We were at the lake from June 9, 3 PM to June 12, 10AM 2009 and stayed at Mazama Motor Inn. When we arrived the lake was in full dark blue color and nice, patchy clouds. Two hours later it was socked in with grey clouds. The next three mornings there was no sun rise and the second and third... more

I've been to Crater Lake several times, and the experience simply depends on what day you get there. Some days it can be very cold and foggy and you can hardly see the lake. Other days you hit it right and the area is truly a sight to behold! Either way, make sure you take a jacket...it can be cold... more

Unfortunately, fires had been burning in the area for weeks - information not on the website. Even googling it now I'm not finding much current info, though info available at the visitor center indicated it was up to 18,000 acres and not very much contained! At least we were lucky and the roads were still open, though the "bowl" of... more

If you are visitng crater lake make sure you get there earlier enough to book a boat tour. It was the best way to visit this great park. The ranger is so imformative and the views are outstanding. Trail down is quick , a little harder on the way up. But well worth it! more

On my way South out of Portland, I veered way east to get to Crater Lake. I came in from the North (August means the roads are open), and went out the south. I gave myself a couple of hours to do the siteseeing thing before driving on. Turns out, I needed more time. I ended up taking the road... more

Crater Lake in Southern Oregon is one of the natural wonders of the Northwest, and if you are visiting this region, you MUST put it on your list! The water is incomparably indigo, the story of how it was created is amazing and every view point is breathtaking. I am originally from Oregon as is my family, and my husband... more

If you visit Crater Lake and have the time I recommend taking the boat tour. the only problem is the hike to the landing. It is about 1.1 miles one-way and descends anywhere from 700 to 900 feet depending on which guide you read. It took my wife and I 15 minutes to descend and 35 minutes to get back... more

Crater Lake is spectacular, lovely scenery. There is a spot where you can go down to the lake (where the boats are), but bring bug spray. The mosquitos were so thick we decided not to make the trek which is pretty steep, from what we heard. Also, make sure you make your reservations for the lodge at least a year... more

First of all, check if the north entrance is open. It was blocked when I went, which forced me to have to drive a long ways out of the way. It is open from late June to early September, depending on snow. Speaking of snow, there is a LOT of snow. On average, Crater Lake National Park gets about 40... more