Crater Lake National Park
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Prepare to be mesmerized by Crater Lake, a place of intense, almost unnatural blue. Formed in the collapsed caldera of a massive volcano, Mount Mazama, this is the deepest lake in the United States, fed almost entirely by snow and rain, resulting in unparalleled water purity and clarity. Visiting Crater Lake is an immersive experience. The classic journey involves the 33-mile Rim Drive, offering over 30 breathtaking overlooks, each providing a new perspective of the lake, the central Wizard Island, and the ghost-like Phantom Ship rock formation. For a truly unique view, book a boat tour that takes you across the lake's surface, allowing you to gaze up at the towering 2,000-foot caldera walls from below. Whether you choose to hike the scenic trails, take a narrated trolley tour, or simply sit in awe at a viewpoint, Crater Lake offers a profound connection to the raw power and beauty of nature.
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Plans change, we get it. Many of our featured tours offer generous cancellation policies, allowing you to book in advance with peace of mind. Filter by 'free cancellation' to find flexible options.
July to mid-September for full park access and activities. Late September and October for fewer crowds and fall colors. May, June and November for snowy landscapes with partial access. December to April for dedicated snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Wear layers! A t-shirt, a fleece or sweatshirt, and a waterproof/windproof jacket are essential|Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are a must, especially if hiking or walking to the boat dock|Bring sun protection: high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and polarized sunglasses are critical at this altitude|Even in summer, pack a warm hat and gloves for chilly mornings, evenings, or for the boat tour on the cold lake.
Crater Lake exists within the collapsed caldera of Mount Mazama, a volcano that erupted violently approximately 7,700 years ago. The eruption was one of the largest in North America in the past 10,000 years, altering the landscape for hundreds of miles. The caldera slowly filled with centuries of rain and snow to create the pristine lake we see today. It was established as the United States' fifth national park in 1902, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Cancellation policies vary by the specific tour operator. Most tours booked through our partners like GetYourGuide offer a full refund if canceled up to 24 hours in advance. Always check the specific cancellation details on the booking page before confirming your reservation.
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Real experiences from real travelers
Booked our boat tour through this site and it was seamless. The confirmation came instantly. As for the lake itself... photos don't do it justice. The blue is mesmerizing. The hike down to the boat is strenuous, no joke, but worth every single step. Take your time on the way back up!
We visited in September and the crowds were smaller. We booked the trolley tour, which was a wise choice as we could just relax and enjoy the views without worrying about driving. The guide was knowledgeable. Using this platform to book made it easy to compare options and find what suited us best.
The highlight of our US road trip. We secured tickets for the Wizard Island drop-off, and it was incredible. Swimming in that cold, pure water is something I will never forget. Booking was simple, and having the tickets on my phone was very convenient. Highly recommend booking far in advance as we saw many people turned away.
We visited in early June when much of the rim was still covered in snow. The contrast between the white snow and the deep blue lake was breathtaking. While the boat tours weren't running yet, the views from the Rim Village were spectacular. The booking platform provided clear information about seasonal closures which helped us plan our trip effectively.
Crater Lake is a must-see. The Rim Drive offers one stunning viewpoint after another. My only advice is to bring your own food and water. The options in the park are limited and very busy. We used this site to get our park pass ahead of time which saved us a bit of time at the entrance gate. Simple and efficient process.
Simply magical. The color of the water feels unreal. We booked the standard boat tour and it was the best decision. The ranger on the boat was funny and full of fascinating facts about the volcano's history. Booking was easy, no issues at all. A flawless experience from start to finish.
We were worried about crowds but visiting after Labor Day was perfect. We booked a trolley tour which I'd recommend for anyone who wants to hear the history and not stress about finding parking at the viewpoints. The platform was great, showing all the available times and making it easy to choose. The pre-trip reminders were also very helpful.
The lake is 5/5 stars, absolutely phenomenal. The crowds in July are intense, however. Having our boat tickets pre-booked was a lifesaver. We saw the 'Sold Out' signs everywhere. I recommend arriving at the park very early to get ahead of the main rush. The booking process was straightforward, which I appreciate.
Everything you need to know for your journey
It is highly recommended, especially for popular activities like the boat tours and trolley tours, which can sell out weeks or even months in advance during the peak summer season (July and August). Booking your tickets online through our platform ensures you have a guaranteed spot and can plan your day without worrying about sold-out activities. Park entrance passes can also be purchased online in advance to speed up your entry.
The best time to visit for full access to roads, trails, and tours is from early July to mid-September. During this period, the weather is typically mild and sunny, and the entire Rim Drive is usually open. Late September and early October can also be beautiful with fall colors and fewer crowds, but be prepared for colder weather and the possibility of early snow. Winter offers stunning snowy landscapes but with very limited access.
The park entrance fee grants you access to Crater Lake National Park for 7 days. This includes driving the Rim Drive, accessing viewpoints, and hiking trails. However, it does NOT include tickets for ranger-led activities like the standard boat tour, the Wizard Island tour, or the Rim Trolley tour. These must be purchased separately, and we highly recommend booking them in advance.
Yes, the boat tour is consistently rated as the highlight of a visit to Crater Lake. It offers a completely different perspective of the caldera from water level, allowing you to truly appreciate the massive scale of the cliffs, the incredible clarity of the water, and get up close to geological formations like the Phantom Ship. It's the only way to get on the surface of the lake.
The hike to Cleetwood Cove, where the boat tours depart, is 1.1 miles (1.7 km) one way with an elevation change of 700 feet (213 meters). This is equivalent to climbing down and up 70 flights of stairs. It is steep and strenuous, especially the return hike up. You must be in good physical condition to undertake this hike. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water.
You can swim in the lake, but only at Cleetwood Cove. The water is extremely cold, with summer surface temperatures averaging around 55-60°F (13-16°C). It's a refreshing but bracing experience! Remember, you must be able to complete the strenuous hike back up to the rim after your swim.
Crater Lake sits at a high elevation, with the rim at about 7,100 feet (2,164 meters). Some visitors may experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness like headache, shortness of breath, or fatigue. To acclimate, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, avoid strenuous activity on your first day, and ascend slowly if possible.
Unfortunately, the boat tours are not wheelchair accessible due to the steep and unpaved nature of the Cleetwood Cove Trail. The Crater Lake Trolley is a great accessible alternative, as some trolleys are equipped with a wheelchair lift. Many viewpoints along the Rim Drive and the visitor centers are accessible.
Yes, there are two primary lodging options inside the park: the historic Crater Lake Lodge and The Cabins at Mazama Village. Both are extremely popular and often book up a year in advance. There are also several campgrounds. Many visitors stay in nearby towns like Klamath Falls or Medford.
The full Rim Drive is 33 miles (53 km) long. Without stops, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to drive. However, to fully enjoy it, you should plan for at least 4-5 hours to allow for stops at the 30+ scenic overlooks, short walks, and photos.
Pets are allowed in the park but are restricted. They are permitted in paved areas like parking lots, roads, and some picnic areas. They are NOT allowed on most park trails, including the Cleetwood Cove Trail, on boat tours, in buildings, or in the backcountry. Always keep your pet on a leash.
Food options are available seasonally at the Rim Village Café and the Annie Creek Restaurant in Mazama Village. However, options can be limited and lines can be long during peak season. It's a great idea to pack your own picnic lunch and snacks to enjoy at one of the many scenic pullouts along the Rim Drive.
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