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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last updated: 13 min

DIRECTIONS INFO

Sunnyvale, California
Navigate to Park
8.2 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

PARK CLOSURE

Road from Park Headquarters to Rim Village is Temporarily CLOSED

The NPS closed the "road to the rim" from Park Headquarters to Rim Village in response to surprise hazardous weather conditions (snow and ice). This is a typical weather-based temporary closure. The NPS will regularly assess conditions and plow if/when safe to do so, with the goal of re-opening the road as soon as practical. Based on the current forecast, this may not be until Friday (11/7).

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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

Prescribed Burning in Progress - Expect Smoke Along Munson Valley Road

Weather conditions are favorable for the park to do some necessary burning of wood piles to enhance fire safety along the road between Hwy 62 and Park Headquarters. Expect smoky conditions and be on the lookout for firefighters and their vehicles along the road corridor. Please drive with caution and do not report the fires in this area.

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.

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