Crater Lake is one of Oregon’s most treasured gems. At 1,949 feet, it’s the deepest lake in the entire country, and its azure blue color is due to it purity – the lake isn’t fed by any rivers, and gets all its water from snow melt and rain. Crater Lake is incredibly busy during the summer, but winter months are a lot more quiet. On a clear day, the lake is absolutely stunning! Here’s why you should pay a visit to this national park in Oregon during the wintertime:

Every year, more than 700,000 visitors come to Crater Lake National Park to get a look at this stunning beauty, but most show up during the summer months. Locals know that winter is just as good a time - if not the best time - to visit!
Crater Lake National Park/Facebook
The park gets an average of 43 feet of snow every year, which turns this place into a winter wonderland that's hard to beat.
Crater Lake National Park/Facebook
Even if you wait 'til summer to visit, odds are good that you'll still see some snowbanks here and there. The snow doesn't typically melt completely until August, and some years not all of it has a chance to melt before new snow falls.
The north entrance of the park and Rim Drive close every winter due to snow and treacherous conditions, so you'll want to enter at the west or south entrances.
Adrian Studer/Moment Open Collection via Getty Images
Make sure you're prepared for winter weather when you visit! Bring tire chains and make sure you have a blanket, some snacks and water, and warm clothing in case you get stuck.
One important thing to know before you visit during winter months: the lake is only visible about 50 percent of the time! Cloud cover, snow, and rain often make it impossible to get a good view.
Don Grall/Stockbyte via Getty Images
Before you head out to the park, you can get a look at current conditions on the Rim Village webcam.
You'll also want to be prepared for reduced services.
Joshua Rainey/Getty Images
Food, beverages, gasoline, lodging, and camping are not offered during winter months. Restrooms are available at Rim Village, or during certain hours at the Visitor Center.

Related Stories

These Before And After Pics Of Crater Lake National Park In Oregon Show Just How Much It Has Changed

These Before And After Pics Of Crater Lake National Park In Oregon Show Just How Much It Has Changed

 There's An Alpine Lake Hiding In An Oregon Forest Where You Can Camp Year-Round

There's An Alpine Lake Hiding In An Oregon Forest Where You Can Camp Year-Round

 The Trillium Lake Loop Trail Might Be One Of The Most Beautiful Short-And-Sweet Hikes To Take In Oregon

The Trillium Lake Loop Trail Might Be One Of The Most Beautiful Short-And-Sweet Hikes To Take In Oregon
It's well-worth it to wait for that bluebird day to visit. On a sunny day, Crater Lake National Park is a winter wonderland.
Crater Lake National Park/Facebook
The icy landscape is downright beautiful, but due to the lake's depth, it's very rare for it to freeze over completely. The last time it happened was 1949!
John Wang/Photodisc via Getty Images
The snow-covered pines, firs, and hemlock trees are particularly pretty.
Crater Lake National Park/Facebook
Immerse yourself in this frosty beauty by exploring via snowshoe or cross-country skis. You can take the unplowed West Rim Drive, or check out the two-mile-long Raven Trail.
thinair28/E+ Collection via Getty Images
Visitors from Nov. 1 through May 21 pay just $20 per vehicle - a $10 discount. Your entrance pass is good for seven days.
ChrisBoswell/iStock via Getty Images
Learn more by visiting the National Parks Service website, linked below.

 

Visit the Crater Lake National Park website to learn more about the park, and get the latest updates on weather conditions and closures. If you love this lake like we do, you’ll also want to follow the park’s Facebook page to see more stunning photos and learn about every facet of this special place.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

national park to visit in Oregon

Sarah | January 09, 2022

What are some other things to do when I visit Crater Lake National Park in Oregon?

Crater Lake is easily one of the most wondrous places on the planet –  and it’s right here in The Beaver State. Crater Lake’s endless, cerulean blue waters never fail to take our breath away, and it’s truly a place to revisit time and time again. Full of abundant beauty, Crater Lake is particularly ravishing at night, when the moon and stars take the stage. With little in the way of light pollution, the stargazing at Crater Lake is exceptional — an only-in-Oregon adventure you must add to your bucket list!

Where should I stay when visiting this national park in Oregon?

If the thought of waking up to a pristine pool of blue sounds absolutely dreamy, book a night (or two) at Crater Lake Lodge. Built in 1915, Crater Lake Lodge (also listed on the National Register of Historic Place) is located along the southwest rim, 1,000 feet above Crater Lake. Not only is this lodge incredibly winsome, it also offers guests a front-row seat to the most dazzling views of Crater Lake! 

What are some fun hikes to take at Crater Lake?

Hiking is an ideal way to explore the magnificent landscape of Crater Lake National Park -- all 183,224 acres. From short, accessible trails to longer, backcountry treks, there are some pretty amazing hikes you can do in the park. Clocking in at an easy (and flat) four miles, Discovery Point Trail is one of the most accessible and popular hikes in the park. It begins at the west end of Rim Village, where the paved path turns into a dirt trail that leads to an amazing overlook.

Related Articles

Explore Oregon

Featured Addresses
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, USA