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.

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.

  • Auto and ATV
  • Scenic Driving
  • Astronomy
  • Stargazing
  • Biking
  • Road Biking
  • Boating
  • Boat Tour
  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Car or Front Country Camping
  • RV Camping
  • Compass and GPS
  • Orienteering
  • Fishing
  • Food
  • Dining
  • Picnicking
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Self-Guided Tours - Auto
  • Bus/Shuttle Guided Tour
  • Boat Tour
  • Hands-On
  • Citizen Science
  • Hiking
  • Backcountry Hiking
  • Front-Country Hiking
  • Off-Trail Permitted Hiking
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Skiing
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Snow Play
  • Snowmobiling
  • Snowshoeing
  • Swimming
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Park Film
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store
  • Gift Shop and Souvenirs

  • Architecture and Building
  • Arts
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Poetry and Literature
  • Explorers and Expeditions
  • Native American Heritage
  • Animals
  • Birds
  • Cats (wild)
  • Elk
  • Fish
  • Wolves
  • Climate Change
  • Fire
  • Forests and Woodlands
  • Coniferous Forests
  • Geology
  • Lakes
  • Mountains
  • Natural Sounds
  • Night Sky
  • Scenic Views
  • Trails
  • Unique Species
  • Rare
  • Endangered
  • Volcanoes
  • Watersheds
  • Headwaters
  • Waterfalls
  • Wetlands
  • Wilderness

Wizard Island

A view of Crater Lake and Wizard Island

Looking at Crater Lake and Wizard Island from Discovery Point

Chaski Bay

a view of Phantom Ship and Chaski Bay

A view from Garfield Peak along the rim of Crater Lake

Crater Lake

a view of Crater Lake from the lakeshore

A view across Crater Lake from the lakeshore

Crater Lake from Mount Scott

Crater Lake as seen from the summit of Mt. Scott

A view of the caldera from Mt. Scott, the highest point in Crater Lake National Park

Vidae Falls

water flowing over Vidae Falls

Water flowing over Vidae Falls

Wildflowers on Wizard Island

wildflowers on Wizard Island

Wildflowers along the Wizard Island Summit Trail

Crater Lake in Winter

A view of Crater Lake in the winter

A view of Crater Lake in the winter

Clouds in the Caldera

Clouds in the Crater Lake Caldera

Clouds in the Crater Lake Caldera