How do you drive around Crater Lake?

Follow Crater Lake Highway to East Rim Drive and follow the Rim as it loops around Crater Lake. It is recommended to drive clockwise, as it provides easier access to many of the viewpoints. There are many trailheads along the way if you want to stop and stretch your legs on a short hike.



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Yes! I spent 1 day in Crater Lake and I feel like it was a good amount of time to spend in the park. The park isn't too large like other national parks so it is very doable to drive around and do a few activities and enjoy your time at the lake.

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This 38-mile (61 km) round-trip drive descends 3,700 feet (1,128 m) to the coast and ends where lava has covered 10 miles of road since 1986. Allow 90 minutes to two hours round-trip, depending on how often you stop and how far you hike. Note: There are no services (water, gasoline, or food) on Chain of Craters road.

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The best way to see Crater Lake is by boat! For visitors seeking to explore Wizard Island, we offer either a boat cruise or a quick shuttle ride straight to the island.

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Check out this 2.1-mile out-and-back trail near Volcano, Hawaii. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 50 min to complete. This is a very popular area for walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.

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Rim Drive is a scenic highway in Crater Lake National Park in southern Oregon, United States. It is a 33-mile (53 km) loop that follows the caldera rim around Crater Lake.

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The park has more than 90 miles of hiking trails, but in May and June they are typically covered by deep snow. When snow-covered, most trails are either too difficult to follow, or too dangerous.

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Of course, with so many hiking trails and blue beauty views that'll never bore you there's no punishment in staying a bit longer than 2 days. In fact, you could even hike some miles of that famous Pacific Crest Trail if that's something you've always wanted to do. The PCT leads in the valley right next to the crater.

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Although an entrance fee or NPS pass is required to enter Crater Lake National Park, vehicle reservations are not needed. You are encouraged to pay the entrance fee or purchase an NPS pass before arriving to save time, but you may also purchase passes at any entrance station upon arrival.

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The most popular months to visit Crater Lake are July, August, and September. That's when the park's roads, trails, and facilties are usually fully open. May and June are months of transition in the park, as winter slowly gives way to summer.

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Is Cleetwood Cove Trail the only trail to access the lake for swimming? There is only one place where it is safe and legal to get down to the lake shore. It is the Cleetwood Cove Trail, which usually opens late June.

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What part of Crater Lake can you swim in? There are only two places you can swim in Crater Lake National Park. The first is Cleetwood Cove, accessible only by hiking down the Cleetwood Cove trail. The other area to swim is off of Wizard Island, a small island in the middle of Crater Lake.

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Check out this 50.1-mile loop trail near Diamond Lake, Oregon. Generally considered a challenging route. This is a very popular area for scenic driving, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.

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This is the famous Halema'uma'u Crater. Massive changes have occurred here since the 2018 eruption. The road beyond this point is closed to vehicular traffic due to ongoing eruption hazards.

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If possible, drive counter clockwise. This puts you on the lake side and makes it easier to get in and out of the many spectacular overlooks!

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Firearms, bicycles, and motorized vehicles are not permitted in the backcountry. Pets are permitted on leash in developed areas only. Pets often threaten small wildlife.

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