Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park in southern Oregon contains the deepest lake in the United States, reaching depths of 1,943 feet. The lake formed 7,700 years ago when Mount Mazama volcano collapsed after a violent eruption. From the Watchman Overlook, you can see Wizard Island rising from the blue waters. Walk the Cleetwood Cove Trail to swim in the cold lake waters, or spot black bears and elk in the surrounding pine forests while hiking the Mount Scott Trail to the park's highest point at 8,929 feet.

Getting to Crater Lake

The closest major airport is in Medford (MFR), 75 miles from park headquarters. From Portland International Airport, you can drive 4.5 hours south through the Cascade Mountains. During summer months (July through Labor Day), you can take Amtrak's Coast Starlight to Klamath Falls and connect to the park via shuttle service. The park has three entrances - west, south, and north (closed in winter) - with limited cell reception, so download directions beforehand.

Weather and Seasonal Planning

The park gets an average of 43 feet of snow annually, making it one of the snowiest places in the United States. July and August temperatures reach around 70°F (21°C) with clear skies - the best conditions for viewing the lake. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, with December averaging 33°F (1°C) highs and 19°F (-7°C) lows. Many roads close from October through June due to snow.

Exploring Rim Drive

The 33-mile Rim Drive circles the caldera with over 30 viewpoints of the lake. At Discovery Point, gold prospector John Hillman first found the lake in 1853. From Watchman Overlook, you can see Wizard Island, a cinder cone that emerged from the lake 7,300 years ago. A one-mile spur road leads to Cloudcap Overlook at Oregon's highest paved elevation. You can drive the route from early July through October.

Hiking Trails

The Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only path to the lake, descending 700 feet over 1.1 miles. You'll need to make a strenuous climb back up, but you can swim in the lake and access boat tours at the bottom. The 2.5-mile Mount Scott Trail leads to the park's highest point at 8,929 feet. For an easier walk, take the 2.2-mile round trip Plaikni Falls Trail to a 20-foot cascade. Rangers lead guided hikes during summer months.

Winter Activities

You can cross-country ski and snowshoe on several unmarked routes through forests and along the rim. None of the trails are groomed. Pick up maps and trail descriptions from the winter newspaper at the park. Bring warm layers, emergency supplies, and navigation tools - the weather can change quickly at high elevations. The Steel Visitor Center stays open year-round except Christmas Day.

Wildlife and Natural Environment

You might see black bears, elk, and mule deer in the pine forests. Bald eagles and peregrine falcons fly above the caldera rim. While the lake has no native fish, you can find kokanee salmon and rainbow trout, introduced in the late 1800s. The park covers 183,224 acres of volcanic landscapes, from pumice deserts to alpine meadows with summer wildflowers.

Accommodation

The historic Crater Lake Lodge (built 1915) sits on the caldera rim and is open from late May through mid-October. Mazama Campground has 121 tent sites and 75 RV spots in the pine forest from mid-June through September. You can find additional lodging in towns within 20 miles of the park.