National Park · OR
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake is quietest in January and February and busiest in July.
Crater Lake inspires awe. Native Americans witnessed its formation 7,700 years ago, when a violent eruption triggered the collapse of a tall peak. Scientists marvel at its purity—fed by rain and snow, it’s the deepest lake in the USA and one of the most pristine on Earth. Artists, photographers, and sightseers gaze in wonder at its blue water and stunning setting atop the Cascade Mountain Range.
566K recreation visits a year on average (2023–2025)
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Pick a month to visit Crater Lake
This week
7-day forecast
| Day | Conditions | High | Low | Precip chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 18 | Overcast | 59°F | 41°F | 1% |
| Mon 19 | Overcast | 48°F | 40°F | 14% |
| Tue 20 | Overcast | 55°F | 36°F | 5% |
| Wed 21 | Light drizzle | 57°F | 40°F | 11% |
| Thu 22 | Light drizzle | 51°F | 29°F | 17% |
| Fri 23 | Overcast | 54°F | 26°F | 14% |
| Sat 24 | Overcast | 62°F | 35°F | 45% |
Forecast data by Open-Meteo
Source: Open-Meteo
Weather
Monthly climate normals
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 33°F | 20°F | 10.1" |
| February | 34°F | 19°F | 7.5" |
| March | 36°F | 20°F | 7.8" |
| April | 40°F | 23°F | 6.2" |
| May | 49°F | 29°F | 3.6" |
| June | 57°F | 34°F | 2.3" |
| July | 69°F | 41°F | 0.8" |
| August | 69°F | 42°F | 0.8" |
| September | 63°F | 37°F | 1.9" |
| October | 51°F | 30°F | 4.8" |
| November | 38°F | 23°F | 9.6" |
| December | 33°F | 19°F | 11.3" |
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, CRATER LAKE NPS HQ, OR US
Know before you go
Fees & hours
- Entrance fee
- $30 — This is the summer entrance fee and is charged from mid-May through the end of October. Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15-passenger capacity or less) and all occupants. Good for 7 days.
- Hours
- Crater Lake National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Some roads, trails, and facilities, however, are closed seasonally due to snow. North Entrance Road, and West and East Rim Drives close for the season on November 1 (or earlier if there is significant snowfall). Crews begin removing snow from these roads in April, but opening dates vary. The North Entrance Road and West Rim Drive tend to open in early June. The East Rim Drive typically opens in early July.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Park Closure
Cleetwood Cove Trail is CLOSED for Rehabilitation
The Cleetwood Cove Trail is CLOSED for construction. This critical project will fully rehabilitate the trail and marina to ensure safe access to the lake, provide a much-improved visitor experience, and protect the environment.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
FAQ
Crater Lake questions
When is the best time to visit Crater Lake?
Crater Lake is least crowded in January, February, and March. July is the busiest month, so visiting outside it means thinner crowds and easier parking.
How much does it cost to visit Crater Lake?
Entrance to Crater Lake costs $30 (This is the summer entrance fee and is charged from mid-May through the end of October. Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15-passenger capacity or less) and all occupants. Good for 7 days.).
When is Crater Lake busiest?
Crater Lake is busiest in July, when crowds rate 10/10 (peak). Expect full parking lots and longer waits; arrive early or choose a quieter month.
How crowded is Crater Lake during holidays and fee-free days?
Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July) and official NPS fee-free days typically bring peak crowd conditions to Crater Lake. Arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM to secure parking and avoid peak trail congestion.