Category: | National Park |
Address: | Oregon, USA |
Phone: | +1 541-594-3000 |
Site: | nps.gov |
Rating: | 4.8 |
MI
Michael Skourtes
Crater Lake in Southern Oregon is well-known for its intense and pristine blue color and spectacular views in the summer. In the winter months, the lake is typically socked in with fog and snow as Crater Lake National Park receives an average of 44 feet of snow every year. This was my first visit to Crater Lake and my friend Christian and I thought a snowshoeing and overnight camping trip would be a memorable adventure a few days before Christmas. Due to the substantial snow pack in the winter months, most of the park facilities close for the snow season. However, plenty remain open for snow enthusiasts to enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoe hikes. Due to the snow, Rim Drive which is a 33-mile road around the crater, closes early in the season which creates an ideal unplowed trail for skiers and snowshoers. As winter can be a challenging time with blizzards, avalanches, and icy slopes; all backcountry campers must register at the park’s Visitor Center for a free permit before camping. During the winter months, the only road open to Crater Lake National Park is the southern entrance up to Rim Village. From Medford take Route 62 north and east to the park’s west entrance. From Klamath Falls take Route 97 north to route 62 north and west to the park’s south entrance. From Portland, the drive is 275 miles to Medford and then an additional 77 miles to Crater Lake. Be sure to visit the National Park Service website for the rules and regulations regarding winter backcountry use in Crater Lake National Park. The rules are very simple and they help to keep you safe.
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Krishna Malleboina
Crater lake is not as great as Lake Tahoe with lot of outdoor activities but it is a beautiful lake to visit. You can get good panoramic photos. There was a huge traffic from both the sides on route 62 near the park entrance on the long weekend. It almost took an hour to get into the Rim village park entrance. Vistor center near the Rim village gave the map. Attached. There were many scenic spots around the lake. Parking was difficult as I went on the long weekend. Got pictures of the lake wherever I found parking. There is a ranger station near the crater lake lodge where they explain how the lake was formed. Surprised to see most parts are covered with snow during summer. Construction is going on at some places.. Hated to drive in those construction zones. Cleetwood trail is a 1 mile trail which has a spot to dive into the crater lake. Trail is not paved. Lot of dust and mosquitoes on this trail.I spent most of my time here diving and swimming. Water is not at all cold.
LU
Luke Haruki
Intense eruptive activity of the volcano and the destruction of high mountains 12,000 feet (3,600 meters long) leads to the creation of the huge crater, which is why a lake in southern Oregon is named is carater - ie crater lake, crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States with its depth of 1.943 feet (583m). Water in the lake is always new additions from the area around the mountain snow melt, so it is one of the fresh water lake and throughout the world.
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J D
Crater Lake is incredible, and the views of the lake are jaw-dropping. We visited July 21 and there were still scattered drifts of snow in places, but the road was clear coming from the North entrance. The park was very busy and unfortunately there was some road construction on West Rim Drive where the road was down to dirt and only one lane of traffic was waived through at a time. On the rim drive there is some white-knuckle driving along steep drop-offs with no guardrails. At the Rim Village, there is a nice gift shop and a lot of beautiful viewing, but parking is difficult. You may have to circle several times to get a spot. At the end of the drive you can find the beautiful historic Crater Lake Lodge. There is a nice restaurant, but it is only open for certain hours. At other times, drinks and appetizers are available by the fireplace or outside on the back porch where you can sit on a rocking chair and enjoy the spectacular view.
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Ariel Osburn
Baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked baked
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Brittanie Mills
This is one of the attractions that caused us to choose Klamath Falls as our vacation spot this year. We enjoy nature hikes and nature scenery and Crater Lake did not disappoint. Beautiful views, lots of hiking opportunities, with something for everyone from quick and easy to longer and more stenuous. We took lots of great pictures and hiked to several gorgeous landmarks, such as the Pinnacles, Ghost Ship, Plaikni Falls, and Vidae Falls. There are plenty of pull outs for right viewing, as well as picnic areas, lodging, camping, restaurants, gift shops, and visitor centers. A one day pass is $15 per vehicle (larger vehicles are more), however, for $30, we bought a basic annual pass which allows us unlimited access to Crater Lake for one year, and (as we later found out) unlimited access to the Lava Beds National Monument for a year, as well. That was an unexpected, yet nice surprise!
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floehde
Never before had I seen a deeper blue. It suddenly occurs oneself very small in this gigantic natural spectacle. One should note that there is a very snow-rich area. The prospectus speaks of 13m snow in winter. One should make knowledgeable at what point in the spring which access is possible. Crater Lake the journey alone was worth it. And Oregon has a lot more to offer.
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Praveen Pious
Nothing much to write about. The view is absolutely stunning and beautiful. Visit the lake while packing in your winter jackets and gloves - it is going to be very chilly - when I visited, the temperature was in the lower 40s. Very windy too - reminded me of Chicago. Normal passenger cars (2WD) might struggle a bit to traverse through the rough terrains that one might need to take in order to reach the lake. Be careful while driving as the roads are winding and we saw a good number of people staying beside their crashed cars on the way to the lake (hopefully no one was hurt). Overall, you will never forget this experience. If possible, try to reach the lake by the morning so that you can spend the rest of the day checking out the various activities taking place over here.
