Crater Lake

[southernsky]

We'll be passing close to Crater Lake on our way to the OR coast in a couple weeks. I know it's still frozen but are we able to see part of the lake or try another time.

[4runnerguy]

I remember in the early 60's when my dad had an interview in OR. We stopped at Crater Lake in April(?). My dad had to lift me onto his shoulders to see because of the snow. I remember driving up it was like being in a tunnel of snow. Obviously something worth seeing as I remember it still more than 50 years later.

[PawPaw_n_Gram]

We were there on May 7.

Came in from Hwy 62 / Hwy 230 junction. Snow pack alongside the roads started about 5,000 ft elevation, but the actual road was completely clear of snow and in great shape.

The south entrance visitor center had snow 7 to 8 feet deep, but again roads clear.

The Rim Village parking lot was busy, snow depths at the Rim Village were about 10-12 feet. Snow was up to the upper floor windows of the gift shop/ cafe.

Fantastic view of the lake after climbing to the top of the snow. They had about 8 fresh inches of snow depth from a storm two days before.

Don'e worry about a snow forecast unless it is for the day of your visit. The NPS keeps the road in great shape.

Obviously the campground within the park was not open. They were starting to work on clearing the campground roads, but there was over 10 feet of snow in the CG area.

[Sarvi]

Forecast calls for snow this weekend.

[1stgenfarmboy]

Our friends are there now, most is still closed from snow, they are disapointed but they are full timing so they are going back later, same with Rainer, they had plans of heading up there but they got lots of snow this year.

[jamesroadking]

We stayed at the campground which is just below the lodge a couple years ago.
We were in a 38 foot class A and had a real hard time getting into our site, the sites were on the small side, more for pop ups and tent camping.
It was in the middle of June and there was still a lot of snow on the ground, but the road around the crater was open and is a very beautiful, enjoyable drive.

[lizzie]

The rim road was closed on our last three visits (all in early June) but we were able to access the visitor's center and enjoy the beautiful views of the lake. lizzie

[NCWriter]

Yes, definitely go. Highway 62 from the south is open and kept plowed. Check your route and the website.

We went for the morning two days ago, and took numerous photos of the lake. Stunning! The snow on the ground adds a lot of beauty.

It was foggy driving up but the sun gradually broke through. By noon, we had gorgeous sunshine. You can see the lake behind the lodge and can drive a short stretch of the rim which the rangers keep open, park, and see the lake and island. It was chilly but beautiful.

The visitor's center is open (side entrance -the front is behind a huge snowbank), where we watched the good, brief film. We stopped for coffee and hot chocolate in the historic lodge (fireplace going - great atmosphere!) and returned there later for lunch. I can recommend the chowder with salad combo.

[DanNJanice]

southernsky wrote:
I saw the camera view of the parking lot. I was wondering if there is a view of the lake?

They normally keep the road to the summit plowed, unless it is "really" snowing hard. This late in the year you should have no problem. It is probably a little too early to drive all the way around though.

[southernsky]

I saw the camera view of the parking lot. I was wondering if there is a view of the lake?

[cpaulsen]

Yes!! Lot of snow still there yet but from the pic I saw last night.....the parking lot looked good.