Crater Lake Winter Vacations

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Winter Access

Winter comes early and stays late at Crater Lake National Park. However, the deep, deep snow makes an excellent winter wonderland in which to enjoy winter activities including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The Rim Drive around Crater Lake is closed during the winter except for those adventurous soles that enjoy a challenging cross-country ski trail.

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Winter at Crater Lake National Park usually lasts from late October through mid June. During this time, both the North Entrance to the Park and the Rim Drive around Crater Lake is closed because of the deep snow. You can gain winter access to Crater Lake National Park during the winter months from the south or the west on Oregon Highway 62. If you are traveling from the north, either Highway 97 or Highway 230 will connect you to Highway 62.

The road leading to Rim Village is plowed each day. From Rim Village, winter visitors can see Crater Lake during clear days. However, cloudy or snowy days will obscure any view of the water.

If you are traveling to Crater Lake National Park during the winter, be advised that there is no gasoline available in the Park from October until late May. Be sure to fill your gas tank in one of the nearby towns. Winter creates icy and/or snow packed roads so appropriate caution should be taken when driving to the Park. Be sure to be prepared.