Page Updated: March 06, 2024
Crater Lake National Park
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Wizard Island - Crater Lake National Park OR
Over 7700 years ago, a violent explosion and subsequent collapse of Mount Mazama created one of the most spectacular sites in the modern world - we know it today as Crater Lake. Oregon’s only national park, Crater Lake National Park treats half a million visitors each year to old-growth forest, sub-alpine to wet meadows, and breathtaking panoramic views of one of the world’s deepest lakes.
Summer boat tours to Wizard Island provide visitors with the unique opportunity to experience Crater Lake from the water; as well at the chance to roam the 763ft cinder cone created after the volcano’s collapse.
Measuring at a depth of 1943 ft, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the US.
Crater Lake was designated as a National Park in 1902
Crater Lake rests atop a collapsed volcano known as a caldera.
Containing some of the clearest water in the world, the lake is fed entirely by precipitation and has no outlet to rivers or streams.
Scenic Drive
The long and winding 33 mile Rim Drive - aka Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, is a two lane blacktop looping Crater Lake with a speed limit of 35mph. It passes 30 lookouts, 5 picnic areas, and a number of geological features and hiking trails.
The road closes in the winter months. And occasionally may be partially closed during open season for rockslides.
The month of September brings the annual Ride the Rim event that closes East Rim Drive on the second and third Saturdays for cyclists, runners, and hikers.
Hiking
Traditional hiking in Crater Lake occurs summer to early autumn. The park has plenty of hikes varying distance and elevation to choose from.
High snow fall and ice closes most trails from December to late June. However, snowshoeing is available in the winter months! And off-trail ranger-guided snowshoe walks are offered near park headquarters - no experience required!
NPS Map Crater Lake
Camping
Two campgrounds serve front-country camping within Crater Lake National Park.
Open only in the summer, Mazama Campground - located near the Annie Spring Entrance Station - has 214 sites and typically has sites available in June. Opening dates flux yearly based on snow levels. And, June sites are first come, first served. During the months of July, August, and September, all sites are reservation only. Bear-resistant food lockers, picnic tables, and fire rings can be found at each site.
Lost Creek Campground - located off Grayback Drive - is listed on the NPS website and has 16 tent only sites. This campground was closed for the whole of the 2022 season and is slated to remain closed for the entirety of 2023.
With long winters and high-elevation trails remaining snowy well into the month of July, summer backpackers have a short camping season at Crater Lake. And summer brings fire season with the possibility of additional closures. Even so, the park has 5 primitive areas for permitted backcountry camping in the summer.
Regulations for winter backcountry camping differ from summer’s, but backcountry camping requires permit at all times.
For current info, news, and updates on all things Crater Lake - including fees, permits, and closures - visit Crater Lake National Park at nps.gov
2021 JUL
As a science geek, it’s a little astonishing to stand on a hillside of Crater Lake and know that where you’re standing was once a raging volcano! Our 2021 visit!
