Crater Lake National Park in southern Oregon's Klamath County preserves the caldera of Mount Mazama, a volcano that collapsed approximately 7,700 years ago to create the deepest lake in the United States at 1,943 feet. The lake's extraordinary blue color results from exceptional water clarity and depth, with visibility extending more than 100 feet below the surface. Visitors arrive via the 33-mile Rim Drive, a scenic loop providing access to more than 30 overlooks including Watchman Peak, Cloudcap Overlook at 7,960 feet, and Rim Village. From Cloudcap, panoramic views encompass Wizard Island — a cinder cone rising 764 feet from the lake — and the crater walls streaked in rust, gold, and charcoal. The park's geology is interpreted at the Steel Visitor Center and Rim Village Visitor Center, where exhibits explain the Cascade volcanic chain and Mazama's catastrophic eruption. Hiking ranges from the easy Rim Trail near Rim Village to the strenuous Cleetwood Cove Trail, the only legal route to the lake's shore, descending 700 feet in 1.1 miles. Boat tours depart from Cleetwood Cove landing from late June through mid-September, circling Wizard Island and offering close views of Phantom Ship, a jagged basalt formation near the southern rim. Snow typically closes most of Rim Drive from November through late June. A summer visit ideally combines sunrise at Watchman Overlook, the Cleetwood Cove descent, a boat tour, and an evening at Crater Lake Lodge, which has operated since 1915. Plan a full day to cover the rim and water; allow two days for extensive hiking and the boat tour.
Good to know
- Hours
- Park open 24 hours; Rim Village Visitor Center open 9 AM–5 PM (summer); Crater Lake Lodge open mid-May to mid-October
- Best time
- July–September (Rim Drive open; snow-free)
Location
Crater Lake National Park, OR 97604
42.9446, -122.1090 View on map
Highlights
- Crater Lake reaches 1,943 feet — the deepest lake in the United States — with vivid cobalt-blue water
- 33-mile Rim Drive loop with 30+ overlooks including Cloudcap at 7,960 feet elevation
- Cleetwood Cove Trail: the only legal route to the lake shore, dropping 700 feet in 1.1 miles
- Wizard Island boat tours: narrated 2-hour caldera circle departing late June through mid-September
- Crater Lake Lodge: historic 1915 property perched on the rim with unobstructed lake views
Tips for visiting
- Book boat tours at recreation.gov weeks in advance — July and August dates sell out rapidly
- Rim Drive opens fully by early July most years; check nps.gov/crla for current road status before traveling
- Arrive at Cloudcap or Watchman before 8 AM to beat tour buses and morning haze
- Carry extra layers — rim elevation exceeds 7,000 feet and afternoon temperatures drop sharply
- The $35/vehicle entry fee is covered by the America the Beautiful annual pass
- Crater Lake Lodge dining room requires reservations; book months ahead for summer weekends
When to visit
July through September offers fully open Rim Drive, boat tours, and Cleetwood Cove trail access. Spring snowshoe tours run from late November through March when the rim road is closed to vehicles.
Accessibility
The Rim Village area and several Rim Drive overlooks are paved and accessible to visitors with mobility impairments. The Cleetwood Cove Trail is strenuous and not wheelchair-accessible. The park's accessibility guide is available at visitor centers and on nps.gov.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to drive Rim Drive?
The full 33-mile loop takes about 1.5 to 2 hours of drive time, but most visitors spend 4–6 hours stopping at overlooks. It is one-way in sections; allow half a day for a thorough rim tour.
Is Crater Lake accessible in winter?
The park is open year-round, but most of Rim Drive closes November through late June due to snow. Rim Village and the Steel Visitor Center remain accessible in winter via OR-62 for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Can visitors swim in Crater Lake?
Swimming is permitted only at Cleetwood Cove, reached via a steep 1.1-mile trail. Water temperature stays around 55–60°F even in summer. There are no lifeguards on duty.
Is a boat tour necessary to enjoy Crater Lake?
The rim views alone justify the visit. Boat tours add significant depth to the experience but are not essential; visitors can hike Cleetwood Cove to the shore and absorb the lake's scale without a boat ticket.