National Park · Oregon

Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake inspires awe. Native Americans witnessed its formation 7,700 years ago, when a violent eruption triggered the collapse of a tall peak. Scientists marvel at its purity—fed by rain and snow, it’s the deepest lake in the USA and one of the most pristine on Earth. Artists, photographers, and sightseers gaze in wonder at its blue water and stunning setting atop the Cascade Mountain Range.

Auto and ATV
Scenic Driving
Astronomy
Stargazing
Biking
Road Biking
Boating
Boat Tour
Camping
Backcountry Camping
Car or Front Country Camping
RV Camping
Compass and GPS
Orienteering
Fishing
Food
Dining
Picnicking
Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Self-Guided Tours - Auto
Bus/Shuttle Guided Tour
Boat Tour
Hands-On

Weather & when to go

July, August, and September are your best bets for warm, dry weather. In May, June, and October, sunny days alternate with periods of rain and snow. Winters at Crater Lake are long and snowy. Storms from the Pacific Ocean dump an annual average of 41 feet (13.5 meters) of snow at park headquarters. When it's raining or snowing, the lake is usually hidden by clouds. Crater Lake is completely invisible about 50% of the time in the winter!

Entrance fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle
This is the summer entrance fee and is charged from mid-May through the end of October. Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15-passenger capacity or less) and all occupants. Good for 7 days.
$30.00
Entrance - Private Vehicle
This is the winter entrance fee. Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15-passenger capacity or less) and all occupants. Good for 7 days.
$20.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Summer rate from mid-May to October 31st.
$25.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Winter rate from 11/1 through mid-May.
$15.00
Entrance - Per Person
Admits one individual with no motor vehicle (bicyclist, hiker, pedestrian). Youth 15 and under are admitted free of charge. Good for 7 days.
$15.00
Entrance - Snowmobile
Admits one individual on a snowmobile for travel on snow covered North Entrance Road closed to regular vehicle traffic. Youth 15 and under are admitted free of charge. Good for 7 days.
$15.00
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
Fees for commercial vehicles are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board. In addition to the $25 per vehicle there is also a $15 per passenger charge.
$25.00
Commercial Entrance - Van
Fees for commercial vehicles are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board.
$75.00
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
Fees for commercial vehicles are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board.
$100.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
Fees for commercial vehicles are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board.
$200.00

Operating hours

Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Some roads, trails, and facilities, however, are closed seasonally due to snow. North Entrance Road, and West and East Rim Drives close for the season on November 1 (or earlier if there is significant snowfall). Crews begin removing snow from these roads in April, but opening dates vary. The North Entrance Road and West Rim Drive tend to open in early June. The East Rim Drive typically opens in early July.

West Entrance

The park's West Entrance on Oregon Highway 62 is open year round.

South Entrance

The park's South Entrance on Oregon Highway 62 is open year round.

North Entrance

The park's North Entrance, off of Oregon Highway 138, is usually open from June through October. It is closed in the winter due to snow. Opening dates vary each year depending on snowfall and road conditions.

Campgrounds

Lost Creek Campground
NPS info ↗
Mazama Campground
Reserve ↗NPS info ↗

FAQ

How much does it cost to visit Crater Lake National Park?: Entrance to Crater Lake National Park costs $30.00 (Entrance - Private Vehicle), $20.00 (Entrance - Private Vehicle), $25.00 (Entrance - Motorcycle). The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entry at every NPS site.
What are the hours at Crater Lake National Park?: Crater Lake National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Some roads, trails, and facilities, however, are closed seasonally due to snow. North Entrance Road, and West and East Rim Drives close for the season on November 1 (or earlier if there is significant snowfall). Crews begin removing snow from these roads in …
Do I need a reservation for Crater Lake National Park?: No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Crater Lake National Park. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.