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Crater Lake
Oregon
Visit Crater Lake
Crater Lake, nestled in the Cascade Mountains of southern Oregon, is a breathtaking natural wonder that draws visitors from around the world. Formed around 7,700 years ago by the collapse of the volcano Mount Mazama, the lake is renowned for its vivid blue color and pristine clarity. At a depth of 1,943 feet, it is the deepest lake in the United States and one of the most striking examples of a caldera lake globally. The lake's isolation and the high altitude (over 6,000 feet) contribute to its remarkable purity and vibrant hue, as there are no incoming streams or rivers to disturb the water.
Visitors to Crater Lake National Park can explore a variety of scenic wonders and recreational activities. The Rim Drive, a 33-mile road that encircles the lake, offers numerous overlooks with spectacular views, perfect for photography or simply soaking in the vast beauty of the area. During the summer months, boat tours are available, taking visitors closer to the lake’s iconic features, such as the Old Man of the Lake—a full-sized tree that has been bobbing vertically in the lake for over a century—and Wizard Island, a cinder cone that rises prominently from the lake’s surface. Hiking trails of varying difficulty levels abound, including the popular Cleetwood Cove Trail, which allows visitors to access the lake shore and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters.
For those interested in the geological and cultural history of Crater Lake, the park offers educational programs and guided tours that delve into the volcanic activity that shaped the region and the cultural significance of the area to the Klamath Tribes, who have long held the lake sacred. The park's two visitor centers, the Steel Visitor Center and the Rim Visitor Center, provide exhibits and films about the natural and human history of the park.
Regardless of the season, Crater Lake inspires awe. In winter, the landscape transforms into a snowy wonderland, offering opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and photography of the snow-laden trees and cliffs. The contrast of the deep blue lake against the stark white snow is mesmerizing. Whether seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deeper connection with nature, Crater Lake National Park offers an unforgettable experience that resonates with all who visit this unique and enchanting place.
Crater Lake Monthly Weather Conditions
LOW
TEMP
HIGH
TEMP
DAYS OF PRECIP.
January
19°F
21°F
19
February
19°F
21°F
17
March
19°F
38°F
19
April
23°F
38°F
19
May
31°F
44°F
12
June
35°F
57°F
12
July
42°F
68°F
12
August
42°F
68°F
12
September
38°F
57°F
12
October
31°F
57°F
12
November
21°F
38°F
13
December
19°F
33°F
21
Need to Know Before You Go To Crater Lake
Nickname:
Deep Blue Lake
Primary Language:
English
Time Zone:
America/Los_Angeles
Current Time:
Electric Plug Type:
Type B
Annual Visitors:
704,512
Primary Export:
Tourism
Busiest Travel Months:
July, August, June
Quietest Travel Months:
December, January, February
Find your Next Adventure in Crater Lake
Explore Crater Lake
Iconic Landmarks
Crater Lake
- Known for its deep blue color and water clarity, Crater Lake is the main attraction of Crater Lake National Park, formed by the collapse of Mount Mazama around 7,700 years ago.
Wizard Island
- A cinder cone volcano rising from the western side of Crater Lake, Wizard Island offers hiking trails and spectacular views of the lake's surrounding rim.
Rim Drive
- This 33-mile scenic drive encircles Crater Lake, providing access to numerous overlooks and trailheads with breathtaking views of the lake and landscape.
Cleetwood Cove Trail
- The only legal access to Crater Lake's shore, this steep trail descends 700 feet to the lake where visitors can swim or take boat tours during the summer months.
Phantom Ship
- A natural rock formation resembling a ghostly ship, Phantom Ship is visible from various points along the lake’s rim and is especially striking at sunrise or sunset.
Pinnacles Overlook
- Located in the park’s southeast corner, this viewpoint offers a look at the unique needle-like rock formations, or pinnacles, formed from the erosion of volcanic ash deposits.
Cultural Experiences
Rim Drive Tour
- This scenic drive around the crater offers breathtaking views and numerous stops for photo opportunities and interpretive signage that explains the lake's volcanic origins.
Crater Lake Boat Tours
- Explore the lake up close by boat, including a stop at Wizard Island where you can hike and enjoy unique perspectives of the lake.
Ranger-led Programs
- Participate in educational talks and guided walks led by park rangers to learn about the natural history, geology, and ecology of Crater Lake.
Star Gazing Events
- Join nighttime astronomy programs to observe stars, planets, and other celestial bodies in one of the darkest skies in the U.S.
Cultural Demonstrations
- Experience local Native American culture through demonstrations and storytelling sessions that highlight their historical and spiritual connections to Crater Lake.
Snowshoe Walks
- In winter, take a ranger-guided snowshoe walk to explore the snowy landscape around Crater Lake and learn about the area's winter ecology and geology.
Outdoor Adventures
Crater Lake Boat Tours
- Explore the deep blue waters up close by taking a guided boat tour around Crater Lake, offering unique views of the lake's volcanic origins and geological features.
Garfield Peak Trail
- Hike this popular trail for panoramic views of Crater Lake and the surrounding high-altitude landscape, especially stunning at sunrise or sunset.
Cleetwood Cove Trail
- The only legal access to the shore of Crater Lake, this steep trail allows visitors to swim in the lake's pristine waters or fish for Kokanee salmon and rainbow trout.
Rim Drive
- Cycle or drive around the 33-mile scenic Rim Drive that encircles Crater Lake, offering numerous pullouts and picnic spots with spectacular viewpoints.
Wizard Island
- Take a boat out to Wizard Island and spend the day hiking, fishing, or exploring the cinder cone volcano that rises from the lake's surface.
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
- In winter, traverse the snowy landscape around Crater Lake on skis or snowshoes, enjoying the quiet beauty and isolation of the park in its off-season.
Off the Beaten Path
The Pinnacles
-
Plaikni Falls
- This hidden gem is accessible via a 2-mile round trip trail that leads to a beautiful waterfall not often frequented by the park's main visitor flow.
Mount Scott
- The highest point in the park, this trail provides a challenging hike culminating in panoramic views of Crater Lake and beyond.
Godfrey Glen Trail
- This 1-mile loop offers an easy, serene hike through ancient forests with minimal elevation gain, perfect for a peaceful nature walk.
Cleetwood Cove Trail
- The only legal access to the lake shore, this steep trail is less traveled due to its difficulty but offers a unique perspective of the lake from the water’s edge.
Union Peak
- Offering a strenuous hike to an old volcanic remnant, this trail is less frequented and provides stunning views and a sense of solitude.
Crater Lake Fun Facts
- Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States, with a depth of 1,943 feet.
- The lake was formed around 7,700 years ago by the collapse of the volcano Mount Mazama.
- Crater Lake is known for its vivid blue color and water clarity.
- There are no rivers flowing into or out of the lake; all water comes from precipitation.
- The lake is home to two islands: Wizard Island and Phantom Ship.
- The Old Man of the Lake is a full-sized tree that has been bobbing vertically in the lake for over 100 years.
- Crater Lake is one of the snowiest inhabited places in the USA, receiving an average of 43 feet of snow per year.
- The lake is a sacred site for the Klamath Tribe of Native Americans, who have long regarded it as a spiritual place.
- Crater Lake National Park was established in 1902, making it the fifth oldest national park in the United States.
- The lake's water is refilled entirely from snow and rain, taking about 250 years to replace all its water.
Featured Picture Gallery
Crater Lake was Formed By a Collapsed Volcano Named Mount Mazama
Even in the Winter, Crater Lake Provides a Beautiful View
Even When the Weather is Warming in Other Areas, Crater Lake Can Still be Snowy in May and June
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