and Sun Notch Viewpoints are particularly spectacular viewpoints, with views down to Phantom Rock and across the lake to Wizard Island.

There are many trails open to horses. But, if you're not a cowboy then hiking the trails is also a great experience. While on the trails keep an eye open for the many deer grazing in the hills.

Stay safe

• Dogs and other pets are not allowed on park trails.
• Smoking is not allowed on any trail.
• Bicycling is permitted only on paved roads and the Grayback Drive.
• Feeding wild animals, including birds, is prohibited. Feeding animals is dangerous for you, bad for them, and harmful for the ecosystem.
• Stay on trails to protect vegetation and fragile hillsides. Shortcutting trails, particularly on switchbacks, can damage slopes, making them more susceptible to erosion and visual damage.
• Hiking on the caldera rim around the collapsed volcano is extremely dangerous and prohibited. People have fallen to their deaths not only by slips and falls, but from unexpected rock slides underfoot.
• Be prepared; equip yourself with water, food, warm clothing, rain gear, and anything else appropriate to the trail you take. It is better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.
• Leave all rocks, plants and artifacts undisturbed for the enjoyment of future visitors.
• Do not drink water from park streams or from the lake without properly treating it.
• Hunting is not permitted in Crater Lake National Park.