Crater Lake National Park has to be one of the most enthralling locations I've ever visited. You'll never forget your vacation to Crater Lake, with its tranquil bright blue waters, gorgeous roadways, and amazing starry night sky. That is a promise! The park begs to be explored, and with so many things to do in Crater Lake, you'll never be able to get enough of this enthralling location.
Crater Lake was created by the fall of Mount Mazama, a volcano that erupted massively around 7,700 years ago. This eruption affected the terrain area around the volcano, leaving a caldera (basically a crater formed by the collapse of a volcano) that is currently filled by Crater Lake.
When to Visit Crater Lake:
The weather at Crater Lake is divided into two different seasons: summer and winter. Summers are short and winters are long, so prepare early if you want to visit Crater Lake when it isn't frigid!
Winter: While Crater Lake National Park appears to be a winter paradise in the winter, I don't recommend going between October and April/May if you want to truly explore. It is, in fact, the seventh snowiest spot in the United States! Many park routes will be closed as soon as the snow begins to stick, which may be as early as mid-November. Rim Drive will reopen to the public as early as June, but you never know when the snow may melt!
Summer: July, August, and September are ideal months to explore Crater Lake. This will ensure that the park roads remain open for the length of your visit and that you do not freeze to death (nights do get chilly though).
But for last 3 year since I moved to California I made up new ritual to visit this lake on my birthday (Birthday weekend in second week of October). Usually I get to see the first snow fall and still get to hike .
Crater Lake Activities
Hiking : You can do so much at Crater Lake on a weekend. Although we spent the majority of our time hiking / trekking, you may enjoy the views from Rim Drive's several viewpoint spots, as well as have some nice beverages and/or dessert.
Swimming : If you're feeling particularly brave, you can dive off a 20+ foot cliff into Crater Lake's clear blue waters. Hike the 1.1 mile (2.2 roundtrip) Cleetwood Cove Trail – a short, but very steep hike, which offers direct access to the shore.
The only safe and legal access to the shoreline is at Cleetwood Cove's edge, where swimming is only permitted. You shouldn't anticipate a relaxing dip in warm bathwater because the water is so cold.
Drive around the lake : Have only a brief amount of time to spend in the park? The Rim Drive at Crater Lakes offers the greatest views in the entire park. There are more than 30 viewpoint locations throughout this 33-mile trip around the lake's circumference, some of which are named and others of which are merely pull-offs from the road.
Pinnacles Overlook: Check out the pinnacles, towering needle-like formations of rock which are actually volcanic ash spires. The trail is wide and basically flat, with many views of these strange structures. It reminded me of Chimney Bluffs State Park back home.
Make sure to enjoy the view and let me know below how much blue is too much blue after you see this beautiful place.
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