In an average winter, Crater Lake National Park receives 42 feet of snow! Ranger-guided snowshoe walks are a fun way to explore this winter wonderland while learning how plants, animals, and people survive the harsh conditions.
In 2024, walks will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays from Sunday, March 17 through Sunday, April 28. They will also be offered on weekdays from Monday, March 25 through Friday, March 29.
They start at 1:00 pm, last two hours, and cover 1 to 2 miles of moderate-to-strenuous terrain. They don’t follow a trail—the hike is an off-trail exploration through the forests and meadows along the rim of Crater Lake. On days when the road to Rim Village is closed, they explore the forests and meadows near Park Headquarters.
Winter Trip Planning
The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, many roads, services, and programs are closed during the extended winter season (November to April). In the WHAT TO KNOW box are links to help with winter trip planning.
- The webcams offer a snapshop of current conditions. During winter, the lake is often hidden by clouds.
- The weather page has current temperatures and forecast.
- Fill your gas tank before reaching the park boundary. Running out of gas results in frustration and is very expensive to rectify if a tow company has to deliver it. Gas and EV stations are listed on the Basic Information page.
- Click for Winter Driving Safety alerts, chain requirements and more.
- The winter edition of Reflections, the park newspaper, has a winter recreation map, safety tips, and much more.
Park Hours of Operation
The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. You can arrive at any time. No reservations are needed to enter the park. However, many of the park's roads, trails, and facilities, are closed seasonally due to snow. Visit the Current Conditions page to find out what's open in the park today.
Seasons
Winter (November throughApril) and summer (July through mid-September) are two very distinct seasons at Crater Lake National Park, when hours and operations are well defined. But May, June, and October are months when openings and closings are not as predictable.
Even though the park is open year round, the operating hours for many of the facilities and services change depending on the season. With late or even early snowfalls, unpredictable snow melt, and the timing of snow removal, it is difficult to determine from year to year when certain facilities or services may be available. This is also true for concession managed facilities including the campground and boat tours.
The Current Conditions page is the best resource to find information about current operations, facilities, roads, visitor centers, and more.
Annual Entrance - Park
$55.00
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).
2024 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks
Come experience the national parks! All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone (other fees may apply). Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates:
Academic Fee Waivers
Schools and other academic instituitions can apply for a waiver of park entrance fees, provided that their visit is for educational or scientific purposes. Learn more about academic fee waivers here.
Pets
Pets—dogs, cats, birds or any other animal—are wonderful! They provide comfort and companionship. You and your pets are welcome to visit Crater Lake National Park but there are a few rules and regulations that apply to visiting with your pet.
Where May I Walk With or Carry My Pet?
(See Superintendent's Compendium 36 CFR §2.15 – Pets)
Hikers may only be in possession of one leashed pet per person on trails. Leashed pets may accompany you in the following areas:
- In Mazama and Lost Creek Campgrounds, and all picnic areas
- Along established roads and within 50 feet of the paved surfaces
- On parking areas and paved walkways
- Only on these designated trails:
Lady of the Woods (as long as the trail is free of significant snow)
Godfrey Glen (as long as the trail is free of significant snow)
Annie Spur Trail (connects PCT hikers to Mazama Village)
Grayback Drive (accessible when East Rim Drive is open)
Pacific Crest Trail (the official PCT, not the "alternate" PCT along the rim of the lake)
Trail descriptions are found on this website under hiking trails and a map is available on page and 5 of the summer edition of the park newspaper. These trails can also be found by zooming in on the southern half of the digital park map, or use the "Find a Location" feature and enter the name of an individual trail.
Whether they are on a leash, being carried, or in any sort of pack, pets are not permitted on the Cleetwood Cove Trail. In summer and fall
A great place to walk your dog is along the paved promenade in Rim Village, where you (and your dog) will get uninterrupted views of the lake. Also in rim Village, you may walk you dog along the paved roads in the picnic area (historic campground).The same is true for the campground loops at Mazama Village, and all auto pullouts. In winter and spring
The most popular place to walk a pet is in the Rim Village parking lot or on top of the snowbank beside the parking lot, but no more than 50 feet away. Pets on leash are allowed on paved roads that are free of significant snow, in parking lots that are free of signficant snow, and up to 50 feet away from these paved, snow-free areas.
The Pacific Crest Trail is open year-round to pets, whether it is covered by snow or not.
Prohibited Areas
Per the Superintendent’s Compendium: “Pets are prohibited from entering Crater Lake, all streams, and any body of water within the park.”
All hiking and designated ski trails/routes except for those listed above.
Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations Part 2.15(a)(1)
It is prohibited to “possess a pet in a public building...or any structure or area closed to the possession of pets by the superintendent.” This includes visitor centers, Crater Lake Lodge, all Mazama Village and Rim Village public buildings,
Service animals (any dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability)when accompanying an individual with a disability, may go wherever visitors are allowed.
