Redwoods to Crater Lake
Volcanoes, the tallest trees on Earth and America's deepest lake.
Best time to visit · Oregon
Best Time to Visit Crater Lake National Park
A flooded volcano with the bluest water in America, reachable by road only when the snow lets go.
The best time to visit Crater Lake National Park is July–September. For great conditions with fewer people, aim for September. It's busiest in July and August.
Month by month
Best monthsJul–Sep
Best valueSep
BusiestJul and Aug
Established1902
Crater Lake by season
Winter Fair
One of the snowiest inhabited places in the country, averaging around 40 feet a year. Only the south entrance and Rim Village stay open; ranger-led snowshoe walks run on weekends.
Spring Fair
Still winter on the rim. Most of Rim Drive and the north entrance stay buried under snow, but you can reach Rim Village for views when roads are clear.
Summer Good
The short main season. Rim Drive opens fully, usually in July, and the Cleetwood Cove trail leads down to the only legal lake access for swimming and boat tours.
Fall Good
September is the best month: clear skies, warm days and thinner crowds. The first heavy snows usually close Rim Drive in October or November.
What to do
- Drive the 33-mile Rim Drive
- Hike Cleetwood Cove Trail to swim in the lake
- Take the boat tour to Wizard Island
- Watch sunset from Watchman Peak
- Climb Garfield Peak for the classic view
Local tip
Snow often lingers on trails into July. If you want the full experience (Rim Drive, the boat, swimming), aim for late July through mid-September.
Good to know
Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States, at 1,943 feet.
Before you go: The north entrance and most of Rim Drive close in winter. Boat tours are seasonal, usually July to September, and sell out. Check current conditions on nps.gov.
Getting there
Closest major airport: Medford (MFR), about 1.5 hours.
Nearby national parks
Approximate driving distance. Check a map for exact routes.
Where to stay
Crater Lake month-by-month ratings
Road trips with Crater Lake
Questions about visiting Crater Lake
When is the best time to visit Crater Lake National Park?
The best time to visit Crater Lake National Park is July–September. For great conditions with fewer people, aim for September. It's busiest in July and August.
What is the worst time to visit Crater Lake National Park?
November through June are the weakest time, when snow closes roads, trails or services.
When is Crater Lake National Park most crowded?
Crowds peak in July and August. September offers the best balance of good conditions and fewer people.
Is Crater Lake National Park worth visiting in winter?
One of the snowiest inhabited places in the country, averaging around 40 feet a year. Only the south entrance and Rim Village stay open; ranger-led snowshoe walks run on weekends.
Do you need a reservation for Crater Lake National Park?
The north entrance and most of Rim Drive close in winter. Boat tours are seasonal, usually July to September, and sell out. Always check the official NPS page for the current year's rules.
What is the closest airport to Crater Lake National Park?
The most convenient airport is Medford (MFR), about 1.5 hours.
How many days do you need at Crater Lake National Park?
Most road trips spend 1 to 2 days here.
More in Pacific Northwest · National parks in Oregon · Season calendar
Last reviewed October 4, 2026. Ratings are editorial. Rules and road openings change each year, so confirm on the official NPS site before you go.