Summary
1/2
Entrances open
$30
7-day fee
1 live
Camera
Historic Crowd Data
Avg. monthly visitors, 2015–2024 · National Park Service
Light
Moderate
Busy
Very Busy
Peak season is July–August, when around 49% of annual visitors arrive. For lighter crowds, aim for October–May.
Plan Your Visit
Winter Access & Snow Safety40+ ft/yr snow▾
Park Entrances & Fees1 open · $30▾
North Entrance
Closed in Winter
SR-138
Closes for the season with the North Entrance Road and Rim Drive — typically late October through mid/late June, weather dependent.
💡 Check current road status before you go — reopening dates shift year to year with snowpack.
NPS directions ↗
South Entrance
Open Year-Round
SR-62, via Munson Valley Rd / Annie Spring
The reliable year-round route to Rim Village and Steel Visitor Center. Tire chains often required in winter even when open.
💡 This is the entrance to use outside summer — it's the only one that reliably stays open.
NPS directions ↗
Rim Drive
Seasonal · 33 mi
Full caldera-rim scenic loop
The complete loop around the lake — typically open only mid/late June through October. Partial sections may open earlier.
💡 Some overlooks are accessible from the South Entrance side even when the full loop isn't open yet.
NPS road status ↗
Lake Access & Boat ToursClosed thru 2028▾
Campgrounds2 areas▾
Mazama Campground Reservation Only ▾
Sites214
Elevation~6,000 ft
SeasonJul 1 – Oct 1 (reservable); late May–Jun weather-dependent, first-come
Price$35 tent/RV · $48 electric · $57 full hookup
Book on Recreation.gov ↗
Lost Creek Campground First-Come, First-Served ▾
Sites16 (tent only)
Elevation~6,000 ft
Season~July – early October
NotesSmall & quiet, no advance reservations
Campground details ↗
Landmarks & Trailheads7 stops▾
Rim Drive & Overlooks2 stops▾
Rim Drive~2–3 hrs
33-mi scenic loop around the caldera, seasonal
The Pinnacles~30 min
Volcanic pumice & ash spires, east side
Peaks & Trails3 stops▾
Mount Scott TrailStrenuous
highest point, 8,929 ft
~5 mi RT
Garfield Peak TrailModerate
sweeping lake views
~3.4 mi RT
Watchman Peak TrailModerate
historic fire lookout
~1.6 mi RT
Lake Access2 stops▾
Cleetwood Cove Trail~2.2 mi RT
Only legal lake-shore access · closed 2026–2028
Wizard IslandUnavailable through 2028
Boat access only · tours suspended
Things to Do5 categories▾
Winter Sports4 ways▾
Ranger-Led Snowshoe Walks1–2 mi · Nov–May
Free 2-hour walks through Rim Village forest & meadow; snowshoes provided, ages 8+, no experience needed, reservations required
Cross-Country SkiingUngroomed · Nov–May
Ungroomed backcountry routes along West Rim Drive to lake overlooks and East Rim Drive to Vidae Falls; prohibited inside the caldera
Circling the Lake (Ski Loop)Permit required
Multi-day backcountry ski circuit around the caldera rim; best March–April, requires winter camping & avalanche skills
31 mi
SleddingNov–May
No designated sled hill — the open meadow south of Crater Lake Lodge is the popular spot; prohibited in the caldera, on roadways & in parking lots
Fishing3 notes▾
Stream & Creek FishingNo license · Year-round
No license required; only non-organic artificial lures allowed, no live or dead bait. Open on most park streams and Annie Creek outside the south entrance
Lake FishingClosed access thru 2028
Wizard Island docks stay open when boats aren't present, but Cleetwood Cove — the only lake-shore access — is closed through 2028, limiting lake fishing
Protected SpeciesCatch & release
Bull trout inhabit some streams and must be released immediately if caught; Sun Creek & Lost Creek are closed to protect them
Ranger & Junior Ranger Programs2 ways▾
Ranger ProgramsSummer · Free
Daily talks & walks blending science, history & art, offered during peak summer season
Junior Ranger ActivitiesSummer · Free
Family programs held four times a day at Rim Village during summer months
Stargazing & Night SkyPending certification▾
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Crater Lake is pursuing International Dark Sky Park certification (not yet certified as of this writing) and has been informally ranked among the best US national parks for stargazing by third-party studies, thanks to its high elevation and distance from major light pollution. Best on new-moon nights from Rim Drive overlooks — bring a red flashlight to preserve night vision and dress warm, as high-elevation nights get cold fast even in summer. NPS night sky info ↗
Bird WatchingTop 5 species▾
Clark's Nutcracker
Whitebark pine seed disperser at the rim
Bald Eagle
Fishes near Wizard Island
Osprey
Dives for fish over the caldera lake
Peregrine Falcon
Nests on the caldera cliffs
Gray Jay
Bold camp visitor in the conifers
Lake & Stream Levels2 gauges▾
Crater Lake Surface Elevation
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Annie Spring near Crater Lake
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Gauge HeightLoading…
Water TempLoading…
Concession Information4 locations▾
Rim Village2 locations▾
Crater Lake Lodge Dining RoomSeasonal
Historic lodge dining
Rim Village Café & Gift ShopYear-round
Café · gifts
Mazama Village2 locations▾
Annie Creek Restaurant & Gift ShopEarly Jun – Oct
Casual dining · gifts
Mazama Village StoreSeasonal
Groceries · camping supplies · gas
Park Contact Information