Crater Lake National Park is located in south central Oregon in a sparsely populated area and it truly is in the middle of nowhere.
That's what makes visiting Crater Lake all the more an adventure. You are not going to get to Crater Lake unless you make it your purpose to get here.
The closest airports are in Klamath Falls (60 miles from the park) and Medford (80 miles from the park).
But getting there is well worth your effort!
Few places on earth command overwhelming awe from observers, but Crater Lake National Park certainly does. Even in a region of volcanic wonders, Crater Lake can only be described as incredible.
Stories of the deep blue lake can never prepare visitors for their first breathtaking look from the brink of this 6 mile wide caldera which was created by the eruption and collapse of Mt. Mazama almost 7,000 years ago.
My most vivid memory of Crater Lake is finding various overlooks along Rim Road that encircles the park. One spot in particular has an incredible overlook that you can walk out on that isn't much wider than 3 or 4 feet. The thing that makes this spot so awesome is that the 3 foot wide path out to the overlook drops off steeply more than 1,200' in places.
I'm going to let you find this spot on your own. You will certainly know when you get there!
Much of the year Crater Lake is deep in snow cover. The region around Crater Lake receives some of the heaviest snowfall in the country averaging 533 inches per year.
For a brief time each year, Crater Lake National Park emerges from winter hibernation to bask in summertime glory. Early season visitors are often surprised by the amount of snow which remains long into months which are considered mid-summer in most parts of the country. Even most park roads are closed into the late spring which gives a picture of the far more dominant winter scene even in June and early July.
Crater Lake is host to a vast array of activities. While enjoying the natural scenic wonders, park visitors may hike in old growth forests, participate in a variety of interpretive activities, camp out or stay in an historic hotel, or even cross-country ski during the eight month long winters which are experienced here in the Cascade mountains.
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake is located in Oregon and is famous for the intense blue color of its waters and for its spectacular views.
For accommodations relatively near Crater Lake we recommend the service below. Remember, Crater Lake is in the middle of nowhere! Enjoy your stay...
