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Crater Lake National Park has been at the top of my list since we moved to Portland last summer. However because of the fires and air quality at the end of the summer and early fall, we were unable to go. Since I had some free time midweek in January I wanted to see if visiting Crater Lake in the winter was possible.

It turns out that since Crater Lake is at about 6200 ft of elevation that it actually has snow on the ground a large portion of the year. In fact, Crater Lake is one of the snowiest places in the United States. It gets an average of 43 feet of snow per year. When I visited, some friends mentioned getting snowed on in June!

Getting to Crater Lake in the Winter

If you are not local to the Pacific Northwest, the closest airport is Medford (MFR). You will need to rent a car in order to get to Crater Lake. It is about a 1 hour 40 minute drive to Rim Village at Crater Lake. If you are coming from Portland (PDX), the closest larger airport, then the drive will be around 5 hours making it a good (but long) weekend trip from Portland.

If you are visiting Crater Lake in the winter, there is a $20 fee for private vehicles. This is cheaper than the $30 fee in the summer. The entrance fee is covered under the America The Beautiful Annual Pass.

In the winter, a large portion of the roads around the lake are closed. The North entrance is also closed. Therefore, if you are coming from the north, this will add some extra travel time to access Crater Lake. But if you are coming from Medford, this does not add any additional time. Before starting your drive, check to see current conditions on the Crater Lake National Park webpage.

If you are traveling to Crater Lake in the winter, you may need snow chains, four-wheel drive, and/or snow tires. This is definitely an important consideration if you plan to rent a car.

Additionally, there are very limited gas stations and restaurants surrounding Crater Lake and it becomes even more sparse during the winter. Therefore advance planning is imperative to making sure you do not get stranded.

Lastly, accomodations are also limited. I actually stayed in my van about an hour and a half away. You could consider staying at the cabins at Mazama Village which are some of the best cabins on Oregon lakes.

Check out this post for a complete van life packing list.

Things to Know Before Visiting Crater Lake in Winter

Crater Lake’s Rim Drive and access roads can be closed or have limited access due to heavy snowfall. So, before traveling to Crater Lake, check road conditions and their park website to updates to ensure safe passage and to plan alternative roads.

Additionally, the winter season means limited visitor services and facilities may be either limited or closed from October through May.

And, yes, this includes Crater Lake Lodge and the Rim Visitor Center. However, Steel Visitor Center remains open daily during winter in Crater Lake National Park, from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm.

Accommodations, restaurants, and shops near the park might not be available. so you have to bring essential supplies with you during your visit to Crater Lake in the winter.

Things to do in Crater Lake in the Winter

This season, both ranger stations in the park are closed. Because of the closure there are no ranger-guided snowshoe excursions. However this does not mean there are not a plethora of activities.

Snowshoeing/cross-country skiing/snowboarding – There are many trails available for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding.

Snowboarding and Downhill skiing in Crater Lake offers a truly unforgettable experience amidst stunning scenery. Both are allowed in the park but are absolutely prohibited inside the caldera, due to safety concerns. After all, conditions are significantly affected by variations in snow and the weather.

Now, if you are looking to rent skis at Crater Lake then just be aware that skis are neither rented nor sold in the park.

Other than that you have to be careful because there may be some challenges such as unpredictable weather, steep slopes, and potential avalanches.

So, If you decide to go into an area that is at risk for an avalanche then you have to carry snow shovels and avalanche transceivers with you.

Also, be extremely cautious and understand how to self rescue so that you can deal with any possible dangers in avalanche areas. After all, rescue from these places may take more than 24 hours.

Sledding – While there is no designated sledding area, there are many spots to sled in the park.

Snowmobiling – There are opportunities to snowmobile inside the park with many rentals beginning from Diamond Lake Resort.

Lake Viewing – When I visited, this was the main thing I was hoping to do. The first day I visited, there was a surprise snowstorm. Technically this shouldn’t be much of a surprise considering more than 50% of days in the wintertime the lake is not visible due to clouds or fog. While the road to Rim Village was open (it closes with inclimate weather), there was no visibility. Therefore I had to go back the following day which happened to be clear and I got a great view of the lake.

What to pack for Crater Lake

In the wintertime there are very limited amenities. Bring extra food and water. Ensure your gas tank is full. And if you are visiting in the winter, make sure to bring lots of clothing layers. The temperature gauge for my sunrise visit said it was 14 degrees Fahrenheit. And the wind was quite gnarly. It was a very cold experience. Check out this link for my favorite winter hiking gear to make sure you stay warm.

Crater Lake in Winter FAQs

Is It Safe to Visit Crater Lake in Winter?

Yes, Crater Lake in winter can be a real adventure. But, you might have to think twice before visiting Crater Lake since it’s not always an easy place to explore once the snow falls.

In fact, heavy snowfall and icy conditions can make it hazardous. But, as long as you are prepared for these conditions you will be totally safe.

Is December a Good Time to Visit Crater Lake?

Absolutely, yes. December is a magical time to visit Crater Lake if you love snow and photography.

You’ll experience a winter wonderland where snow blankets the landscape. Plus, fewer crowds mean you’ll have the place all to yourself.

Just be prepared for chilly temperatures and check road conditions before you visit.

Can You Drive Around Crater Lake in the Winter?

Driving around Crater Lake in the winter can be quite an adventure since the scenic Rim Drive is shut down because of heavy snow and treacherous conditions.

But, don’t worry because you can still get there via Highway 62 and access the park from the North Entrance since it is open year-round.

Just remember to check road conditions and winterizize your car before visiting Crater Lake in the winter.

Where to stay in Crater Lake in Winter?

For a great winter stay in crater lake, you can look for accommodations in nearby towns like Klamath Falls and Medford.

They offer various lodging options and access to nice restaurants and cool attractions that make it a great home base from which to explore the area.

Does Crater Lake Ever Freeze?

Crater Lake very rarely freezes over. Even though it has a vast volume of water, its limited surface area makes freezing a rare occurrence.

In fact, the last time the lake totally froze over was in 1949, which was an exceptionally cold winter.

Does it Snow in Crater Lake?

Yes, Crater Lake National Park gets a serious amount of snow every year. We’re talking about an average of 43 feet of snow annually.

Typically, snow begins to fall in November and ends around April, making this prime time for snowshoeing and skiing.

Crater Lake in the Winter

So you may be wondering if it is worth going to visit Crater Lake in the winter, and in my opinion, the answer is yes. As long as you have some flexibility. Have you vistited Crater Lake in the winter (or any time of year)? What did you think? Let me know in the comments.

You May Also Enjoy These Posts:

• Best Waterfall Hikes near Portland
• Hiking in the Winter
• Best National Parks to Visit in the Winter

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