Crater Lake National Park, a hidden gem nestled in Oregon, USA, is a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about the majestic and wondrous beauty of nature. Formed from the caldera of the long-dormant Mount Mazama thousands of years ago, Crater Lake impresses visitors with its deep sapphire blue waters, unbelievably clear, perfectly reflecting the vast sky and the towering basalt cliffs surrounding it. Not only is it the deepest lake in the United States, but Crater Lake is also one of the deepest lakes in the world, embodying pristine, tranquil, and mysterious beauty. This article by “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around the World) will share the most detailed experiences for visiting Crater Lake National Park, helping you have a complete and memorable exploration.
Location and How to Get to Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park is located in Southern Oregon, about 250 miles (400km) south of Portland. To get to Crater Lake, you can choose to travel by air or road.
If traveling by plane, the nearest airport is Rogue Valley–Medford International Airport (MFR) in Medford, about 75 miles (120km) from the park. From Medford Airport, you can rent a car or use a shuttle service to reach Crater Lake. Another option is Crater Lake-Klamath Regional Airport (LMT) in Klamath Falls, about 55 miles (90km) from the park. However, Medford Airport usually has more flights and car rental options.
For travelers who prefer freedom of exploration and want to be in control of their itinerary, renting a car is the ideal way to get to Crater Lake National Park. From Medford or Klamath Falls, you can drive along Highway 62 or Highway 97 to reach the South or North entrances of the park. The road to Crater Lake is quite easy to navigate; however, you need to check road conditions, especially in winter when heavy snowfall can close some routes.
Map of Crater Lake National Park location in Oregon, USA
The Best Time to Visit Crater Lake
Crater Lake National Park is open year-round, with each season offering distinct beauty and experiences. However, the best time to visit Crater Lake is during summer, from July to September.
Summer (July – September): The weather is warm and pleasant, with clear skies and little rain. All roads in the park, including Rim Drive, are open, making it easy to get around and explore. This is a great time to admire the turquoise blue waters of Crater Lake, participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, swimming (in designated areas), and scenic drives on the renowned Rim Drive. You can also take boat tours on the lake to explore Wizard Island and Phantom Ship.
Autumn (September – October): The weather is still quite pleasant in early autumn, but temperatures start to drop gradually. The autumn scenery is vibrant with yellow and red leaves covering the mountainsides, creating a romantic and charming setting. However, you need to prepare for occasional rain showers and nighttime temperatures that can get low. Some higher elevation areas may start to see snowfall in late autumn.
Winter (November – May): Crater Lake transforms into a magical winter wonderland with white snow covering everything. This is an ideal time for those who love winter activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and enjoying the snow-covered scenery. However, most of Rim Drive and many other roads in the park will be closed due to heavy snow. Only the South Entrance and a short section of Rim Village remain open year-round. If you visit Crater Lake in winter, prepare warm clothing and check road conditions carefully before you go.
Spring (May – June): The snow begins to melt, but the weather is still quite cold and wet. Many roads and areas in the park may still be closed due to snow or unsafe road conditions. Spring is not the best time to visit Crater Lake, but if you want to experience peace and quiet, this could be an option.
Summer is the best time to visit Crater Lake National Park
Accommodation Options When Visiting Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to cozy cabins and campgrounds close to nature. Here are some popular suggestions:
Hotels and Lodges Inside the Park
- Crater Lake Lodge: Located right on the rim of Crater Lake, Crater Lake Lodge is a historic hotel with a classic style, built in 1915. The hotel offers luxurious rooms with stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. This is the perfect choice for those who want to experience upscale accommodation and be close to nature. However, room rates at Crater Lake Lodge are usually quite high, and you need to book well in advance, especially during peak season.
- The Cabins at Mazama Village: Located in Mazama Village, about 7 miles south of Rim Village, the cabins at Mazama Village offer cozy and convenient accommodation, suitable for families and groups of friends. Mazama Village also has a campground, grocery store, restaurant, and gas station, providing convenience for visitors.
Hotels and Lodges Outside the Park
If you want to find more affordable accommodation options or more amenities, you can choose hotels and lodges in towns near Crater Lake National Park, such as:
- Klamath Falls: The largest town near Crater Lake, about an hour’s drive from the South Entrance. Klamath Falls has many hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and other amenities. Running Y Ranch Resort is a high-end resort in Klamath Falls, offering amenities such as a spa, golf course, and fine dining restaurants.
- Prospect: A smaller and more peaceful town, located near the West Entrance of the park. Union Creek Resort is a popular option in Prospect, with cozy log cabins nestled in the beautiful natural setting of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
Camping Inside the Park
For travelers who love to experience nature up close, camping is a great option at Crater Lake National Park. The park has several campgrounds equipped with basic amenities such as restrooms, drinking water, and picnic tables.
- Mazama Campground: The largest campground in the park, located in Mazama Village, open from June to September. This campground has over 200 campsites, suitable for both tents and RVs.
- Lost Creek Campground: A smaller campground, located along Rim Village Drive, exclusively for tents and open from July to September.
- Dundee and Farewell Bend Campgrounds: Two small, primitive campgrounds located in the wilderness area, requiring hiking to access.
Note: Campgrounds in Crater Lake National Park are usually very popular, especially in summer. You should make reservations in advance through the Recreation.gov website, especially if you are traveling on weekends or during peak season. If you cannot make a reservation, you can try arriving early in the morning to see if there are any vacancies, or choose campgrounds outside the park.
