Wizard Island. Photo: NPS Photo
- Entrance
- $20–$30 per car
- Nonresident fee
- None
- Park annual pass
- $55, U.S. residents
- Payment
- Card only, no cash
Work out the cost for your group
About Crater Lake
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.
Things to do
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Biking at Crater Lake
Each year, increasing numbers of cyclists come to Crater Lake National Park to ride around the lake on the physically demanding, 33 mile (53 km) Rim Drive.
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Scenic Rim Drive
The historic Rim Drive includes 33-miles (53-km) of lake views, panoramic vistas, forests and meadows.
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Snowshoeing at Crater Lake
Snowshoeing is a popular activity during the long winter at Crater Lake National Park.
Photos
Chaski Bay Photo: NPS Photo 
Crater Lake Photo: NPS Photot 
Crater Lake from Mount Scott Photo: NPS Photo 
Vidae Falls Photo: NPS Photo 
Wildflowers on Wizard Island Photo: NPS Photo
Entrance fees
| Type | Price | Valid for | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private vehicle | $30 | 7 days | May 22 – Oct 31 |
| Private vehicle | $20 | 7 days | Nov 1 – May 21 |
| Per person, 16 and over | $15 | 7 days | All year |
Park annual pass
If you visit twice in 12 months purchasing the park's annual pass will save you money. It is valid at Crater Lake National Park as well as Lava Beds National Monument, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. This annual pass costs $55 and admits the pass owner and all accompanying passengers in a single, private, noncommercial vehicle (or the pass owner plus up to three people when entry is by other means).
A park's own annual pass is sold to U.S. citizens and residents only. A U.S. resident who holds one covers everyone in their private vehicle, including nonresident passengers.
Reservations
NPS lists no entry reservation for this park as of October 26, 2026. Campgrounds and tours may still need booking.
Weather and seasons
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!
Hours
Crater Lake National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Some roads, trails, and facilities, however, are closed seasonally due to snow. North Entrance Road, and West and East Rim Drives close for the season on November 1 (or earlier if there is significant snowfall). Crews begin removing snow from these roads in April, but opening dates vary. The North Entrance Road and West Rim Drive tend to open in early June. The East Rim Drive typically opens in early July.
Getting there
From the west (Medford) - Take Hwy 62 to the West Entrance. Open year-round. From the south (Klamath Falls) - Take Hwy 97 north to Hwy 62 to the South Entrance. Open year-round. The North Entrance is on Hwy 138 and is accessed from Interstate 5 east at Roseburg or Hwy 97 south from Bend and Chemult. Winter travelers from Roseburg take Route 138 east to Route 230 south to Route 62 east to the park's west entrance. Travelers from Bend take Route 97 south to Route 62 to the park's south entrance.
Campgrounds
Webcams
Visitor centers
Alerts
- Park Closure: Cleetwood Cove Trail is CLOSED for Rehabilitation
