Crater Lake National Park Map

The following content on Crater Lake National Park is licenced from National Geographic's Guide to National Parks of the United States (9th Edition).

MORE THAN 4.6 TRILLION GALLONS OF WATER fill the crater—what remains of Mount Mazama. With a surface area of 21 square miles and depth of 1,943 feet, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States. In addition to the size of Crater Lake National Park, it is the stunning sapphire water that etches itself in memory.
Established May 22, 1902
183,224 Acres

Crater Lake National Park Map showing the trails and other details of the Crater Lake National Park.



Nearly 8,000 years ago, Mount Mazama exploded in an eruption 100 times more powerful than the one that decimated Mount St. Helens in 1980. The mountain basically collapsed in on itself to form a vast cliff-lined basin. Over the centuries, precipitation, mostly in the form of snow (more than 500 inches a year on average), flowed in the caldera and, with no outlet to drain the water, Crater Lake was born. Nestled near the western shoreline, Wizard Island represents Mazama’s attempt to rebuild itself. It was pushed up by volcanic activity in later eruptions.

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While the core of the park is Crater Lake itself, the surrounding mountains and high plateaus offer unique lessons on volcanic terrain.

How to Visit

Park highlights can be experienced in a day, but a long weekend is best. For single-day visits, plan an early start from Rim Village to get the dramatic early morning light across the lake. Start north on Rim Drive to complete the 33-mile loop clockwise, stopping to take the short hike up the Watchman Trail for a look east across the blue lake before continuing to the north rim. The Cleetwood Cove Trail leads to the lakeshore. The hike is easy, but be prepared for the steep 1-mile return (there is no other way to get back to the rim). The final leg of the loop runs through the forests and valleys south of the lake.

Information

How to get there

Ore. 62 cuts through the southern portion of the park complex, providing access from Medford. U.S. 97 runs just east of the park, offering access to the north end by way of Ore. 138. Nearby airports: Klamath Falls Regional Airport and Roge Valley International Airport, in Medford.

When to go

Because of the park’s position high in the Cascade Mountains, winter comes early and lingers long. Most of the park’s roads aren’t clear until late June or early July (they start gathering snow in late Oct.). The Rim Drive typically closes for the winter season by Nov. 1. Rim Village remains open year-round for winter recreational activities.

Visitor Centers

The Rim Village Visitor Center, located along the rim 7 miles north on Ore. 62, is open late May through late Sept. Steel Visitor Center, 4 miles north of Ore. 62, operates year-round.

Headquarters

P.O. Box 7 Crater Lake, OR 97604 nps.gov/crla 541-594-3000

Camping

The park complex offers two campgrounds. Mazama Campground has 214 sites, three-quarters of which may be reserved (craterlakelodges.com). The 16 tent sites at Lost Creek Campground are first come, first served. A free permit, available from park headquarters, is needed for backcountry camping.

Lodging

Crater Lake Lodge at Rim Village (midMay through Oct.) and the Cabins at Mazama Village (mid-May through late Sept.) are both operated by Crater Lake Hospitality (travelcraterlake.com). For lodging outside the park check with the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce (klamath.org/visitors) or the Medford/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce (medfordchamber.com).

US National Parks Map

About the Guide

Bask in the spectacular beauty, thrilling terrain, and quiet peacefulness of the country’s finest state parks, hand- picked by park directors and National Geographic editors. This fully updated fifth edition includes 750 additional off- the-beaten track destinations. Beautifully written descriptions tell the stories of the parks, from their wildlife, natural features, and history to their most popular current activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, water sports, and rock climbing. Vivid images inspire your next getaway, while detailed information–including 32 detailed maps highlighting sites, trails, campgrounds, and more– helps you plan your next excursion. From free to low-cost, from Florida to Alaska, from the six-acre lao Valley to the 204,000-acre Baxter, use this essential guide to plan a day visit or a weekend escape.

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