Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park
Welcome to Crater Lake National Park, located in Southern Oregon on the crest of the Cascade Mountain range, 100 miles east of the Pacific Ocean. Crater Lake has inspired people for hundreds of years with its deep, blue lake, surrounding 2,000 foot high cliffs, two picturesque islands, and tumultuous volcanic past. It is a place of exceptional beauty, as it lies inside a caldera created when the Mount Mazama collapsed 7,700 years ago following a large eruption.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Chuck LundyPhone Number: 541-594-3000
Entrance Fees: Vehicle Pass (valid for 7 days): $10
Sights: Crater Lake; Munson Valley; Rim Village
Endangered Species: American Peregrine Falcon; Gray Wolf; Columbian White-tailed Deer; Pumice Grapefern
Important Dates
Established as Park: May 22, 1902By The Numbers
Acres: 183,224.00Highest Point: Mount Scott (8929 feet)
Annual Visitation: 388,972 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :42.938320 / -122.133730 (map it)
State: OR
Nearby Big City: Crater Lake, OR
Gateway Communities: Fort Klamath, OR; Prospect, OR; Chemult, OR; Chiloquin, OR
Nearby Airports: Medford Airport (MFR)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : No
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
Park Photos
Deep Blue Lake
Bill Perry
Wizard Island
Mike Norton
Crater Lake, 2752
National Park Service
View More Crater Lake Photos
In Detail
At A Glance Things To Know Before You Come Current Information Roads and Trails **Please call (541)594-3000 for the most current weather, road, and avalanche danger information.** Hwy 62 through the park and the ... read more.
Camping Campgrounds Mazama CampgroundOpen mid-June to early October (weather permitting)Mazama campground has 200 sites and is open mid-June through early October. Reservations are not taken, however sites ... read more.
History Crater Lake has long attracted the wonder and admiration of people all over the world. Its depth of 1,943 feet (592 meters) makes it the deepest lake in the United States, and the seventh deepest in ... read more.
In A Nutshell Weather Weather plays a dramatic role at Crater Lake National Park. Winter, especially, shapes the landscape; snow generally begins to accumulate each year in October and doesn't melt in most places ... read more.
Lodging & Dining Lodging Crater Lake LodgeCrater Lake Lodge has 71 rooms and is normally open mid-May through mid-October. Advance reservations are strongly recommended. (541)830-8700Mazama Village Motor InnMazama V ... read more.
Natural World Crater Lake National Park is an area of 249 square miles dedicated to the preservation of its natural resources. For many years, park managers have looked at this task as a job to be accomplished on ... read more.
Planning Your Visit Directions Getting to the Park Plane The closest airports are located in Klamath Falls (60 miles from the park) and Medford (80 miles from the park). Car From the North (Summer): From Roseburg - Ro ... read more.
Things To Do Guided Tours Winter Programs Rangers lead interpretive snowshoe walks and discuss various aspects of winter ecology. Walks are presented every Saturday and Sunday from late November through late Mar ... read more.
Visitor Services Visitor Centers Steel Visitor CenterHours of Operation: Open daily, except December 25th November to April 10:00 AM-4:00 PM May to October 9:00 AM-5:00 PMPhone: (541)594-3100Location: Park Headquart ... read more.
Who's Who at the Park Support the Park Crater Lake Natural History Association The Crater Lake Natural History Association, established in 1942, is an officially recognized National Park Service non-profit cooperating as ... read more.
Recent News
- Middle Fork Blaze Heads Toward Crater Lake September 19, 2008, 12:45 pm
- Rattle Fire Disrupts Travel to Crater Lake September 11, 2008, 12:57 pm
Crater Lake In Depth
News from the Parks
Rainier Landmark Meets Wrecking Ball
November 18, 2008 - 11:29am
Paradise echoed Monday not with the voices of park visitors, but with the thump and crash of a 4,500-pound wrecking ball smashing through the old visitor center.
November 18, 2008 - 11:29am
Paradise echoed Monday not with the voices of park visitors, but with the thump and crash of a 4,500-pound wrecking ball smashing through the old visitor center.
New River Gorge National River Celebrates 30th Anniversary
November 18, 2008 - 11:24am
The New River Gorge celebrated its 30th year as part of the National Park System last week with the Nov. 10 anniversary of its 1978 designation as a National River.
November 18, 2008 - 11:24am
The New River Gorge celebrated its 30th year as part of the National Park System last week with the Nov. 10 anniversary of its 1978 designation as a National River.
Park to Go with 720 Sleds per Day
November 18, 2008 - 11:22am
Yellowstone National Park officials have opted to allow 720 snowmobiles a day in the park this winter, abandoning a temporary plan they proposed two weeks ago for 318 machines a day.
November 18, 2008 - 11:22am
Yellowstone National Park officials have opted to allow 720 snowmobiles a day in the park this winter, abandoning a temporary plan they proposed two weeks ago for 318 machines a day.
