Stretching across more than 183,000 acres in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon, Crater Lake National Park is one of the most awe-inspiring of the 63 national parks in the country. The lake itself is a deep body of pristine water that rests in the crater of a dormant volcano, attracting hundreds of thousands of people each year who want to witness its sheer and everlasting beauty.
In any given season, more than 600,000 people will visit Crater Lake National Park to experience the wonders of this natural formation. While other lakes may be larger in size and scope, Crater Lake is considered to be the deepest lake in the United States — and also one of the clearest bodies of water in the country, making it one of the best lake vacations in the United States.
Our Crater Lake National Park guide will help you learn more about the best things to do in this park and also discover when to visit Crater Lake National Park.
Springtime at Crater Lake National Park
- Pros — Lower tourist crowds, opportunities to play in the snow and enjoy the lingering affects of winter in the park.
- Cons — Unpredictable weather can lead to limited access, which can disrupt your overall experience in the park.
Spring at Crater Lake National Park is notoriously unpredictable. There's a chance that you could visit on a bright, sunny day in April and witness the park's wildlife begin to emerge after another long winter. Or, you might stop by in May and find that your activities are limited because of a severe snowstorm in the area. It's one of the most volatile times of year at Crater Lake National Park, which some travelers can find frustrating.
However, if you are willing to manage your expectations and come with an open mind, you will find that spring is a wonderful time of year to visit Crater Lake National Park. The crowds are lower and there are some activities that are still available, despite accessibility being limited. Some of the top things to do in the park in April, May and early June include viewing the lake from Rim Village (though be prepared for cloud cover) and hiking along Rim Drive. During the early spring months, cars are not permitted on Rim Drive, but some sections of the road will be plowed, allowing hikers to enjoy this unique experience.
Summer at Crater Lake National Park
- Pros — Full accessibility to the park, best viewing opportunities around the rim.
- Cons — Peak tourist crowds can lead to crowded overlooks and busy hiking trails.
Most locals and visitors will agree — summer is the best time to visit Crater Lake National Park. The tourist crowds peak in July, August and September, when temperatures are just right and the viewing experience is nearly perfect. The vast majority of visitors to Crater Lake National Park have one goal in mind — seeing the incredibly clear, sparkling body of water that rests in the heart of a dormant volcano.
During the summer, Rim Drive is fully accessible to cars. This 33-mile-long road circles the entire perimeter of the lake and features more than 30 overlooks along the way. This gives you plenty of opportunity and flexibility to see the lake from all vantage points. Throughout the summer season, you will find that bright and vibrant wildflower blooms line the edge of the crater, adding a touch of vivid color to the experience. While witnessing the grandeur of the lake will likely be the highlight of your summer trip to Crater Lake National Park, you will find that there are other things to do in the summer as well, such as:
- Fishing — No fishing license is required within the park boundaries, so you can fish to your heart's content.
- Hiking — The park features numerous hiking trails that wind through wooded areas, offer lake views or allow you to navigate the rugged terrain.
- Birding — More than 250 bird species call the park home and you will find that any of the overlooks around the rim offer the perfect viewing locations for these wild and wonderful creatures.
Activities such as this are great for visitors of all ages, proving that national parks can be destinations for kids, with this season being ideal.. Summer may be the best time to visit Crater Lake National Park, but it's also the busiest time of year. If tourist crowds are not your thing, then you may want to avoid this busy season.
Crater Lake National Park in the Fall
- Pros — Spectacular views, vibrant fall foliage and fewer tourists to clog the hiking trails.
- Cons — Fewer facilities and programs available and the weather can be unpredictable.
Fall at Crater Lake National Park begins in earnest in the middle of September, which is about the same time that the peak tourist crowds begin to subside. Similar to spring, fall is a transitional period in the park, though the days are markedly more comfortable than they are during the months of April, May and June. During the fall, you can expect relatively warm days, but the cool evenings come in suddenly. It's the perfect time of year to enjoy peaceful hiking experiences throughout the entire park.
Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of coming to Crater Lake National Park during the fall is the foliage. The fall colors are on full display throughout the park, making this one of the most beautiful times to visit Crater Lake National Park. The photo opportunities are endless and there's nothing quite like seeing Crater Lake from the rim as the gold and crimson leaves sparkle in the reflection.
While the days are comfortable and the tourist crowds are all but gone for the year, there are fewer facilities and programs available during the fall. At this time of year, the National Park Service begins to close down some of its facilities as the park prepares for another winter season.
Winter at Crater Lake National Park
- Pros — Opportunity to enjoy winter recreational activities and see the park in all of its snow-covered glory.
- Cons — Unpredictable weather can limit the experiences and facilities that are available on any given day.
While some national parks close for the winter season or offer limited hours, Crater Lake National Park is a year-round park that offers access 24 hours per day. However, the winters are long and treacherous at Crater Lake National Park, which means that accessibility to some of the park's roads and trails is often significantly limited.
The long winter season at Crater Lake National Park begins in November and stretches through April. During this time, the park experiences high winds, heavy snowfall and treacherous snowstorms. If you are planning a trip in the winter, it is important to check the current conditions and the accessibility in the park. There are park webcams that will showcase live conditions for prospective visitors.
If you do visit Crater Lake National Park in the winter, you will find that the park looks particularly breathtaking covered in a blanket of snow. Popular winter activities in the park include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. There are even ranger-guided snowshoe walks available to those who have never tried this activity before.
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