Is Crater Lake worth the trip?

It really isn't until you reach the rim of the crater, and look down nearly 1,000 feet to see that a magnificent blue lake, 6 miles across, fills the top of the mountain, that you realize how unique and special Crater lake is, and why it is indeed worth visiting!



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The lake is the most brilliant blue I have ever seen, I feel like if you are considering going to Crater Lake it is a must. The day I went, we had been there for hours and I still would look up at the lake again and just say “Oh my god I can't believe how blue it is.” It is truly a mesmerizing sight.

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The park isn't too large and it is easy to navigate. We only had one day here and I thought you could easily find time to do a few things in the park with limited time. So even if you only have a day in Crater Lake, I believe it is well worth the detour and your time to visit.

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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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Widely known for its rich blue color and extreme clarity, which averages 102 ft (31m) deep, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States. It is one of the top ten deepest in the world.

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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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Allow a minimum of two hours (including sight-seeing stops) to circumnavigate the lake by car or motorcycle, and longer if you are driving a larger vehicle or towing.

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Enjoy this 12.6-mile out-and-back trail near Halfway, Oregon. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 58 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.

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The Caldera is Unlike Anything You've Ever Witnessed. Crater lake is the deepest lake in America (1,949 ft at it's deepest point) and was formed by a collapsed volcano over 7,700 hundred years ago. On a sunny day while taking a boat tour, you can see over 100 feet down into the water.

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Last year, Crater Lake National Park was the quietest it's been in a decade. A total of 527,259 people visited the park in 2022, according to National Park Service data, a 19% decrease from 2021 and a 30% decrease from 2016, when a record 756,344 people visited the beautiful blue-hued lake in southern Oregon.

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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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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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Most visitors reach Crater Lake National Park by car. With a car, you can explore the scenic, 33-mile Rim Drive that circles Crater Lake and offers magnificent views.

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5 Fun Facts About Crater Lake National Park
  • At 1,943 feet, It's the deepest lake in the United States. ...
  • Native Americans witnessed its formation. ...
  • It's one of the snowiest places in the country. ...
  • There are 22 trails to hike. ...
  • You can explore the park from a different perspective with a volcano boat tour.


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As you explore the park, you might spot bears, coyotes, elk, porcupines, amphibians, and more, plus a range of birds and insects. The lake and streams in the park are home to diverse species of fish and animals, including the endangered bull trout and the Mazama newt, which is only found at Crater Lake.

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