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** North Entrance Road, East Rim Drive, and most of West Rim Drive remain
CLOSED to vehicles due to deep snow. **
Spring Opening Has Begun!
This is the time of year when the park starts to dig out from all the massive amounts of snow that have fallen over the long winter. Our plow operators have started the slow process of snow removal on West Rim Drive. It is now possible to hike and bike from the gate at Discovery Point up to the Watchman Overlook. If you venture out there on foot, snowshoes, or skis, please be on the lookout for plows! You will see them before they can see you. To safely pass them, make eye contact and do not proceed until they wave you through. As you enjoy the scenery, also be on the lookout for falling rocks and chunks of snow.
East Rim Drive Rehabilitation Project
Good progress was made last year on improving the road conditions on East Rim Drive. The project will resume this summer on the road between Phantom Ship Overlook and Sun Notch Head. To learn more about East Rim Drive Construction please go to the News Release titled, Historic East Rim Drive to Undergo Major Rehabilitation.
See what's happening in the moment by viewing the webcams. Weather forecast is below. Go to the park's weather page for links to the most accurate temperature, snowfall, and snow depth. The most current weather forecast is available from the National Weather Service.
Visit Tripcheck.com for current travel restrictions outside the park.
Snow Zone
Crater Lake National Park is considered a "Snow Zone" which means that chains or traction tires are required on all vehicles during the winter. If the roads are snowy and icy and your vehicle isn't properly equipped, you may not be permitted past the entrance station. The park follows all Oregon Department of Transportation regulations for winter driving conditions. For more information go to TripCheck.com.
Overnight Backpacking
Backpacking permits are required and available on a self serve basis at the Ranger Station, 24/7. More information is available at backcountry camping.
FoodandGifts
Managed by a concessioner, (click the links for hours of operations). Rim Village Cafe serves grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Rim Village Gift Shop offers visitors a wide range of gifts and Crater Lake collectibles.
NO GASOLINE is available in the park at this time. The gas pumps at Mazama Village are CLOSED for the season in order to complete important repair work. Nearby gas outside of the park can also be found at the following locations:
The closest gas west of the park is at the Prospect Service Station on Hwy 62, 29 miles from the south fee booth.
The closest gas to the south is at the Crater Lake Junction Travel Center on Hwy 97, 30 miles from the park’s south fee booth.
From the north, the nearest gas station is at the Diamond Lake Resort Gas Station off Hwy 138.
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
(Managed and maintained all year by the concessioner. Contact at ExplorCraterLake)A charging station for electric vehicles is located in front of the Annie Creek Gift Shop in Mazama Village. It has one standard connector and one Tesla connector.
Restrooms
Restrooms at Rim Village are open 24 hours. Vault toilets are open at Ponderosa Picnic Area and Old West on Hwy 62, and Goodbye Picnic Area. Restrooms are also available at all concession operated facilities during hours of operation. Restrooms are available at the Steel Information Center during hours of operation.
Phone & Internet
Dial 911 to report any emergency, 24 hours a day. A 24-hour emergency landline is located outside the "snow-tunnel" entrance to the Administration Building in park headquarters, adjacent to Steel Visitor Center. There are no cell towers in the park. Cell service is random in areas around Rim Village and the overlooks along Rim Drive. Crater Lake Lodge offers wifi only for their guests. Wifi may be available to patrons of concession-run facilities in Rim Village (year-round) and Mazama Village (summer only).
Camping and Lodging
Crater Lake Lodge, Mazama Cabins, Annie Creek Restaurant, and the Mazama Village Store are CLOSED for the season. Go to ExplorCraterLake for information about reservations and operations.
South from OR Hwy 138 and west of OR Hwy 230
Nine miles (14.5 km) to North Junction; in preparation for winter it closes on November 1, or earlier if snowfall is significant. When sufficient snow is on the ground, it is groomed for snowmobiles from Hwy 138 to North Junction.
CLOSED
West Rim Drive
Between Rim Village and North Junction
In preparation for winter it closes on November 1, or earlier. In spring, as snow gradually melts plows will begin clearing and opening the road in segments with two-way traffic from Rim Village. Upon closure and no snow, the road is open to hikers, bicyclists, and pet walkers. Upon closure and significant snow, the road is a winter route for skiing and snowshoeing but no pets are allowed. Section from Rim Village to Discovery Point now open to vehicles.
CLOSED
East Rim Drive
From North Entrance Road it is a left turn at North Junction. From the south it intersects with Munson Valley near Steel Visitor Center.
In preparation for winter it closes on November 1, or earlier. In spring, as snow gradually melts, plows will begin clearing and opening the road in segments with two-way traffic. Upon closure and no snow, the road is open to hikers, bicyclists, and pet walkers. Upon closure and significant snow, the road is a winter snow route for skiing and snowshoeing but no pets are allowed.
CLOSED
Cloudcap Overlook
Access is via East Rim Drive near Mount Scott Trailhead
Highest paved overlook in the park. Typically open when East Rim Drive is open.
CLOSED
Pinnacles Road
Access is via East Rim Drive near Phantom Ship Overlook
Eight miles of heavy traffic along a narrow two-lane road without shoulders. It closes when East Rim Drive closes on November 1, or earlier.
CLOSED
Munson Valley Road
7-miles of road from Hwy 62 and Annie Spring Entrance Station to Rim Village and Crater Lake
Open year-round. Sections or all of the road may close intermittently due to heavy snowfall, traffic accidents, or other unforeseen events.
OPEN
WINTER ONLY:
the last 3-miles of Munson Valley Road
When closed refer to the above alerts. Munson Valley Road from Steel Information Center/ Park Headquarters to Rim Village
These three miles (the last of the seven listed under Munson Valley Road) are on a steep grade with tight curves.
OPEN
OR Hwy 62
west boundary
From Interstate 5 and Medford, Shady Cove, and Prospect to the west boundary
Open year round. Temporary closures may occur any time due to downed trees or traffic accidents. It is plowed daily during winter but often narrows with an excessive accumlation of snow.
OPEN
OR Hwy 62
south boundary
From OR Hwy 97 at Chiloquin from Klamath Falls
Open year round. Temporary closures may occur any time due to downed trees or traffic accidents. It is plowed daily during winter but often narrows with an excessive accumlation of snow.
OPEN
This map includes all roads leading to the park from all directions (map is north oriented). During winter and fire seasons see Tripcheck, Oregon Department of Transportation's website for closures outside the park.
Visitor Centers
Information and Location
Current Status
Steel
Information Center
The park's primary visitor contact station and restrooms at park headquarters are now open after a major structural renovation and upgrades to outdated utilities and communications. Read more about the construction and the building's history.
OPEN
Rim
Visitor Center
Located at the historic Kiser Studio in Rim Village
Open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
OPEN
Crater Lake Natural History Association You can visit the Crater Lake Natural History Association (NHA) park store online. NHA is an official non-profit partner of the National Park Service and is dedicated to supporting Crater Lake National Park through education, science, and ranger programs.
Crater Lake Lodge
Trolley and Boat Tours
Mazama Campground