Mazama Village Cabins, a comfortable accommodation option inside the park
Explore Top Attractions at Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park boasts countless stunning natural landscapes and attractive attractions. Here is a list of 6 top places you should not miss:
1. Crater Lake
Crater Lake is the heart and soul of this national park. With its deep sapphire blue waters, unbelievably clear, Crater Lake is surrounded by towering cliffs hundreds of feet high, creating a majestic and breathtaking scene. The lake has an average depth of nearly 1,148 feet (350 meters) and a maximum depth of 1,949 feet (594 meters), making Crater Lake the deepest lake in the United States and the 9th deepest in the world. The lake’s water is incredibly pure because it is supplied only by rainwater and melted snow, with no rivers or streams flowing in or out.
You can admire Crater Lake from many viewpoints along Rim Drive, or hike down to the lake shore via the Cleetwood Cove Trail to experience the beauty of this magical lake up close.
2. Wizard Island
Wizard Island is a small cone-shaped island rising from the middle of Crater Lake, creating a unique highlight for the landscape here. The island was formed from a cinder cone volcano that erupted after Mount Mazama collapsed. You can reach Wizard Island by boat tour departing from Cleetwood Cove in the summer. On the island, you can hike to the summit of Caldera Cone, the volcanic crater on the island’s peak, to admire panoramic views of Crater Lake from a different perspective.
3. Cleetwood Cove Trail
Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only trail that leads down to the shore of Crater Lake. The trail is about 1.1 miles (1.8km) long and steep, but in return, you will reach the lake shore, touch the cold and clear water, and have the opportunity to join boat tours on the lake and swim (in designated areas). This is an unmissable experience when visiting Crater Lake in summer.
4. Watchman Peak
Watchman Peak is a stunning viewpoint located on the West Rim Drive, offering 360-degree panoramic views of Crater Lake and the surrounding area. From Watchman Peak, you can admire the majestic beauty of Crater Lake, Wizard Island, Phantom Ship, and the Rim Village cliffs. In particular, Watchman Peak is an ideal location to watch the sunset over Crater Lake.
5. Phantom Ship Overlook
Phantom Ship Overlook is an interesting stop on Rim Drive, where you can see the “phantom ship,” Phantom Ship, a 170-foot (50-meter) tall volcanic rock formation rising from the lake’s surface. The name “phantom ship” comes from the shape of the rock formation when viewed from a distance, resembling a ghost ship sailing on the water. Phantom Ship Overlook offers a unique and impressive view of Crater Lake.
6. Pumice Castle Overlook
Pumice Castle Overlook is another viewpoint on Rim Drive, famous for its orange and yellow volcanic rock formations protruding from the cliff, resembling a miniature ancient castle. Pumice Castle Overlook offers a unique and colorful scene, especially beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon when sunlight shines at an angle.
Crater Lake, the most famous attraction in Crater Lake National Park
Tips and Notes for Visiting Crater Lake National Park
To have a smooth and memorable visit to Crater Lake National Park, you need to keep in mind a few things:
Prepare Appropriate Clothing and Luggage
The weather at Crater Lake can be unpredictable, especially in the high mountains. Even in summer, daytime temperatures can be warm, but nights can get cold. Therefore, you should prepare layers of clothing for easy adjustment to the weather.
- Clothing: Bring a warm jacket, sweater or fleece, t-shirts, long pants, shorts (if visiting in summer), hat, gloves (if visiting in winter or autumn).
- Footwear: Choose comfortable hiking shoes with good traction, especially if you plan to hike.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat: The sun’s rays are very strong in the high mountains, you need to protect your skin and eyes from harmful UV rays.
- Water and snacks: Bring enough drinking water, especially when hiking or participating in outdoor activities. You should also bring some snacks like bread, fruit, snacks to replenish energy.
- Park map and travel guide: Get a park map and travel guide at the visitor center or download them from the park’s website for detailed information about attractions, directions, and activities.
- Camera and binoculars: Don’t forget to bring your camera and binoculars to capture beautiful moments and admire the majestic natural scenery.
Purchase Entrance Tickets and Permits
Crater Lake National Park charges an entrance fee for all visitors. You can purchase tickets at the park entrance or online on the Recreation.gov website. Tickets are valid for 7 days and allow you to enter and exit the park multiple times during the validity period. If you plan to visit multiple national parks in the United States within a year, you can purchase the America the Beautiful Pass to save costs.
If you want to camp in the park, you need to purchase a camping permit at designated campgrounds. Camping permits are usually sold on a reservation basis or on a first-come, first-served basis.
Follow Regulations and Protect the Environment
Crater Lake National Park is a precious natural heritage that needs to be preserved and protected for future generations. When visiting the park, please follow these regulations:
- Stay on designated trails: Avoid going off-trail to protect vegetation and avoid disturbing wildlife habitats.
- Do not feed wildlife: Feeding wildlife can alter their natural behavior and pose dangers to both animals and humans.
- Dispose of trash properly: Take your trash out of the park or dispose of it in trash cans located in public areas.
- Do not pick flowers, break branches, or take anything from the park: Leave everything in its place so that other visitors can also admire the beauty of nature.
- Keep a safe distance from wildlife: Do not approach or disturb wildlife.
- Comply with signs and instructions from park staff: Park staff are always ready to help and provide information to visitors.
Visitors need to be environmentally conscious at Crater Lake
Conclusion
Crater Lake National Park is a wonderful travel destination, offering unforgettable experiences for anyone who sets foot here. From the majestic beauty of the turquoise Crater Lake, to exciting outdoor activities and pristine, tranquil natural spaces, Crater Lake is sure to capture your heart. Hopefully, the experiences for visiting Crater Lake National Park shared in this article will help you have a complete and memorable exploration. Wish you a fun and meaningful trip!