Good to know
- Tickets
- The park charges an entry fee per vehicle, covered by the America the Beautiful pass. Check nps.gov for current rates.
- Time needed
- 1 day to drive Rim Drive and do a short hike or two.
- Best time
- July to September, when Rim Drive is fully open. Snow closes most roads from about November to June.
- Getting there
- Chiloquin is about 30 minutes from the south entrance. Rogue Valley International Airport in Medford is about 1.5 hours away by car.
Where to stay nearby
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Crater Lake National Park questions
Can I swim in Crater Lake or take a boat tour?
Not from 2026 through 2028. The Cleetwood Cove Trail, the only lake access, is closed for repairs, so there is no shore access, boat tours or Wizard Island trips.
When is Rim Drive open?
Usually from July until the first big snow, often around November. The south entrance road to Rim Village stays open all year.
Where should I stay at Crater Lake?
Crater Lake Lodge and the Cabins at Mazama Village are inside the park. Chiloquin, Klamath Falls and Prospect have more options.
