Date: June 12, 2012
Contact: Marsha McCabe, 541-594-3091
The North Entrance Road in Crater Lake National Park is now open for travel. 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.
Over 2 feet of snow still remains on the ground at park headquarters - plenty for throwing snowballs! Snow depth is greater at many locations around the rim. 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 being given daily at Crater Lake Lodge. Our full complement of ranger-led programs, including boat tours and trolley tours, is scheduled to begin on Friday, June 29, 2012. For more information, call the Steel Information Center at (541)594-3100.
Mazama Campground now has three loops open for camping. All other concession facilities in the park are open daily, including Crater Lake Lodge, Mazama Village Motor Inn, Rim Café and Gifts, and Annie Creek Restaurant and Gift Shop. For lodging reservations, please call (888)774-2728; 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.
Be safe and have an enjoyable visit!