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is open year-round to pets This Labrador is leashed and awaiting a winter hike. NPS Photo/Stephanie Duwe
Why Should My Pet be on a Leash?
All leashes must be a maximum of six feet per 36 CFR 2.15(a)(2)
FOR THE SAFETY OF YOUR PET
Off-leash pets may easily be lost, injured, or even killed, especially near cliff edges.
FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL VISITORS
Some people fear pets, and normally well behaved pets can be stressed in unfamiliar surroundings, by crowds, and wildlife.
FOR THE PRESERVATION OF PLANTS Pets may dig or trample fragile vegetation.
FOR THE SAFETY OF WILDLIFE Off-leash pets can flush animals out of nesting sites or burrows, destroy wildlife homes, and leave behind a predator scent.
Cleetwood Cove
Looking down from the mid-section of Cleetwood Cove Trail, the tour boats look like toy boats.
Visit the Lake
Visitors are spellbound by Crater Lake’s blue color and mystified by its clarity. For most people, the lake’s beauty is appreciated from viewpoints around Rim Drive, but others desire a closer encounter. Some people want to fish from the shore and others plan to take a boat tour around the lake.
Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only legal access to the shore of Crater Lake. Depending on snow conditions, the trail is usually open from mid-June to late October. Swimming, wading and fishing are permitted in the lake. The links to swimming, wading, and fishing provide important information regarding restrictions and personal safety.
Pets are not allowed on Cleetwood Cove Trail, in the lake, or unattended and tied to an object. If a pet is left in a vehicle and the conditions pose a threat to the animal’s health, a violation notice may be issued. Please see Pets for more information.
How to Get There
Cleetwood Cove Trailhead is located on East Rim Drive, 4.6 miles from North Junction (where North Entrance Road meets West Rim Drive). Access to the trail is dependent on road status and trail conditions. It opens on a different date each year after roads have been plowed and deemed safe for travel, and the trail has been assessed.
What to Consider
Trail Description
Cleetwood Cove Trail is a steep and strenuous hike. In 1.1 miles (1.7 km) the trail drops 700 feet (213 meters) in elevation through a series of long switchbacks. The trail surface is crushed pumice, which is similar to fine sand, and when it is dry, the pumice is loose and slippery under foot. The trail is only partially shaded. There are a few benches that you are strongly encouraged to use while taking in the views. The trail ends at the boulder-strewn lakeshore without shade and no beach. Vault toilets are located in the trailhead parking lot and at the lakeshore.
Staying on the trail protects the surrounding fragile vegetation, and helps to maintain the trail's integrity.
Going off trail can dislodge rocks and cause loose soil to tumble onto other visitors, resulting in injuries.
Your Physical Health
How are your knees and ankles? Do you have breathing difficulties? Have you experienced any heart conditions? Are you acclimated to the high elevation? Did you eat and are you drinking water? Overall good cardiovascular, heart, and physical fitness are recommended to hike the 2.2 miles round trip. It is not a recommended trail for people with mobility or health concerns.
The majority of search and rescue operations in Crater Lake National Park stem from visitors being unable to ascend this trail once they have hiked down to the lakeshore.
Ok, So You Made It Down theTrail
Walking up the trail is comparable to climbing 65 flights of stairs. Given the steepness, also consider the elevation, air temperature, air born trail-dust, and smoke if there are local wildfires. All of these can adversely affect your ability to ascend Cleetwood Cove Trail. It is best to make frequent rest stops, drink water, eat a snack, and enjoy the views.
You are strongly encouraged to know and accept your fitness level and physical limitations.
Understand that walking down the trail is only half of the experience.
Swimming and Wading
Swimming and wading in the lake, especially on a hot summer day, can be refreshing and even a bit chilling. During summer the average surface temperature of the lake is 57degrees (14 degrees Celsius). Only bathing suits and basic clothing may be worn in the water. Please read the section below regarding of protection of the lake and what not to bring. Have warm, dry clothing available to immediately put on after being in the lake.
Swimming is only allowed within 100 yards of Cleetwood Cove and within 100 yards of Wizard Island, provided that swimmers remain at least 50 feet away from any boat, boat dock or buoy.
For information about fishing in Crater Lake visit the fishing webpage.
What to Bring
Regardless of how long you anticipate staying lakeside, or what your reason is for hiking down the trail, bring these items with you:
- water or any non-caffeinated drinks
- your favorite energy snack
- sturdy shoes not flip flops or sandals
- walking sticks or trekking poles are supportive to knees and back
- warm, dry clothes to wear after being in the water
- sunscreen and/or sun protective clothing and a hat
Wheeled devices for transporting people or equipment are prohibited on Cleetwood Cove Trail.
