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Winter Activities
The winter brings some of the heaviest snowfall in the country, averaging 533 inches per year. Although park facilities mostly close for this snowy season, visitors may view the lake during fair weather, enjoy cross-country skiing, sledding or participate in weekend snowshoe hikes.
Snowshoeing:
Snowshoe walks are usually presented every Saturday and Sunday from December through March at 1:00 PM. Dates can vary depending on weather. Please sign up in advance by calling (541)594-3100 or by stopping by the Steel Visitor Center at Park Headquarters when you arrive. Participants must wear snowshoes because of the deep snow conditions along the route. Snowshoes are provided and there is a 30 person limit on each walk, and a minimum age of 8 years.
Skiing:
There are nine different cross-country skiing trails available, a variety of skill levels. Back country camping is available with a permit.
Snowmobiling:
Snowmobiling is available just outside the boundaries of the national park.
Summer Activities
During the summer you can navigate the 33-mile Rim Drive around the lake, enjoy boat tours to Wizard Island, camp at Mazama Village, or hike some of the park's various trails, including Mt. Scott which peaks at 8,929 ft. Swim the cool, clear water at Cleetwood Cove.
Boating:
Boat tours typically begin June 30th and run September 16th (weather permitting). It's a steep mile-long downhill walk from Cleetwood Cove parking area to the lake for boarding the tour boat. The nearly two-hour ride includes interpretive talks and stops at Wizard Island. Go early in the day and spend a couple of hours on Wizard Island hiking and fishing!
Hiking:
Over 90 miles of hiking trails and 33 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail offer endless hiking opportunities. You might decide to climb Mt. Scott - the view from the top is unsurpassed. Overnight camping is also available with a permit.
Fishing:
No fishing license required! Use your artificial lures and flies to land Kokanee and Rainbow Trout. Fish all year (weather permitting). Access is via Cleetwood Cove Trail.
Scuba Diving:
Certified scuba divers will enjoy some of the clearest water around. A permit is required and you'll have to be in good shape as you have to be able to carry all your gear down the steep 1.1 mile Cleetwood Cove trail to the lake and back.
Biking:
Ride the Rim! This very popular event takes place in August each year. Event participants register for either the Century Ride (100 miles), or the Metric Century Ride (62 miles). Century riders will climb more than 7,000 ft. while enjoying the breathtaking views from Rim Drive around the Crater Lake Caldera. www.craterlakecentury.com
The 33 mile Rim is one of the most popular and spectacular rides, whether biking or driving - the road is narrow with long steep grades so prepare ahead of time!
Interpretive Talks:
Learn about the "Jewel of the Cascades" and other natural and historical stories about Crater Lake in these 20 minutes talks presented by park staff. Junior Ranger Programs are available for the kids too!
Crater Lake Trolley
2010 marked the maiden season of Crater Lake's newest attraction. Three historically designed trolleys operate at Crater Lake National Park, touring up to 25 passengers each on a two hour tour around the Rim Drive of the lake with several stops at specific areas of interest. The tour includes a National Park interpreter/guide that provides information about the unique features of Oregon's only National Park so visitors can learn more about the Park on their visit. Click here for a touring schedule, once the Rim Drive is open each year. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth located by the Community House at Rim Village or reserved here.
Access the Crater Lake National Park Trust for current events and activities.
For more information about activities around the Rocky Point/Crater Lake area click the 30-Mile Clubs'
new web site "Now that I'm Here..."
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