LA
Lauren Greer
The lake was just as beautiful as I imagined it would be...better, actually. We were there the last week of July and the weather was beautiful. There was still snow in some places, but with the heat of summer it felt out of place. We first stopped at the Visitor Center on the west entrance, and it was SO crowded. We could barely move and had to squeeze our way to the passport station and again to the register. We then took the Rim Drive for some great views. Traffic was heavy and construction backed us up for some time. It put us a little behind schedule, so we had to leave without stopping at many more lookouts, but we at least got some great shots! We will definitely go back some day, but maybe in the fall once school starts back.
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Joe Polivka
This was absolutely worth the drive. It took us just under 2 hours from Medford with maybe 45 minutes of it being without reception. Going the final week before the season started allowed for great parking & weather to match. The lake is breathtaking and you get to park right at the lookout point so no hiking is needed to see this amazing feat of nature. There are no services so come prepared with food & water as well as plenty of gas for a round trip visit. We got to play in the snow a few turns away from the lake as well which was simply icing on the cake. In addition to my wife & I loving it my two teenagers said it was the coolest thing they have ever seen & my 2 year old loved watching the chipmunks run around near the lookout.
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Ty Provosty
I was fortunate to arrive on a cold November day with the ferry of snow on the ground and hardly anyone in site. The breathtaking magnitude of the volcanic eruption is staggering in its magnitude. 6000 feet of mountain blown off into the atmosphere plus an additional 2000 feet creating the depression which is the crater. What force can blow off 8000 feet of mountain? The sense of raw power is palpable. As an architect I do admire the lodge and service buildings. How they adapt to the average of 43 feet of snow per year is unlike anything over seen before on this country. The buildings are attractive as well in their substantial Swiss chalet style.
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Benjamin Jaeger
Went late June, just after the snow had melted. Mosquitos were abundant, and the camp ground was a touch further from the actual lake than I would appreciate. One piece of advice I got was try to enter the park before its too late, the western rim drive can be a touch daunting on your first visit, and twilight only makes it worse. (I imagine night is just fine, as you will be oblivious to the nice sheer drop on either side. The lake itself offers many beautiful walks, but do keep in mind the elevation. The one lake access point may only be a mile long, but it is a 700 foot drop. Pace yourself and enjoy the beautiful water.
MI
Michelle Bouchard
The drive through the park up to the main area was a bit terrifying and amazing! There were no guardrails so when you look down, you are looking straight down. Your pictures will turn out amazing - the water looks painted blue and the scenery is lovely. We brought our infant in a stroller and everything was very accessible to get to with her in it. There is a gift shop and coffee shop with limited seating which we just walked in to - both were really busy. There was also a free standing atm machine in case you wanted cash. Washrooms were busy with only 3 stalls for all the visitors. Parking was pretty easy to find.
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Robin Rosenberg
My second attempt to visit. The first time was in June and it was snowy and the fog was too thick to see the lake. This time there were Forest fires in the park so one entrance was closed for most of the day until those were under control. The weather was perfect despite the haze from the smoke and the view of the lake was perfect. The Rim Village gift shop has a wide array of souvenirs in all price ranges. There is a cafe there, as well as a restaurant at the lodge, which I did not visit. A much more limited selection is available at the Post Office/information office on the way up from the South entrance.
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Manasi Nasery
Unbelievably blue, just like the pictures! Summer is short lived here at crater lake and quite busy. Plan to go there earlier in the day to beat the crowds.Cleetwood cove trail provides the only access to the water; do take a dip in the clearest lake. You can find decent accommodations in Medford which is an hour, an hour and half from crater. Klamath falls is another place to stay, which is nearer but more expensive and with avg motel like places. The only eating option near the lake is at visitor centre which I personally didnt like. Its better to pack something up and carry along.
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du S.
The lake is beautiful, I read a 1 starred negative reviw and have to disagree with their opinion. the gift store and food service aeea is staffed by young adults predominantly presumably college attendance age; however they were allvery friendly,courteous and polite. the food looked and smelled well prepared (Iwas not hungry and did not eat there) and every customer eatingg seemed content while and after they ate. The restrooms were very clean especially for thw amount of visitors that come daily. Please do not let negative comments detract you from going to this national treasure.
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Enrico Raimondi
Location fantastic, must visit! Well done Visitor center like all other tourist facilities. cultural entertainment for children. Comfortable Road, many sights with easy parking. Temperature low even in August with full sun, very windy.
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Joschi Pauli
Great National Park. Those with less time driving up to the Visitors Center and looks at the view. Those with more time, depending on snow conditions to drive around or walk around the crater. Also, you can descend into the crater. Breathtakingly beautiful.
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Ahmad Ali
An unforgettable night sky – with a tinge of color from the Northern Lights – stretches over Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. America’s national parks hold some of the last remaining harbors of darkness where visitors can enjoy the splendor of these protected dark skies. Photographer Matthew Newman says his nighttime adventure forever changed the way he experiences nature: “Making a seven-mile snowshoe hike round trip in the middle of the night to try and capture the Aurora Borealis and Milky Way from this location was amazing.”