Alert: COVID-19 updates and travel advisories Travel Oregon Places to Go Things to Do Plan Your Trip Free Travel Guides Email Newsletters 7 Wonders of Oregon: Crater Lake When you look at the deep blue waters of Crater Lake up close, it’s pretty easy to see why it’s one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon. Here’s how to take a trip around Southern Oregon to see it for yourself: Crater Lake: Formed by the collapse of an ancient volcano Mt. Mazama, Crater Lake… MORE : Crater Lake by Chantal Anderson Things To DoDestinationsLakes & ReservoirsCrater Lake CRATER LAKE CALL AHEAD This experience may be open for on-site visitation; however, offerings and/or operating procedures may have changed due to COVID-19. Please verify details before you go and visit the COVID-19 Resources page for more information. Watchman Overlook Klamath Falls, Oregon 97604 (888)774-2728 Crater Lake Website RECOGNITION PROGRAMS National Geographic Geotourism Location From high atop the rim of Crater Lake, you can see what a wonder the world really is. A hike down to the water reveals new wonders. The water is so blue, so deep, it’s no surprise it’s the deepest lake in America, and one of the deepest on earth. That’s why it’s one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon. Surrounded by cliffs almost 2,000 feet high and boasting a picturesque island a violent volcanic past, Crater Lake is also home to hikes in old-growth forest and cross-country ski trips in the winter months. Many of the roads and facilities close during the winter, but the park is open and accessible all year long. Crater Lake is located in Southern Oregon, which is also home to the world-renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the stunning Rogue River, the Oregon Caves and vineyards, chocolatiers and cheesemakers galore. Hoping to visit Crater Lake? You should know: ➡️ The park is operating with significantly fewer staff in 2020. Please be patient and kind. ➡️ Crowding is occurring at popular trails, parking lots and indoor facilities — bring your face covering. ➡️ Excessive trash has become a problem. Pack out everything you bring. ➡️ Stay on all marked paths and trails. ➡️ Many facilities, including restrooms, are closed. ➡️ The lake can only be accessed at Cleetwood Cove Trail. ➡️ Watercraft — including inflatable rafts and SUPs — and off-leash dogs are not allowed. ➡️ If visitors don’t follow posted rules and regulations, facilities and popular sites may close. ➡️ Please enjoy this natural wonder responsibly. Your cooperation will allow us to keep Crater Lake open and its unique resources undamaged for current and future generations. CLIMATE: Most visitors come to Crater Lake National Park during the months of July through mid-September, when the weather is 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. During the winter months, from October through June, weather conditions make preparing for extreme winter conditions necessary. Blizzards, high winds, extreme cold and low visibility dominate the weather patterns. Visitors should come with cold weather gear. RECREATION: A good place to begin your visit to Crater Lake is at one of the two visitor centers. The Steel Information Center lies south of Rim Drive next to park headquarters and is open year-round. In the summer, the Rim Village Visitor Center is open along Rim Drive on the southern side of the caldera. After gathering information on the park and its facilities visitors can make educated decisions about what recreation opportunities to pursue. Hiking, backpacking, camping, picnicking and sight seeing are popular pursuits within the park. Boating and scenic driving around Rim Drive can be enjoyed by visitors during the summer months. In winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing provide solitude and a little-known view of the park. Crater Lake by Chantal Anderson TRIP IDEAS MORE TRIP IDEAS The Creation of Crater Lake The cataclysmic eruption of Mt. Mazama created what we now call Crater Lake —and accounts of the dramatic event live on in both the geologic record and in Native American legends. MORE Julia Rosen Car-Free Getaway: Klamath Falls and Crater Lake Abundant bird life, serene lakes and a historic downtown make Klamath Falls a relaxing destination to approach leisurely by scenic train ride. MORE Celeste Brash 48 Hours in Kid-Approved Klamath Falls Ready to make a family winter weekend near Crater Lake? Here’s how. MORE Amy Whitley DON'T MISS NEAR CRATER LAKE See More Crater Lake Lodges Fort Klamath, Southern Oregon Grant’s Getaways: Crater Lake Zipline Klamath Falls, Southern Oregon Going the Distance in Klamath County Klamath Falls, Southern Oregon Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway Roseburg, Southern Oregon Crater Lake Zipline Klamath Falls, Southern Oregon Appetite for Adventure in Southern Oregon Medford, Southern Oregon ADVERTISEMENTS RELATED CONTENT Klamath Falls Welcome Center Klamath Falls, Southern Oregon Wanderlust Tours Bend, Central Oregon Sleep Inn & Suites Chiloquin, Southern Oregon Rim Village Gift Shop Fort Klamath, Southern Oregon The TP Chiloquin, Southern Oregon Wizard Island Summit Trail Fort Klamath, Southern Oregon ASK OREGON Where should we visit after Crater Lake? Glad to hear you have time to explore more of Oregon after visiting Crater Lake! If you like history and the great outdoors, then the nearest major city, Klamath Falls, is not to be missed. In this sunny town, you’ll find a treasure trove of Western history at the Favell Museum; more than 350 feathered… MORE Amy Whitley Southern Oregon Expert Is any of the information on this page incorrect? SUGGEST AN UPDATE Ready to hit the road? Bring our travel magazine along. FREE TRAVEL GUIDES Let's keep in touch. We have a lot of ideas for you. EMAIL NEWSLETTERS About About Travel Oregon Advertise With Us (PDF) Write for Travel Oregon Privacy Policy, Terms of Use & Accessibility Travel Industry Submit Your Lodging Listing Travel Industry Travel Oregon Press Room Recognition Programs Explore Ask Oregon Oregon Welcome Centers Oregon Weather Travel Alerts Partners Visit the USA Trip Advisor Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram Pinterest Snapchat ©2021 Travel Oregon | The official guide to Oregon travel and tourism information. 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