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
May 15 Weather icon
May 16 Weather icon
May 17 Weather icon
May 18 Weather icon
May 19 Weather icon
May 20 Weather icon
May 21 Weather icon
May 22 Weather icon
last updated: 2 hr

DIRECTIONS INFO

Sparks, Nevada
Navigate to Park
6.8 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

West Rim Drive Beyond Discovery Point Temporarily CLOSED to Skiers and Snowshoers, 5/12-16/25

West Rim Drive from Discovery Point north is CLOSED to skiers, snowshoers, and hikers from 6:00 AM Monday, 5/12 through 12:00 PM Friday, 5/16. This is to allow plow operators to work safely on a very challenging section of West Rim Drive.

PARK CLOSURE

North Entrance Road and Most of Rim Drive Remain CLOSED.

North Entrance Road, East & most of West Rim Drives remain CLOSED with deep snow. The road from Rim Village to Discovery Point is now open for vehicles. Most roads will not reopen until mid to late June or July 2025. Hwy 62 & Munson Valley Rd are open.

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.

CAUTION

No Gasoline is Available in the Park

The gas pumps at Mazama Village are CLOSED for the season. Please plan ahead and fill up your tank before heading to the park.

PARK CLOSURE

Trail Closures Due to the Middle Fork Fire

The Bald Crater Loop, Bert Creek and Boundary Springs Trails are closed until further notice due to potentially hazardous conditions created by the Middle Fork Fire. The Pacific Crest Trail through the park is now completely open for hikers.

more
More Info