Winter in

Crater Lake National Park

Winter Recreation:General Information
Crater Lake National Park receives an average of 45 feet of snow annually. The only road open during the winter months is the southern entrance road up to Rim Village. During periods of heavy snowfall, the road to Rim Village may also be closed. The Steel Information Center is open daily except for Christmas, as is Rim Village where a cafeteria and gift shop are located. Ranger-led winter ecology walks are held every weekend. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times and are restricted to parking lot areas. Snowshoeing or walking on any marked ski trail is prohibited. Sledding and inner tubing are best experieced in the meadow behind Crater Lake Lodge.

Snowmobile use is only allowed on the North Entrance Road from the park boundary to North Junction (where the entrance road meets Rim Drive). Snowmobile use is limited to the unplowed roadway.

Cross-country skiing in the park
There are no groomed ski trails in the park, but the most popular trails are marked. The unplowed West Rim Drive and East Rim Drive are popular ski routes.

Trails are patroled by the volunteer Crater Lake Ski Patrol.

There is no overnight lodging or roadside camping in the park during the winter months. Backcountry camping is allowed. All backcountry campers must register for a free permit in person before camping. Backcountry campers must ski or snowshoe to their campsite. Overnight parking is permitted in the Park Headquarters or Rim Village parking lots. Cars parking in non-designated areas may be towed or seriously damaged by snow removal equipment - at your expense!

Skiing: Regulations
*Backcountry camping is not allowed in the following areas:

• Within one mile of any plowed road.
• Within one mile of Boundary Springs or Sphagnum Bog.
• Within 100 feet of any water source.
• Within visibility of any other backcountry campers or ski trails.
• Within a one quarter mile of the caldera rim or any trail.

*No open fires are permitted during the winter season.
*Pets or firearms are not allowed on any ski routes.
*Camping parties are restricted to no more than eight people per party. Groups larger than eight must break into smaller groups, traveling and camping separately.
*No skiing or snowshoeing on any plowed road.
*Entering the calera is prohibited.

Recommended Backcountry Winter Camping Gear List

• Whistle
• Headlamp
• Extra batteries
• Firestarter
• Goggles/sunglasses
• First Aid kit
• Ice axe
• Snow saw
• Snow shovel
• Avalanche cord
• Pieps/avalanche transceiver
• Probe pole
• Ski/snowshoe repair kit
• Ski wax
• 4 season tent
• Winter sleeping bags
• Insulated pad
• Waterproof ground cloth
• 1 stove for every 2 people
• Food for at least one extra day
• Candles
• Polypropylene underclothing
• Wool/fleece jacket and pants
• Waterproof outerwear
• Extra clothing

Snow cornice overhanging the caldera

Winter Advisories
Crater Lake's frequent snowstorms make it easy to get lost. White out conditions are possible and your tracks can be covered quickly by the rapidly falling snow. It is important that you carry the minimum gear needed to survive an unplanned night out. Avoid skiing alone.
Awareness of avalanche warnings and areas in the park is imperative. Make sure to find out from a park ranger.

Entering the caldera is extremely dangerous and is strictly forbidden. Stay well back from the edge of any drop-off. Snow overhangs (called cornices) can fall away without warning. Inquire at the Rim Information Center for current trail and avalanche conditions. You are responsible for your own safety. Our volunteer ski patrol operates only on weekends. Even during patrolled periods, not all trails and possible routes can be canvassed. Proper planning before heading into the backcountry will help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Selected Ski Trails
Discovery Point and Wizard Island Overlook This is the most popular, and easiest ski trail in the park. It provides spectacular views of the lake. Flat and rolling terrain. Round-trip: 2 miles to Discovery Point; 5 miles to Wizard Island Overlook.
Mazama Village Loop This loop provides easy, flat skiing conditions for beginners. Located next to the entrance station near the Junction of Hwy 62 and the road to Crater Lake. Round-trip: 1 mile.
Hemlock LoopA rolling journey through ancient forest. Views of the Klamath Basin to the southeast. Moderate difficulty. Round-trip: 1 mile.
Sun Notch Trail A good alternative to skiing the rim, especially when the weather is poor. Once at Sun Notch, you can look down the 1,000 foot drop to the lake's surface and Phantom Ship. Extreme caution must be exercised near the rim, snow cornices may be present! During high avalanche conditions, use the marked avalanche bypass route. Moderate difficulty. Round-trip: 10 miles.
Raven Trail Steep descent through snow-covered hemlocks, including several sharp curves. Immediately upon leaving the woods, the trail crosses a potentially dangerous avalanche chute; caution is advised. Round-trip: 2 miles.
Dutton Creek Zig-zagging through the forest, this trail descends steeply in the first mile among dense hemlocks. It eventually meets the Pacific Crest Trail. A steep climb over a ridge brings you back out to the roadway, either at Hwy. 62 or at Annie Springs. One way: 9 miles.
Skiing around Crater Lake A complete trip around the lake takes 2-3 days, longer during storms. There are no shelters along the 33 mile route. This trip should only be attempted by experienced and properly equipped skiers.

Snowmobile Use: General Information/Regulations
Snowmobile use is only allowed on the North Entrance Road from the park boundary to North Junction (where the entrance road meets Rim Drive). