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.
Photo: NPS Photo / NPS
About 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.
Pair it with another park
CAdrive time
CAdrive time
ORdrive time
ORdrive time
CAdrive time
ORdrive time
Driving times from Crater Lake National Park, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$30.00This 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.
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$20.00This is the winter entrance fee. Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15-passenger capacity or less) and all occupants. Good for 7 days.
Entrance - Motorcycle
$25.00Valid 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.
Entrance - Motorcycle
$15.00Valid 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.
Entrance - Per Person
$15.00Admits one individual with no motor vehicle (bicyclist, hiker, pedestrian). Youth 15 and under are admitted free of charge. Good for 7 days.
Entrance - Snowmobile
$15.00Admits 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.
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
$25.00Fees 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.
Commercial Entrance - Van
$75.00Fees for commercial vehicles are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board.
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
$100.00Fees for commercial vehicles are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
$200.00Fees for commercial vehicles are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board.
Hours
Crater Lake National Park
- Mon
- All Day
- Tue
- All Day
- Wed
- All Day
- Thu
- All Day
- Fri
- All Day
- Sat
- All Day
- Sun
- All Day
West Entrance
- Mon
- All Day
- Tue
- All Day
- Wed
- All Day
- Thu
- All Day
- Fri
- All Day
- Sat
- All Day
- Sun
- All Day
South Entrance
- Mon
- All Day
- Tue
- All Day
- Wed
- All Day
- Thu
- All Day
- Fri
- All Day
- Sat
- All Day
- Sun
- All Day
North Entrance
- Mon
- All Day
- Tue
- All Day
- Wed
- All Day
- Thu
- All Day
- Fri
- All Day
- Sat
- All Day
- Sun
- All Day
Activities
Getting there
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!
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to enter Crater Lake National Park?
- Entrance to Crater Lake National Park starts at $15. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
- What is there to do at Crater Lake National Park?
- Popular activities include Astronomy, Auto and ATV, Backcountry Camping, Backcountry Hiking, Biking, Birdwatching.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Crater Lake National Park?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Tule Lake National Monument (2 h 9 min), Lava Beds National Monument (2 h 39 min), Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve (3 h 24 min), John Day Fossil Beds National Monument (4 h 6 min), Redwood National and State Parks (4 h 20 min), Fort Vancouver National Historic Site (4 h 39 min).