Crater Lake National Park

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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.
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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
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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.
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Alerts

INFORMATION

East Rim Drive Delays

A one lane closure will be in place on East Rim Drive east of Phantom Ship Overlook due to road construction. Expect delays between 7am and 5pm on Saturday 8/22 and Monday 8/24.

INFORMATION

Mount Scott Trail Closure on August 25, 2026

The Mount Scott Trail will be closed on August 25, 2026 to allow for the paving of the trailhead parking lot. The area will be closed to all pedestrian traffic to ensure the safety of park visitors and the construction contractors.

CAUTION

Fire Restrictions in Effect

To ensure public safety and to provide the highest degree of protection to park resources, fire restrictions are in effect until further notice.

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PARK CLOSURE

East Rim Drive is CLOSED from Park Headquarters to Phantom Ship Overlook

East Rim Drive is currently CLOSED to all public access from Park Headquarters to Phantom Ship Overlook for road construction. West Rim Drive, North Entrance Road, East Rim Drive from North Junction to Phantom Ship Overlook, Cloudcap Road, and Pinnacles Road are now OPEN for travel.

PARK CLOSURE

Cleetwood Cove Trail is CLOSED for Rehabilitation

The Cleetwood Cove Trail is CLOSED for construction. This critical project will fully rehabilitate the trail and marina to ensure safe access to the lake, provide a much-improved visitor experience, and protect the environment.

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