Travel Guide of Crater Lake in United States by Influencers and Travelers

Crater Lake is a crater lake in south-central Oregon in the western United States. It is the main feature of Crater Lake National Park and is famous for its deep blue color and water clarity.

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How to visit Crater Lake ?

To get to Crater Lake, the nearest major airports are in Medford (75 miles away) and Eugene (140 miles away). From there, you can rent a car and drive to the Crater Lake National Park. The park is open year-round, but some roads and facilities are closed during the winter months due to snow.

It's highly recommended to book your accommodations in advance, especially during the peak summer season. The park offers two campgrounds: Mazama Campground and Lost Creek Campground. If you prefer to stay in a lodge, Crater Lake Lodge and The Cabins at Mazama Village are available within the park. Booking a guided boat tour on the lake is also recommended, as these tours often sell out.

Entrance fees for Crater Lake National Park are $30 per vehicle or $25 per motorcycle, valid for seven days. Individual entrance fees are $15 per person if entering by foot or bicycle. Camping and lodging costs vary depending on the chosen site and time of year.

Some of the best things to do in Crater Lake include hiking, biking, and scenic drives. A popular hiking trail is the Cleetwood Cove Trail, which leads to the lake's shore, where you can swim or take a boat tour. For breathtaking views, take a drive along the 33-mile Rim Drive, which encircles the lake and offers numerous overlooks and trailheads.

When it comes to dining, there are limited options within the park. The Crater Lake Lodge offers the Crater Lake Lodge Dining Room, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a focus on local and organic ingredients. Alternatively, the Rim Village Café and Gift Shop offers casual, grab-and-go options. For a more extensive selection of restaurants, consider stopping in the nearby towns of Klamath Falls or Medford.

Two to three accommodation suggestions within the park include Crater Lake Lodge, which offers historic charm and stunning views of the lake. The Cabins at Mazama Village provide a more rustic experience, with cabins nestled in the forest. For those interested in camping, Mazama Campground offers tent and RV sites, while the more primitive Lost Creek Campground is ideal for tent campers seeking solitude.

Off the beaten path: For a unique and adventurous experience, consider snowshoeing or cross-country skiing during the winter months. The park offers ranger-led snowshoe hikes on weekends, providing an opportunity to explore the park's winter wonderland. Alternatively, you can rent snowshoes or skis from nearby outfitters and venture out on your own. Keep in mind that some trails and roads may be closed or difficult to access during the winter, so plan accordingly and check conditions before heading out.

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Learn More about Crater Lake

The deepest lake in the United States. In southern Oregon, in a very wild region drowned by coniferous forests, Crater Lake arose more than 7000 years ago in a site subjected to volcanic activities. This high altitude lake (1882 m) of a translucent blue is in fact the crater of an ancient volcano which has filled up over the centuries with rainwater and snowmelt. It is regenerating today in the same way. With its impressive depth of 589 meters, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and the 7th deepest in the world. The park that surrounds it in its forested mountains was created in 1902 to preserve the natural beauty of the site and its endemic flora. Today, Crater Lake attracts hikers, fishermen, kayakers and swimmers. Cruises on its waters are organized to discover the islets including the volcanic Wizard Island. In winter, the Rangers offer beautiful snowshoeing tours. For those who wish to stay several days in this magnificent site, two hotels including a charming typical lodge have opened in the park. Several hiking trails allow you to reach absolutely magnificent places. But don't worry, the most beautiful sites are accessible by following a scenic route. Next to the Visitor Center, don't hesitate to follow the short and easy path to Castle Crest Wildflowers Garden. There you will walk among the colorful wildflowers, typical of this altitude of over 1800 m. By car, one of the first stops on the south shore of Crater Lake is Sun Notch Viewpoint. Easily accessible by a pleasant trail, the view is an enchantment. At Pinnacles Overlook, the panorama is that of strange rocky needles emerging in the middle of an ash field, reminding us how volcanic the region is. A loop, very bucolic and easy to follow, allows you to approach Annie Creek Canyon, a deep cut surrounded by conifers. A good spot for photos! The good walkers will be able to climb to the top of Mount Scott, the highest point of Crater Lake National Park at 2721 m. The view is unique on the lake, its two islands and the surrounding landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Crater Lake

Can you swim or boat in Crater Lake ?

Short answer, yes, but there is actually only one place where it is safe and legal to get down to the lake shore and swim at Crater Lake National Park.

Can we sleep in Crater Lake ?

Yes, with 214 tent and RV sites in the midst of an old-growth forest, Mazama Campground (open June-September) is the only developed campground within Crater Lake National Park.

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