Crater Lake north entrance road opens
The North Entrance Road and West Rim Drive in Crater Lake National Park will open for travel on Saturday morning. Superintendent Craig Ackerman announced that visitors can now drive to and from the park via this popular route and access spectacular views of the lake from West Rim Drive.
Patches of snow remain on the ground in most locations throughout the park – still plenty for throwing snowballs! Snow amounts are greater at higher elevations along Rim Drive. Most trails, including Garfield and Watchman Peaks remain close due to snow. National Park Service snow removal crews are now focusing their efforts on opening East Rim Drive, Pinnacles Road and Lost Creek Campground. More information will be issued when the entire Rim Drive is open for travel.
Most park facilities are now open for the season. Steel Visitor Center in Munson Valley is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Rim Visitor Center is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Both are staffed by park rangers and the Crater Lake Natural History Association. Ranger talks are given daily at Crater Lake Lodge. More talks, evening campfire programs, and junior ranger programs will begin on Friday, June 21. Crater Lake Trolley tours are scheduled to begin on Friday, June 28/ For more information, call the Steel Visitor Center at (541)594-3100.
Mazama Campground now has two loops open for camping. All other concession facilities in the park are open daily, including Crater Lake Lodge, Mazama Village Motor Inn, Rim Cafe and Gift Shop, and Annie Creek Restaurant and Gift Shop. For lodging reservations, please call (866)292-6720; for general concession information, please call (541)594-2255.
With several feet of snow still covering much of the park, visitors should be aware of potential hazards such as slippery snow patches and falling rocks. Please use caution when driving as icy and snowy roads can still occur this time of year, especially at night and in early morning hours. Steep snowfields still exist at many of the overlooks along Rim Drive, and visitors should use extreme caution to prevent falls. Because of the hazardous terrain that exists in the caldera surrounding Crater Lake, travel below the rim is prohibited at all times. Please stay back from the edge! Be safe and have an enjoyable visit!
