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Crater Lake in southern Oregon fills the caldera of the collapsed volcano Mount Mazama and, at about 594 metres, is the deepest lake in the United States.
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Crater Lake
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In short
Crater Lake fills the caldera of Mount Mazama, which collapsed about 7,700 years ago in Oregon's Cascade Range, and at about 594 m it is the deepest lake in the United States. It is the centrepiece of the state's only national park. A vehicle pays $30 for seven days from 22 May to 31 October and $20 in winter; walkers pay $15.
Crater Lake lies in the Cascade Range of southern Oregon, at the centre of Crater Lake National Park, the only national park in the state. The lake, about 8 by 9.7 kilometres across, fills a caldera, and its surface is at about 1,883 metres above sea level.
The caldera formed around 7,700 years ago when Mount Mazama, a large volcano, erupted violently and collapsed. The Klamath people witnessed the eruption, and it features in their oral traditions. Over the following centuries rain and snowmelt filled the basin. Gold prospectors found the lake in 1853. William Gladstone Steel campaigned for its protection, and Crater Lake National Park was established in 1902.
With a maximum depth of about 594 metres, it is the deepest lake in the United States. No rivers flow in or out, so the water is very clear and an intense blue. Wizard Island, a cinder cone, rises in the west of the lake, and the Phantom Ship is a small rock island formed from old lava. The 53-kilometre Rim Drive circles the caldera with many viewpoints. The Cleetwood Cove Trail, the only legal access to the shore, descends steeply to boat tour docks.
An entrance fee applies. Heavy snow, averaging about 12.5 metres a year in recent NPS figures, closes much of Rim Drive and the north entrance from autumn to early summer. Boat tours and the Cleetwood Cove Trail run only in summer.
How much is entry to Crater Lake? Fees change with the season. From 22 May to 31 October a private vehicle pays USD 30 and a motorcycle USD 25. From 1 November to 21 May the vehicle fee drops to USD 20 and the motorcycle fee to USD 15. Visitors on foot or bicycle pay USD 15 all year. Each pass lasts seven days, and a park-only annual pass costs USD 55.
In winter the south and west entrances and the road up to Rim Village stay open, and rangers lead snowshoe walks on weekends when conditions allow. Rim Village has a cafe and gift shop all year, while Crater Lake Lodge on the rim opens only in summer.
Getting there. Medford, with the nearest commercial airport, is about 130 km and two hours by car to the south-west. Klamath Falls lies about 95 km to the south. Mazama Village, 11 km below the rim, has a campground, cabins, a store and fuel in summer. The Garfield Peak and Watchman Peak trails give some of the best views of the lake in a short walk.
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Key information
💧Depth: About 594 m, deepest in the US
🌋Formed: About 7,700 years ago
🏞️National park: 1902
🏛Managed by: National Park Service
✦
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Highlights Include:
Highlights
- Rim Drive
- Wizard Island
- Phantom Ship
- Cleetwood Cove Trail
- Boat tours
Tours & experiences
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Best months to visit
July to September
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Crater Lake admission ticket
Ticket prices
USD 30 per vehicle in summer (22 May to 31 Oct), USD 20 in winter; USD 15 per person; 7 days
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General
About 594 metres, the deepest lake in the United States.
It fills a caldera left when Mount Mazama erupted and collapsed about 7,700 years ago.
Its great depth and very clear water, with no inflowing rivers, absorb other colours and reflect deep blue.
Yes, but only from the shore reached by the Cleetwood Cove Trail, when it is open in summer.
A cinder cone island in the lake, reached by seasonal boat tours.
Recent NPS figures put the average at about 12.5 metres (41 feet) a year, down from about 15.5 metres in the 1930s.
Crater Lake is in United States. The street address and directions are under How to get there on this page.
bookingMentor lists 4 places to stay in United States. Rooms start from $175.00 (USD) a night.
Yes. Use "Ask a question" under "Travelers are asking" on this page. The bookingMentor team answers it, and the answer then appears on the page for other travellers too.
Timing & weather
In 1902.
July to September, when roads, trails and boat tours are open.
Getting there
No. Heavy snow closes most of Rim Drive from autumn until early summer.
Medford, about two hours by car.
Prices & payment
Yes. A private vehicle pays USD 30 from 22 May to 31 October and USD 20 in winter. Walkers and cyclists pay USD 15. Passes last seven days.
Yes. The vehicle fee is USD 20 from 1 November to 21 May, against USD 30 in summer.