Planning a Winter Backcountry Trip
Winter turns most of Crater Lake National Park into a snowy wilderness from November through May. For the well-prepared, winter offers skiers and snowshoers occasions of unique beauty and unparalleled opportunities for solitude.

Opportunities for wilderness overnight camping are abundant during the winter. Snow camping is required, as there are no shelters anywhere in the backcountry. Advanced skiers may even consider skiing around Crater Lake. Most people take three days to complete this 30-mile (48-km) loop, if not delayed by storms. Only experienced and properly equipped skiers should attempt this trip.

Backcountry Permits
All overnight campers must obtain a free backcountry permit, available from a ranger at the Steel Information Center or the Canfield Building (Ranger Station), in the Park Headquarters area, during regular hours of operation (see back page). The ranger on duty will inform you of the current weather forecast, avalanche hazards, and parking information. You will need to provide a detailed itinerary, list of supplies, and emergency contact information.

Hazards and Logistics
Winter can be a hazardous time in the backcountry. Be prepared for any type of weather, including blizzards with white-out conditions which may require you to extend your trip.

Snow avalanches are also a danger in many places. The National Park Service recommends that you carry snow shovels, probe poles, and avalanche cords or beacons if you plan to circle the lake or travel in other areas with high avalanche danger. Avalanche bypass routes are available around many hazardous areas; ask a ranger for details. The route behind Watchman Peak is often windswept and icy; be especially cautious in this area, and ask about current conditions.

Blowing snow regularly forms fragile cornices along the edge of the caldera. Stay well back from the edge to avoid breaking through.

None of Crater Lake National Park’s ski trails are groomed, and route-finding in the backcountry is often difficult. Bring a detailed topographic map and compass, and know how to use them.

Emergency telephones are available in the comfort station at Rim Village and on the snow tunnel leading into the administration building at Park Headquarters. It’s also a good idea to bring a signal mirror or whistle for emergency use.

The road from headquarters to Rim Village is plowed on a regular basis. However, due to heavy snowfall this section of road is often closed for hours or days at a time. You may need to ski along the Raven Trail to get to Rim Village or to return to your car.

Note that no running water is accessible in the backcountry during the winter. Bring a camp stove for melting snow.

Backcountry Regulations
Winter camping regulations are intended to ensure your safety and minimum impact on Crater Lake's resources. Please observe the following guidelines:

No camping or travel is permitted within the caldera.
Pack out all trash.
Campfires are not permitted. Bring a camp stove.
Parties are limited to eight people. Larger groups must split up.
Pets are not permitted in the backcountry.
No camping is permitted within a mile of any plowed road, within 100 feet of any meadow with less than one foot of snow cover, or within sight or sound of any trail or other camping party.

Winter Weather
From October to June, Crater Lake National Park is a snow-covered wilderness. November through April are frequently snowy with poor visibility and poor driving conditions. At the same time, winter provides wonderful skiing and snowshoeing opportunities and, on clear days, some of the most magnificent scenery of the year.

With snowfall still lingering on the ground in early July, winter defines Crater Lake National Park more than any other season. Snowfall averages 533 inches (1,350 cm) annually, and by early spring, it is typical to have ten to fifteen feet (4 meters) of snow on the ground. While snowfall is common in the Cascade Mountains, Crater Lake National Park is one of the snowiest areas in the Northwest where regular records are kept.

The National Park Service began recording weather information at Crater Lake National Park headquarters in 1926. The winter of 1932-1933 still holds the record for total snowfall in a single season, with 879 inches (2,230 cm). In 1950, Crater Lake set a state record for snowfall in a single calendar year, with 903 inches (2,294 cm). The most snow ever recorded on the ground at Park Headquarters was 21 feet (6.4 meters), on April 3, 1983.

Typical winter temperatures range from a high of about 35°F (2°C) to an overnight low around 19°F (-7°C).