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Perched on the
rim of the caldera, the Center is open daily from June 26
through September 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. From
September 6 through September 30 its hours are 10:00 a.m. to
5:00p.m.
Sinnott Memorial Overlook and Museum
Built in 1930 and 1931, the Sinnott Memorial Overlook is
located below the caldera rim at Rim Village. A short but
steep path begins near the Rim Visitor Center. The Overlook
and its accompany museum are available to visitors as staff is
available. Exhibits focus on the history of research on the
lake and the geologic history of historic Mt. Mazama. Ranger
talks relating the formation of Crater Lake are given from the
Overlook daily at 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:30
p.m from June 26 through September 5.
Boat Tours
The
boat tours are accessible only by hiking the one mile
Cleetwood Cove trail located on the north side of Crater Lake.
It climbs 700 feet in elevation and is recommended only for
those in good physical condition. It is not recommended if you
have heart, breathing, or leg problems.
Temperatures on the lake may be much cooler than those at the
trailhead so bring extra clothing and a hat. There is no water
available at Cleetwood Cove. You will need to bring your own.
Composting toilets are available at the boat dock. A vault
toilet is available at the trailhead.
Tickets are purchased at the top of the trail. No reservations
are taken. Allow at least one hour to drive from Rim Village
to Cleetwood Cove parking area and to hike down the steep
trail.
What can we learn from Crater Lake? Why is it important
geologically and ecologically? And when's the last time you
were inside a caldera? This two hour, ranger lead tour is
operated by the Xanterra Parks & Resorts in cooperation with
the National Park Service to provide visitors with an expanded
knowledge of the lake and its resources, whether visible,
submerged, or intangible. Boat tours are scheduled to begin in
early July - however, inquire at the park visitor centers to
insure correct information.
Cost: $20.00 for adults $12.00 for children 11 and under and
free for those 24 months and under. Prices Subject to Change.
Wizard Island Options:
Boats stop at Wizard Island. It is possible to stay on the
island and take a later boat back. However, your return
journey is dependent upon available space on returning boats.
You are not guaranteed a ride back until the final tour of the
day, possibly arriving at the Cleetwood Dock as late as 6:30
p.m. There are two hiking trails on Wizard Island. There is no
camping allowed on the Island. Keep in mind that Wizard Island
is a remarkable place: an infant cinder cone with all the
expected hazards: extremely rough lava, loose cinder, and dry
conditions. Use caution when hiking. A pit toilet is located
at the dock area. There are no other facilities provided for
the public on Wizard Island.
Hiking and Biking
This national park has over 180,000 acres of which only 11,500
are taken up by the lake. The remaining 93% is land based,
most of it backcountry. In fact, portions of the park await
designation as wilderness. There are approximately 90 miles of
hiking trails in the park -- with each one offering the
visitor a chance to take a closer look at nature or study a
geological feature. You can hike for several days or wander
quietly as long as you like. In addition to the many trails
that start inside the park, there are several connections with
paths in the surrounding National Forests. A good example is
the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs all the way from the
Mexico to Canada and passes through Crater Lake's backcountry.
No bicycles are allowed on any park trails. Bicycling is
allowed only on paved roads, the Grayback Motor Nature Trail,
and the dirt trail entering the park on the east side near the
Pinnacles.
Start your trip at the information desk located in the Steel
Center in Munson Valley or the Rim Village Information Center.
Park staff will also issue free backcountry permits for
overnight stays and inform you of the regulations designed to
protect these areas.
Bring plenty of food and water. Wear comfortable shoes or
boots. If you plan on drinking stream water, you need to treat
it with a reliable purification system. You should also be
prepared for any extremes of weather. Temperatures can change
dramatically in the course of a day. Snow has fallen in all
twelve months of the year here. This information should be
helpful in planning your trip to Crater Lake. Take time to
enjoy the spectacular views of the lake but include time to
relax and enjoy the green forests, cool mountain streams, and
other magnificent features of Crater Lake's backcountry.
The following is a partial list of day hikes at Crater Lake
National Park. The list is organized according to estimated
time length for completing the hike. Please note that steep
terrain of Crater Lake means time, length and difficulty are
not directly related. Times are given are estimates of how
long it will take to complete the trail and return to the
trailhead. Trails listed as strenuous should be taken only by
people in good physical condition.
Camping
There are two developed campgrounds at Crater Lake. Mazama
Campground is located near the Annie Springs Entrance Station.
Lost Creek Campground is accessed by taking East Rim Drive to
the Pinnacles road. Campsites are all on a first come, first
served basis. No reservations are taken. Camping opportunities
are also available at several locations outside the park.
Mazama Campground - This 198 site campground is
operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts. Call 541-830-8700 for
prices regarding sites per night. Fresh water, flush toilets,
a dump station, pay showers, and laundry facilities are
available. There are no utility hookups. Fires are permitted
in designated fireplaces only. Firewood is available for
purchase at the Mazama Store. Campers are allowed to collect
only dead and downed wood. Mazama Campground is open from June
11 to October 4, 2004, weather permitting.
Lost Creek Campground - A 16 site tents-only campground
is operated by the National Park Service. It normally opens in
July and closes for the season in mid-September. Check at the
park visitor centers for exact opening and closing dates. Call
541-594-3000 for prices regarding sites per night. These sites
fill by early afternoon. so campers should select sites upon
arriving in the park.
Visitor Services
Food and Beverages
- Crater Lake National Park offers three types of dining. The
Crater Lake Lodge Dining Room is located in the Crater Lake
Lodge and offers fine dining featuring Northwest regional
cuisine. The Lodge Dining Room is open for breakfast, lunch,
and dinner from May 26 to October 17, 2004. The Café is
located adjacent to the Gift Shop at Rim Village and serves
breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Café is open year-round with
decreased hours in the winter. The Watchman Buffet is upstairs
from the Café and offers a dinner buffet. Its hours are 5:00
p.m. to 10:00 p.m. from June 11 through September 12, 2004.
Lodging - The historic Crater Lake Lodge, perched on
the rim of Crater Lake, has 71 rooms and is open from May 26
to October 17, 2004 The Mazama Village Motor Inn is located at
Annie Springs, near the Route 62 junction. Two units are
designed for wheelchair accessibility. The Motor Inn is open
from June 4 to October 4. Check in is at the Mazama Village
Store. To reserve rooms in advance, contact 541-830-8700.
Automotive Needs - Gas is available Seasonally.
Unleaded gasoline, oil, and some basic automotive needs are
available at the Mazama Village Store. Regular and Diesel
fuels are not available. There are no mechanics available in
the park. Tow services come from Chemult or Prospect, Oregon.
Mazama Village Store - The store is located at the
Annie Springs Entrance near the junction with Route 62.
Convenience store items, a coin operated laundry, and shower
facilities are available. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
from June 4 to June 11; 7:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. from June 11 to
September 7; 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. from September 7 to
closing on October 4, 2004
Rates & Times Subject To Change
For more information about Crater Lake please call
541-594-3100 |
