Parks / Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park
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.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (3)
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.
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.
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.
Road Conditions
East Rim Drive from Park HQ to Phantom Ship Overlook is currently CLOSED for road construction. · East Rim Drive and Pinnacles Road
Year 4 of East Rim Drive Construction Project.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
East Rim Drive from Park HQ to Phantom Ship Overlook is currently CLOSED for road construction. · East Rim Drive and Pinnacles Road
Year 4 of East Rim Drive Construction Project.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
East Rim Drive from Park HQ to Phantom Ship Overlook is currently CLOSED for road construction. · East Rim Drive and Pinnacles Road
Year 4 of East Rim Drive Construction Project.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
East Rim Drive from Park HQ to Phantom Ship Overlook is currently CLOSED for road construction. · East Rim Drive and Pinnacles Road
Year 4 of East Rim Drive Construction Project.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Entrance Fees
If you visit twice in 12 months purchasing the park's annual pass will save you money. It is valid at Crater Lake National Park as well as Lava Beds National Monument, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. This annual pass costs $55 and admits the pass owner and all accompanying passengers in a single, private, noncommercial vehicle (or the pass owner plus up to three people when entry is by other means).
Campgrounds (2)
Lost Creek Campground
CLOSED ALL YEAR 2026 Lost Creek Campground is managed by the National Park Service. It usually opens in early July and closes in mid-October, depending on weather and other factors. It is for tent campers only--NO RVs, buses, trailers, or vans and truck with toilets. Registration is self-serve on the day of arrival. No advance registration is available. The campground fills by mid-afternoon. The only means of knowing site availability is upon arrival at the campground. The elevation 6,000 ft. (1,829 m).
Details →Mazama Campground
Mazama Campground is open only in summer. It typically opens in June and closes in late September. The exact opening and closing dates are determined each year by the snow level in the camp sites, safety issues, and other factors. The campground is nestled in an old-growth forest at 6,000 ft. (1,829 m) in elevation. There are 214 sites each with a picnic table, fire ring, and bear-resistant food locker. The concessioner, ExplorCraterLake, manages the campground. For more details go to reservations.
Details →Upcoming Events
Lodge Talk
Aug 31, 2026 · Talks are offered either in the Great Hall or on the back porch. Check at the visitor center for exact location.
Watchman Peak Sunset Hike
Sep 4, 2026 · Hike begins at the Watchman Peak Trailhead.
Things to Do
Biking at Crater Lake
Each year, increasing numbers of cyclists come to Crater Lake National Park to ride around the lake on the physically demanding, 33 mile (53 km) Rim Drive. Steep hills at high elevation may encourage even the most fit riders to pause at many of the road's thirty overlooks and pull-outs. The payoff however is spectacular scenery, viewed at a pace that few visitors choose to take enough time for.
Scenic Rim Drive
The historic Rim Drive includes 33-miles (53-km) of lake views, panoramic vistas, forests and meadows. The contours of the road were designed to compliment the natural landscape, and disappear from view as you look across the lake from any point.
Snowshoeing at Crater Lake
Snowshoeing is a popular activity during the long winter at Crater Lake National Park.
Visitor Centers
- Rim Visitor Center
- Steel Information Center
Webcams
Source: National Park Service.