Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Crater Lake National Park, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- Oregon, USA
- Country
- United States
- Biome
- Cascade subalpine + caldera lake
- Best season
- July – September
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
- Sea Kayaking
- Beachcombing
- Canoeing
- Fishing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Cascade subalpine + caldera lake
- Best season: July – September
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: hiking
Topic summary
The deepest lake in the United States, filling the collapsed caldera of Mount Mazama — impossibly blue water ringed by cliffs.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: July – September
Intended uses
- hiking
- camping
- backpacking
Climate suitability
Cascade subalpine + caldera lake
Verification notes
Last verified January 1, 1970.
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Crater Lake National Park trip tools
How to get there
Crater Lake National Park is in south-central Oregon. Confirm approach roads and current access with the National Park Service before traveling, particularly for a snow-season visit.
- Cleetwood Cove Trail
Closed for rehabilitation. Do not plan to use this access point unless the National Park Service confirms it has reopened.
- North Entrance Road
The park identifies this road for snowmobile travel when it is snow-covered and closed to regular vehicle traffic. Confirm conditions and access before departure.
Sources: nps.gov · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Crater Lake National Park
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
- Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.
Animals around Crater Lake National Park
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Crater Lake National ParkAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Crater Lake National Park
Planning to fish Crater Lake National Park, Oregon? Fishing licenses, open seasons and catch limits in Oregon are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing license at Crater Lake National Park?
- A Oregon fishing license is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current Oregon fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
- Crater Lake National Park may add its own fishing rules on top of Oregon law — check the managing agency too.
Hunting near Crater Lake National Park
Thinking about hunting Crater Lake National Park, Oregon? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Oregon are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Crater Lake National Park?
- Hunting is prohibited or heavily restricted in many national parks, wilderness and protected areas — confirm with the Crater Lake National Park land manager before planning a hunt, and look to surrounding public land.
What do I need to hunt in Oregon?
- A Oregon hunting license — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
The lake and its volcanic setting
Crater Lake National Park centers on a deep-blue lake in south-central Oregon. Known as Giiwas in Klamath, the lake occupies part of a caldera formed when Mount Mazama collapsed about 7,700 years ago. Its maximum depth of 1,949 feet makes it the deepest lake in the United States. No rivers flow into or out of it; rain and snowfall replenish water lost through evaporation. Two islands give the basin distinct landmarks. Wizard Island, near the western shore, is a cinder cone covering about 316 acres. Phantom Ship, near the southern shore, is a natural rock pillar. The lake’s clarity, depth, and volcanic landforms are the main reasons to build a visit around observing the basin rather than simply checking off activities.
Activities and seasonal planning
The lake and surrounding park support hiking, biking, fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Summer brings open campgrounds and lodges, while snow-based activities offer a different way to experience the surrounding landscape. Choose the type of trip before committing to an itinerary: a summer stay and a snow-season outing call for different equipment and access checks. Snowfall is part of the lake’s water supply, so winter planning should account for snow-covered travel rather than assume ordinary road access. For any outing, carry weather-appropriate layers, drinking water, and equipment suited to the activity. Confirm current routes and lodging operations with the National Park Service before departure, and do not treat the presence of an activity in the park as confirmation that every access point is available.
Entrance passes and access checks
The park is cashless, so bring a suitable payment method or an accepted entrance pass. A private, noncommercial vehicle with capacity for 15 passengers or fewer costs $30 to enter from May 22 through October 31, or $20 from November 1 through May 21. Both passes cover the vehicle and its occupants for seven days. Visitors arriving on foot or bicycle pay $15 per person for seven days; those age 15 and younger enter free. An America the Beautiful pass covers entrance, and the park annual pass costs $55. Access needs a separate check: Cleetwood Cove Trail is closed for rehabilitation. Do not include it as an available hike, and confirm current conditions before building plans around any particular route.
Route options
- North Entrance Road snowmobile travel
A snow-season option on the snow-covered North Entrance Road when it is closed to regular vehicle traffic. The snowmobile entrance pass admits one individual for seven days and costs $15, with the listed fee period running November 1 through June 15. Youth age 15 and younger enter free. Confirm route availability separately; the fee period does not establish operating conditions.
- Cleetwood Cove Trail — closed
Not an available hiking option while rehabilitation closure is in effect. Check with the National Park Service before considering it for an itinerary.