What Not To Bring
To protect the clarity of the lake and decrease the possibility of introducing invasive species these items are not allowed in the lake:
- scuba and snorkeling gear
- wet suits, masks, goggles, fins,
- inner tubes or any towable devices
- kayaks, canoes, and any motorized or non-motorized boats
- inflatable rafts, flotation devices
- personal life jackets or vests
- waders
Boat and Trolley Tours
Visitors on a boat tour looking at Phantom Ship
NPS Photo
Boat Tours
Contact Crater Lake Hospitality for ticket prices, tour descriptions and reservations or call their toll-free reservation line, 866-292-6720.
In summer, Crater Lake Hospitality, a concessioner for the park, offers daily boat tours on Crater Lake. A park ranger is aboard most tours, which circumnavigate the caldera. Captains and boats are US Coast Guard certified.
In the event that boat tours are canceled due to weather, smoke or safety concerns, the concessioner attempts to make appropriate accommodations for ticket holder.
Things to Know Before Booking a Boat Tour
- To reach the dock for boarding the boats, visitors must be capable of descending and ascending the Cleetwood Cove Trail. It is a one-mile trail that drops 700 feet (213 meters) to the lake shore. The steep, dusty trail may be challenging for some visitors.
- To take the tour, children must be at least 3 years of age, and every visitor must be willing to endure sun exposure, wind, occasional rough waters and engine noise. Children 12 or under are required to wear a life vest that is provided at the docks.
- There is no bathroom on board the boats. There are composting toilets available for use before and after the tour.
- Carefully consider what clothing and supplies you will need for two hours on an open boat with full exposure to the weather—sun, cool temperatures, rain, wind. Passengers may get wet during windy conditions and it can get very cold on the lake despite warm temperatures on shore.
Ranger and visitors next to trolley, NPS Photo
Trolley Tours
Contact Crater Lake Trolley for tour times, reservations, and ticket prices or call 541-882-1896.
During Summer, Crater Lake Trolley, a concessioner for the park, offers daily trolley tours. The tours typically begin in July and run through mid-September. The many benefits of a trolley tour include the luxury of enjoying the scenery while the trolley driver safely navigates the historic 33-mile Rim Drive. Each trolley makes five to seven stops at significant overlooks with opportunities for photographs and moments for reflection. The ranger on-board offers narration, trivia, and a dash of fun.
Trolleys are enclosed, wheel chair accessible, and seat 25 passengers. The tours are two hours and there are no bathroom stops.
Advanced reservations can be made at the Crater Lake Trolley website. Tickets can also be purchased from the trolley ticket office in Rim Village the day of a tour if there is availability.
Things to Do
Many Ways to Explore the Park
Visitors arrive at the park with anticipation of seeing Crater Lake, one of the world’s deepest, clearest, and bluest lakes. Whether day-tripping or spending a week, there are many ways to explore the park and enjoy the lake.
Ninety miles of trails meander through diverse forests, and rise to peaks with views of the lake. The historic 33-mile Rim Drive circles Crater Lake with views from 30 overlooks. Opportunities to photograph landscapes, the lake, and wildflowers are countless. Stargazing, camping, and with some advance planning fishing are also options for things to do. Visit the pet webpage for safety tips and where to go with your pet.
Throughout the Park
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Choose a forest hike, one with lake views, high elevation, wildflowers or a pumice meadow. There are long distance trails and easy ones.
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Begin with science, add a little curiosity, consider history and discover art, that is the evolution of a ranger program!
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Prepare for a wilderness adventure that could include snow, a brilliant night sky, or the sound of animals. Get help with trip planning.
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The park's diverse habitats and elevations attract a variety of birds! The best place to listen for and observe them is...
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No fishing license is required within park boundaries, but here are important rules & regulations for fishing in the lake and park streams.
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Along Hwy 62 and throughout Rim Drive there are many places to pull safely off the road for views of the geology, the lake, and other sites.
Around the Lake
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Choose a trolley or boat tour and enjoy the sights worry-free with an added bonus of a ranger's perspective.
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Shouts of Oh Oh Oh mean stop at the next viewpoint along Rim Drive! Visit trails, picnic areas, and other features.
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Cleetwood Cove Trail is a steep and strenuous hike which drops 700 ft (213 m) of elevation in 1.1 miles (1.7 km). Know more before you go.
At Rim Village
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Each day during summer, four times a day, kids get to discover Crater Lake National Park with a ranger.
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For many, Rim Village is the first place to see the lake. It is an historic district and walking tour including Crater Lake Lodge.
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The oldest and most popular viewpoint in the park built specifically to offer a united view of the beauty the geologic story.
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