Crater Lake National Park

OR
Crater Lake inspires awe. Native Americans witnessed its formation 7,700 years ago, when a violent eruption triggered the collapse of a tall peak. Scientists marvel at its purity—fed by rain and snow, it’s the deepest lake in the USA and one of the most pristine on Earth. Artists, photographers, and sightseers gaze in wonder at its blue water and stunning setting atop the Cascade Mountain Range.
Park photoPark photoPark photoPark photoPark photoPark photoPark photoPark photo
1/ 8

WEATHER INFO

July, August, and September are your best bets for warm, dry weather. In May, June, and October, sunny days alternate with periods of rain and snow. Winters at Crater Lake are long and snowy. Storms from the Pacific Ocean dump an annual average of 41 feet (13.5 meters) of snow at park headquarters. When it's raining or snowing, the lake is usually hidden by clouds. Crater Lake is completely invisible about 50% of the time in the winter!

Weather @ Crater Lake
Feb 24 Weather icon
Feb 25 Weather icon
Feb 26 Weather icon
Feb 27 Weather icon
Feb 28 Weather icon
Mar 1 Weather icon
Mar 2 Weather icon
Mar 3 Weather icon
last updated: 1 hr

DIRECTIONS INFO

Alcatraz Island, California
Navigate to Park
8.0 hr
Crater Lake
From the west (Medford) - Take Hwy 62 to the West Entrance. Open year-round. From the south (Klamath Falls) - Take Hwy 97 north to Hwy 62 to the South Entrance. Open year-round. The North Entrance is on Hwy 138 and is accessed from Interstate 5 east at Roseburg or Hwy 97 south from Bend and Chemult. Winter travelers from Roseburg take Route 138 east to Route 230 south to Route 62 east to the park's west entrance. Travelers from Bend take Route 97 south to Route 62 to the park's south entrance.
View Campgrounds
Alerts

PARK CLOSURE

Road to Rim Village is Temporarily CLOSED

The road from Park Headquarters to Rim Village is CLOSED due to the current weather system. No view of the lake is accessible by vehicle at this time. Please use caution if driving in the park. All Oregon Chain Laws apply.

more

PARK CLOSURE

North Entrance Road and Rim Drive are CLOSED for the Season

The North Entrance Road and Rim Drive are now CLOSED for the season. They will not reopen until mid to late June or July 2026.

CAUTION

No Gasoline Available in Park

The gas station at Mazama Village has closed for the season. No gasoline is available for purchase in the park. Running out of gas will require calling a tow truck to assist. Please plan accordingly!

CAUTION

Roads May Be Icy - Please Use Caution!

Even though the sun is shining, the open roads in the park may still have icy patches, especially in the mornings and evenings when the temperatures drop. Please drive with caution.

More Info