Crater Lake National Park

Welcome to the Crater Lake National Park Visitors Guide.
Here you will find general visitors information on regulations about bringing dogs to the park, wheelchair access, entrance fees, visitor centers, and reservations.
You will also learn what outdoor activities are available such as hiking, biking, camping, and fishing.

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Crater Lake National Park Visitors Guide
Accessibility
Backcountry Hiking
Biking
Bus Tours
Camping
Entrance Fees
Fishing
Food and Supplies
Hiking
Lodging
Permits
Pet Info
Rafting & Whitewater Info
Visitor Centers
Weather



Accessibility

Campsites are available at the Mazama Campground. The visitors centers and Crater Lake Lodge are accessible. When the 33-mile Rim Drive is open during the summer, there are more than 20 Crater Lake overlooks which are accessible.



Backcountry Hiking

All backcountry trails should be regarded as strenuous. Appropriate planning, including practice of Leave No Trace techniques, should be considered for all backcountry expeditions.

Backcountry permits are required for overnight snow camping. Free permits are required for anyone wishing to camp overnight in the backcountry. Permits are available at both park visitor centers.

See the Hiking Page for details.



Biking

Each year, increasing numbers of cyclists come to Crater Lake National Park to ride around the lake on the 33-mile Rim Drive. The route is physically demanding. Steep hills at high elevation may encourage even the most fit riders to pause at many of the road's thirty overlooks and pullouts. The payoff, however, is spectacular scenery, seen at a pace that few visitors choose to take enough time for.

See the Biking Section for details.



Bus Tours

Crater Lake National Park offers ranger-led programs for bus tours on a staff-available basis. Click on Bus Tours



Camping and Fires

There are two campgrounds inside Crater Lake National Park. Please see the Camping Page for information.



Entrance Fees

Entrance Fees
Individual Entry (Vehicle) $ 10.00 (Seven Day Pass)
Individual Entry (bike, foot) $ 5.00 (Seven Day Pass)
Gold Access Pass (Blind or permanently disabled individuals) Free (Lifetime - good in all natl parks)
Golden Age Pass (1 time fee - for those 62+ years young) $ 10.00 (Lifetime - good in all natl parks)
National Park Pass (good 1 year from date of purchase) $ 50.00 (good in all natl parks)
Golden Eagle Pass (good 1 year from date of purchase) $ 15.00 (good in all natl parks & forests)

Golden Access Pass

If you have a permanent disability, you may qualify for a Golden Access Pass. The Golden Access Pass is a lifetime entrance pass to national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges that charge an entrance fee. The Golden Access Pass admits the pass signee and any accompanying passengers in a private* vehicle if a park has a per vehicle entrance fee. Where a per person entrance fee is charged, the Golden Access Pass admits the pass signee, spouse, and children.

The Golden Access Pass also provides a 50% discount on federal use fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, and tours. In some cases where use fees are charged, only the pass signee will be given the 50% price reduction. The Pass is nontransferable and does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners. A Golden Access Pass must be obtained in person at a federal area where an entrance fee is charged. It is available only to citizens or permanent residents of the United States who are medically determined to be blind or permanently disabled. You may obtain a Golden Access Pass by showing proof of medically determined permanent disability, or eligibility for receiving benefits under federal law.

Golden Age Pass

If you are age 62 or older, you qualify for a Golden Age Pass. The Golden Age Pass is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are age 62 or older. The Golden Age Pass is a lifetime entrance pass to national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges that charge an entrance fee. The Golden Age Pass admits the pass signee and any accompanying passengers in a private* vehicle if a park has a per vehicle entrance fee. Where a per person entrance fee is charged, the Golden Age Pass admits the pass signee, spouse, and children.

The Golden Age Pass also provides a 50% discount on federal use fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, and tours. In some cases where use fees are charged, only the pass signee will be given the 50% price reduction. The Pass is nontransferable and does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners. A Golden Age Pass must be obtained in person at a federal area where an entrance fee is charged. There is a one-time $ 10.00 processing charge to obtain the Golden Age Pass. It is available only to citizens or permanent residents of the United States who are 62 years of age or older. You must show proof of age, such as a state driver's license, birth certificate, or similar document.

National Parks Pass

The National Parks Pass is an annual pass that provides admission to any national park charging an entrance fee. The Pass costs $ 50.00 and is valid for 12 months (ending the last day of the purchase month, one year later). More than 80% of the proceeds from the sales of National Park Passes go directly into supporting priority projects in national parks.

Where a "Per Vehicle" entrance fee is charged, the Pass admits the Pass signee and accompanying passengers in a single, private*, non-commercial vehicle. Where a "Per Person" entrance fee is charged, the Pass admits the Pass signee, spouse, children and parents. The Pass is nontransferable and does not cover or reduce use fees such as charges for camping, parking, tours and concessions.

Golden Eagle Pass

For an additional $ 15.00, a Golden Eagle hologram may be purchased and affixed to a National Parks Pass to cover entrance fees at not only national parks, but also at sites managed by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U. S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. The Golden Eagle holograms are available at National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management fee stations. The Golden Eagle admits the pass signee and any accompanying passengers in a private* vehicle if a park has a per vehicle entrance fee. Where a per person entrance fee is charged, the Golden Eagle admits the pass signee, spouse, children and parents. The Golden Eagle is nontransferable and does NOT cover or reduce use fees such as charges for camping, parking, tours, and concessions. It is valid for entrance fees only. The Golden Eagle hologram is valid until the expiration of the National Parks Pass to which it is affixed.

* A private vehicle is defined as any noncommercial vehicle that is being used for private recreational purposes.