Sample itineraries
- Crater Lake and its volcanic landscape · 1 day
Spend a day viewing the lake and exploring its Mount Mazama origins. Look for Wizard Island near the western shore and Phantom Ship near the southern shore from accessible viewing locations. Keep this a land-based visit: Cleetwood Cove Trail is closed for rehabilitation.
- Summer hiking and an overnight stay · 2 days
Combine lake viewing on the first day with hiking or biking on the second, choosing outings after checking current access. Summer campgrounds and lodges offer overnight options; confirm availability before traveling. Do not include Cleetwood Cove Trail while its rehabilitation closure remains in effect.
- Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing · 2 days
Allow two days for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, adjusting each outing to snow conditions and ability. Confirm suitable access and routes with park staff before setting out. Pack for cold weather and keep plans flexible rather than assuming summer activities remain accessible.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring transition
Snow is a planning consideration in this snowfall-fed landscape. Confirm conditions before choosing hiking, biking, or snow travel; do not assume summer access or lodging availability.
Summer
Summer
Campgrounds and lodges open to visitors in summer. Hiking and biking can complement lake viewing, subject to current access. Cleetwood Cove Trail is closed for rehabilitation.
Fall
Fall transition
Prepare for changing weather and colder outings. Confirm access and overnight availability rather than assuming summer operations continue. Carry layers and leave room to shorten outdoor plans.
Winter
Snow-covered conditions
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are park activities. North Entrance Road is closed to regular vehicle traffic when snow-covered and used for snowmobile travel. Confirm access and snow conditions before departure.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring transition | Snow is a planning consideration in this snowfall-fed landscape. Confirm conditions before choosing hiking, biking, or snow travel; do not assume summer access or lodging availability. |
| Summer | Summer | Campgrounds and lodges open to visitors in summer. Hiking and biking can complement lake viewing, subject to current access. Cleetwood Cove Trail is closed for rehabilitation. |
| Fall | Fall transition | Prepare for changing weather and colder outings. Confirm access and overnight availability rather than assuming summer operations continue. Carry layers and leave room to shorten outdoor plans. |
| Winter | Snow-covered conditions | Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are park activities. North Entrance Road is closed to regular vehicle traffic when snow-covered and used for snowmobile travel. Confirm access and snow conditions before departure. |
Permits, fees & closures
An entrance pass is required; a qualifying America the Beautiful pass covers entrance. Confirm activity-specific permit requirements with the National Park Service. The park does not accept cash.
Fees: Private vehicle: $30 May 22–October 31; $20 November 1–May 21. Both cover occupants for seven days. Entry on foot or bicycle: $15 per person age 16 or older for seven days; younger visitors enter free. Park annual pass: $55.
Official source: Fees & Passes - Crater Lake National Park (U.S. National Park Service) · Verified October 18, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Cleetwood Cove Trail is closed for rehabilitation. Do not plan to use it.
- Snow can complicate footing and navigation. Match snowshoeing and skiing plans to conditions and experience.
- Cold and wet weather can make exposed outings uncomfortable or unsafe. Carry insulating layers and weather protection.
- The lake occupies a deep volcanic caldera. Use caution around steep terrain and keep back from edges.
What to pack for Crater Lake National Park
- Insulating layers
- Weatherproof outer layer
- Sturdy footwear suited to the outing
- Warm hat and gloves for cold conditions
- Drinking water and food
- Navigation tools
- First-aid supplies
- Sun protection
- Snowshoes or cross-country skis appropriate to the planned activity
- Poles
- Spare dry layers
- Entrance pass or qualifying interagency pass
- Cashless payment method
- Current park access information
Crater Lake National Park FAQ
- What makes Crater Lake distinctive?
- At 1,949 feet deep, it is the deepest lake in the United States. Its clear, deep-blue water partly fills a caldera formed by the collapse of Mount Mazama around 7,700 years ago.
- Can visitors use Cleetwood Cove Trail?
- No. Cleetwood Cove Trail is closed for rehabilitation. Check current park conditions before planning any outing that depends on this trail.
- What are the islands in the lake?
- Wizard Island, near the western shore, is a volcanic cinder cone. Phantom Ship, near the southern shore, is a natural rock pillar.
- When are overnight accommodations available?
- Campgrounds and lodges open to visitors during summer. Confirm availability and operating details before building an overnight itinerary.
- What activities are available beyond lake viewing?
- Park recreation includes hiking, biking, fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Choose activities according to conditions and current access, and confirm any applicable requirements with park staff.
- How does the lake get its water?
- No rivers flow into or out of Crater Lake. Rain and snowfall replenish water lost through evaporation.