Falling Boulders Endanger Lives at Yosemite
November 18, 2008 - 11:20am
A major rockslide at Yosemite National Park's Curry Village has prompted officials to consider closing part of the lodging area permanently.
November 18, 2008 - 11:20am
A major rockslide at Yosemite National Park's Curry Village has prompted officials to consider closing part of the lodging area permanently.
Interior and Energy Team-up to Make National Parks “Green”
November 18, 2008 - 10:09am
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help the National Park Service (NPS) showcase sustainable energy practices and fulfill its mission of environmental stewardship. With equal amounts of initial “seed money” from DOI and DOE totaling $1 million for 2009, the Energy SmartPARKS program hopes to eventually draw private sector support to spark a green energy future in the United States. “This partnership will deploy energy efficient and renewable energy technologies throughout the national park system,” said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “We have the power to not only improve conditions in the parks, but also demonstrate for the public the impacts and benefits of green energy innovations.” “Our national parks are a showcase of this country's natural beauty and historical significance. With this agreement, we're ensuring that these parks are also models of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies,” said Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. “Our parks have always been an important way for Americans to learn about the environment, now they can learn about energy use as well.” “The Energy SmartPARKS program will make positive, tangible advancements by greening the parks and by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions,” said Mary A. Bomar, Director of the National Park Service. “This is a great way to demonstrate our environmental leadership as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.” On the ground, parks will use funding from Energy SmartPARKS to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as traditional solutions, including projects that retrofit lighting systems; purchase electric utility vehicles; install solar panel systems; upgrade meters and thermostats; replace windows and furnaces; study the feasibility of wind power; and conduct energy audits. Lessons learned from these projects can be used in other national parks and in the homes of every American. A list of some of the 2009 projects is available. Two recent projects illustrate the exciting possibilities of Energy SmartPARKS in the future: the exterior relighting of both the White House and the Washington Monument. With ground-breaking technology that improved the exterior illumination, these national icons now look beautiful while being energy efficient at the same time. Although the official assessment of the White House relighting project by DOE has not yet been conducted, early estimates anticipate over 50% energy reduction. The Washington Monument relighting project resulted in a 27% energy reduction with a cut of 36 tons per year in carbon emissions according to the official DOE assessment. The Energy SmartPARKS program will also develop new and expand existing partnerships with the private, non-profit, and academic sectors. These partners may help raise funds, identify projects, find technological solutions, and educate the public. The National Park Service is developing an Energy SmartPARKS website, in partnership with DOI and DOE, to showcase its commitment to a green energy future in America. Visit www.nps.gov/energy in the coming weeks.
November 18, 2008 - 10:09am
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help the National Park Service (NPS) showcase sustainable energy practices and fulfill its mission of environmental stewardship. With equal amounts of initial “seed money” from DOI and DOE totaling $1 million for 2009, the Energy SmartPARKS program hopes to eventually draw private sector support to spark a green energy future in the United States. “This partnership will deploy energy efficient and renewable energy technologies throughout the national park system,” said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “We have the power to not only improve conditions in the parks, but also demonstrate for the public the impacts and benefits of green energy innovations.” “Our national parks are a showcase of this country's natural beauty and historical significance. With this agreement, we're ensuring that these parks are also models of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies,” said Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. “Our parks have always been an important way for Americans to learn about the environment, now they can learn about energy use as well.” “The Energy SmartPARKS program will make positive, tangible advancements by greening the parks and by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions,” said Mary A. Bomar, Director of the National Park Service. “This is a great way to demonstrate our environmental leadership as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.” On the ground, parks will use funding from Energy SmartPARKS to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as traditional solutions, including projects that retrofit lighting systems; purchase electric utility vehicles; install solar panel systems; upgrade meters and thermostats; replace windows and furnaces; study the feasibility of wind power; and conduct energy audits. Lessons learned from these projects can be used in other national parks and in the homes of every American. A list of some of the 2009 projects is available. Two recent projects illustrate the exciting possibilities of Energy SmartPARKS in the future: the exterior relighting of both the White House and the Washington Monument. With ground-breaking technology that improved the exterior illumination, these national icons now look beautiful while being energy efficient at the same time. Although the official assessment of the White House relighting project by DOE has not yet been conducted, early estimates anticipate over 50% energy reduction. The Washington Monument relighting project resulted in a 27% energy reduction with a cut of 36 tons per year in carbon emissions according to the official DOE assessment. The Energy SmartPARKS program will also develop new and expand existing partnerships with the private, non-profit, and academic sectors. These partners may help raise funds, identify projects, find technological solutions, and educate the public. The National Park Service is developing an Energy SmartPARKS website, in partnership with DOI and DOE, to showcase its commitment to a green energy future in America. Visit www.nps.gov/energy in the coming weeks.