The National Parks Pass may be purchased at any National Park office or entry station.

To purchase a pass Online, click on this Link, or to purchase via phone, call: 1-888-467-2757.

No Reservations are needed to Enter Crater Lake National Park



Fishing

Fishing is allowed from May 20 through Oct 31; however, the lake can be fished year round except when seasonal limitations prevent safe access. For more info on fishing click Here



Food and Supplies

The Mazama Village complex operates a camper store from June through September, with laundry, showers, and gasoline available as well. There is no gasoline available from November through late May.



Hiking

In Crater Lake National park, there are over 90 miles of one-way and loop trails, including 33 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail as well as hikes up Mount Scott, Garfield Peak, and Crater Peak. It is also possible to hike to the lake surface on the Cleetwood Trail.

For Hiking information, click Here.



Lodging

Lodging in Crater Lake National Park is limited to two facilities and two campgrounds. The two lodging facilities are Crater Lake Lodge and Mazama Village Motor Inn.

Click Here for lodging information.



Permits and Reservations

Permits are required for all backcountry camping in the park and are issued free of charge at visitor centers.

Reservations are not taken for camper/tent sites, however, they are strongly urged for rooms at the Crater Lake Lodge and the Motor Inn.

Reservations may be made for organized group interpretive tours in the summer and on the weekends in the winter season by calling visitor information. Educational groups can make reservations for weekdays during the school season.



Pet Information

Pets are allowed in the park but are strictly regulated. Pets are allowed in the campgrounds. Pets must be on a leash at all time while in the park. Pets cannot be left unattended, and pets are not permitted on trails.



River Rafting and Whitewater Information

North Umpqua Outfitters

There are some great opportunities just outside the park for float trips, rafting and whitewater excursions. Please check out these local businesses for fishing, and outdoor wilderness adventures and river trip information.

Noah's River Adventures - Rafting, Fishing, half day, all day and multi-day "Wild and Scenic" Wilderness trips.

North Umpqua Outfitters - Whitewater Adventures on Oregon's North Umpqua River - Full and Half Day Raft and Kayak Trips

Oregon River Experiences - Guided one to three day rafting trips on the North Umpqua River. Since 1977.

Oregon Whitewater Adventures - Rafting trips on the nearby Wild and Scenic North Umpqua River.



Visitor Centers

Steel Information Center

This visitor center is located at park headquarters on the south side of the park and is open year round. A park ranger or volunteer is on duty to assist with park information, trip planning, weather forecasts, and backcountry camping permits. Informational materials, including the seasonal newspaper Crater Lake "Reflections", can be mailed to prospective visitors upon request. An 18 minute video, The Crater Lake Story, is shown every half hour in the summer, and upon request in the winter. Books, maps, posters, and educational materials are available for purchase from the Crater Lake Natural History Association, a non-profit group which supports interpretation, scientific research, and development of park publications. Public restrooms and a post office are located in this building as well.

The Steel Visitor Center

Open all year

Hours

Nov - Mar 10:00 am - 4:00 pm - Daily (except Christmas Day)
Mar - Nov 9:00 am - 5:00 pm - Daily

Post Office Hours

Monday through Saturday - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, except holidays.

Rim Village Visitor Center

This center is located on the south rim of the caldera, approximately 200 yards west of Crater Lake Lodge. Park information, backcountry camping permits, and educational materials are available here. It is open June through September.

Rim Village Visitor Center Hours

Jun - Sep 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
May - Jun 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Month of Sep 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Phone - 541-594-2211 ext. 415
Location - Rim Village
Available Facilities - Gift shop, cafeteria, and Crater Lake Lodge

Cafeteria and Gift Shop at Rim Village - Winter Hours

10:00 am - 4:30 pm - Weekdays
10:00 am - 5:00 pm - Weekends and Holidays

Rim Village Visitor Center & Other Stores Summer Hours - 31 May through 30 Sep
8:30 am - 6:00 pm - Daily
8:00 am - 8:00 pm - Daily - Cafeteria and Gift shop at Rim Village
7:00 am - 10:00 pm - Daily - Mazama Village Store



Weather

Climate recommended clothing

Summer

The months of July through mid-September are generally mild with little precipitation. Due to the elevation of the park (6,500 ft. at Park Headquarters and 7,100 ft. at Rim Village), weather conditions may change quickly and a warm jacket and wool sweater are always recommended items to carry.

Winter

From October through June, weather conditions dictate preparing for extreme winter conditions. Blizzards, high winds, extreme cold, and low visibility dominate the weather patterns, Visitors should come with cold weather gear.

See the Weather Page for current weather and other weather data.


Crater Lake National Park Links
Bullet Accessibility
Bullet Activity & Calendar Page
Bullet Address, Email & Phone
Bullet Backcountry Hiking
Bullet Biking Guide
Bullet Brochures, Maps, Written Info
Bullet Bus Tours
Bullet Camping Guide
Bullet Crater Lake Lodge
Bullet Establishment
Bullet Fees
Bullet Fishing Guide
Bullet Facts & Figures
Bullet Geology
Bullet Hiking Guide
Bullet History
Bullet Jobs, SCA, Volunteer Positions
Bullet Junior Ranger Program
Bullet Location
Bullet Lodging Guide
Bullet Map Guide
Bullet Native Peoples
Bullet Pacific Crest Trail
Bullet Park Information
Bullet Permits
Bullet Pet Information
Bullet River Rafting
Bullet Scuba Guide
Bullet Size & Visitation
Bullet Skiing Guide
Bullet Search
Bullet Sights Guide
Bullet Travel Guide
Bullet Visitors Guide
Bullet Weather

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by John William Uhler

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