Crater Lake Lodge occupies one of the most dramatic settings of any hotel in the United States: the south rim of Crater Lake in southern Oregon's Crater Lake National Park, perched at approximately 7,100 feet elevation directly above the deepest lake in the United States. The lodge was originally constructed in 1915 at the direction of the National Park Service and underwent a comprehensive structural rehabilitation in 1995 that preserved its historic exterior while introducing modern amenities. Located at 565 Rim Village Drive, the building is the only overnight lodging facility on the caldera rim, giving guests a genuinely exclusive vantage point over the 1,943-foot-deep volcanic lake renowned for its extraordinary cobalt-blue clarity and color. The lodge's 71 guest rooms are distributed between caldera-facing and forest-facing configurations; Crater Lake View Rooms and Caldera View Rooms are in highest demand and carry premium pricing. The Great Hall lounge, anchored by a massive stone fireplace and furnished with rustic Arts & Crafts pieces, is the social heart of the lodge; guests gather here for pre-dinner drinks and to watch the alpenglow paint the caldera walls at dusk. The Dining Room serves three meals daily with sweeping lake views from most tables; the menu incorporates Oregon-sourced ingredients and Pacific Northwest flavors. Ranger programs, guided crater rim walks, and boat tours of the lake are available from the National Park Service from late June through early September. Cell service is very limited at the rim elevation, and the nearest town with full services is Medford, approximately 75 miles south. The lodge operates seasonally from late May through mid-October.
Room types
- Crater Lake View Room
- Mountain View Room
- Caldera View Room
Amenities
- Dining room with lake views
- Great Hall lounge
- Rim access steps away
- Ranger programs
- Historic 1915 structure
Location
565 Rim Village Dr, Crater Lake, OR 97604
42.9057, -122.1469 View on map
Highlights
- The only hotel perched directly on the rim of Crater Lake at 7,100 feet, with unobstructed caldera views
- Great Hall lounge with massive stone fireplace overlooking the deepest lake in the United States
- Dining Room serving three meals daily with panoramic views of Crater Lake's cobalt-blue waters
- Access to NPS ranger programs, guided rim walks, and Cleetwood Cove boat tours to Wizard Island
- Historic 1915 structure rehabilitated in 1995, combining preserved character with modern room amenities
Tips for visiting
- Book Crater Lake View Rooms as far in advance as possible — the lodge fills months ahead for July and August dates.
- Sunrise from the lodge's front porch over the caldera is considered among Oregon's finest natural spectacles.
- Cell service is essentially unavailable at the rim — inform family or colleagues before arrival.
- The boat tour to Wizard Island requires a steep 1-mile trail descent to Cleetwood Cove; book the tour at the lodge front desk or online well in advance.
- The lodge is only open late May through mid-October; confirm exact opening and closing dates before planning a visit.
Accessibility
Crater Lake Lodge has limited accessibility due to its historic construction and the rugged terrain of the caldera rim. Some ground-floor public areas are accessible, but the majority of guest rooms require stair access. Guests with mobility limitations should contact the lodge and the National Park Service's accessibility office in advance.
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Frequently asked questions
When is Crater Lake Lodge open?
The lodge typically operates from late May through mid-October, depending on snow conditions at the 7,100-foot rim. The park itself is open year-round, but the lodge and most visitor facilities close for winter.
Is Crater Lake Lodge the only lodging on the rim?
Yes. Crater Lake Lodge is the only overnight accommodation on the caldera rim. Mazama Village Campground and motor lodge are located approximately 7 miles south, inside the park boundary.
How far is Crater Lake Lodge from the nearest city?
Medford, Oregon is approximately 75 miles south of the park via US-62 and is the nearest city with full services. Klamath Falls, about 60 miles southeast, is another gateway option for visitors.
Can guests take a boat tour of Crater Lake from the lodge?
Boat tours depart from Cleetwood Cove on the lake's north rim, accessible via a 1-mile steep trail descent. The National Park Service operates the tours from approximately late June through mid-September; tickets can be reserved in advance online.