Crater Lake, Oregon
Crater Lake National Park

Today, Crater Lake is widely known for its intense blue color and spectacular views. During summer, visitors may navigate the 33-mile Rim Drive around the lake, enjoy boat tours on the lake surface, stay in the historic Crater Lake Lodge, camp at Mazama Village, or hike some of the park's various trails including Mount Scott at 8,929 feet. Diverse interpretative programs enhance visitors' knowledge and appreciation of this national park, 90% of which is managed as wilderness. The winter brings some of the heaviest snowfall in the country, averaging 533 inches per year. Although park facilities mostly close for this snowy season, visitors may view the lake during fair weather, enjoy cross-country skiing, and participate in weekend snowshoe hikes.

Crater Lake National Park attracts approximately 500,000 visitors per year, with the high season being July and August. Crater Lake National Park is located in southern Oregon on the crest of the Cascade Range, 100 miles from the Pacific coast. The National Park was established in 1902 and encompases 183,244 square miles. The 33-mile Rim Drive around Crater Lake is a two lane road that has more than 20 scenic overlooks. From mid-October until mid-June, the north entrance and Rim Drive are closed to the public due to deep snow and ice buildups along the road. Rim Drive around the east side of the lake can be closed earlier than mid-October and may not open until July. Deer and other wildlife crossing the road and icy conditions at any time of the year provide hazards to drivers.

Excerpts courtesy of:
U. S. National Park Service - Crater Lake National Park Website, 1999

For More National Park Information

Link to: Crater Lake National Park Website

Crater Lake National Park
P.O. Box 7
Crater Lake, OR 97604
541-594-2211 - Visitor Information, x402
TDD (541) 594-2261

From the North:

• From Roseburg - Route 138 east to the park's north entrance.
• From Bend - Route 97 south to route 138 west to the park's north entrance.
• *The park's north entrance is typically closed for the winter season from mid-October to mid-June.

From the South:

• From Medford - Route 62 north and east to the park's west entrance.
• From Klamath Falls - Route 97 north to route 62 north and west to the park's south entrance.

-- Excerpts from: Wood and Kienle, 1990, Volcanoes of North America: United States and Canada: Cambridge University Press, 354p., p.193-195, Contribution by Charles R. Bacon; and U. S. National Park Service, Crater Lake National Park Website, 2001

The 33-mile Rim Drive encircles Crater Lake, with each mile giving a very different perspective of the lake, rim, and surrounding terrain. Open only during the summer from late June to mid-October, there are numerous overlooks, many with interpretive signs. The only access to the lake itself is via a steep trail to Cleetwood Cove, where boat tours of the lake are offered. Numerous picnic areas can be found along the Rim Drive, as well as hiking access to Garfield Peak (from Rim Village), Lightning Springs (west side), Cleetwood Cove (north side), Mount Scott (east side), Sun Notch Viewpoint and Crater Peak (south side). Both Kerr Notch and Sun Notch Viewpoints are particularly spectacular viewpoints, with views down to Phantom Rock and across the lake to Wizard Island. To protect the fragile meadows, please stay on the established trails!

Crater Lake and Wizard Island from Crater Rim Drive

Mount Scott Trail: highest peak in the park, fire lookout, 5 miles roundtrip, "strenuous" climb, 1,500 foot rise (7,450 to 8,929 feet), allow 3 hours. The trailhead is located 14 miles east of Park Headquarters, across the East Rim Drive from the road to Cloudcap Overlook. Excellent view of the lake, and a panoramic view of the east side of the park and the Klamath Basin.

Caldera Highpoint - Hillman Peak

Inside A Volcano

Visitors wishing to reach the lakeshore of Crater Lake will need to hike the Cleetwood Cove trail. Located on the north side of Crater Lake, it is the only safe and legal access to the lake. The trail is one mile in length (one-way) and drops 700 feet as you descend from the East Rim Drive trailhead to the lakeshore. On your return trip, this is comparable to climbing 65 flights of stairs! The Cleetwood Cove hiking trail is recommended only for those in good physical condition and should not be attempted by visitors with heart, breathing, or leg problems. It is not accessible for visitors with mobility impairments. Hikers are advised to wear closed-toe shoes and bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent. Toilets are available at both the trailhead and the boat dock area, however are not available on Wizard Island. Due to the park's heavy snow conditions, the trail typically does not open until late June and closes in mid-October.

Cleetwood Cove Trail: 1.5 hours, 2.2 miles roundtrip, a "strenuous" hike with and 11% grade (6,850 to 6, 176 feet). Parking area is 4.5 miles east of North Junction. Trail is acceess to lake shore and boat ramp.

Climb a Volcano within a Volcano

Following the collapse of Mount Mazama, lava poured into the caldera even as the lake began to rise. Today, a small volcanic island, Wizard Island, appears on the west side of the lake. This cinder cone rises 760 feet (233 meters) above the lake and is surrounded by black volcanic lava blocks. A small crater, 300 feet (90 meters) across and 90 feet (27 meters) deep, rests on the summit. The crater is filled by snow during the winter months, but remains dry during the summer.

Wizard Island Summit: 1 hour, not including travel to the island from Cleetwood boat docks. A "moderate" climb, 0.9 miles one way with approximately an 800 feet rise (6,176 to 6,940 feet). Trailhead is the Wizard Island boat dock. Views from the summit include a 360 degree panorama of Crater Lake's caldera walls, plus the 90 foot deep crater within Wizard Island.

Excerpts from: -- U. S. National Park Service, Crater Lake National Park Website, January 2001, and June 2001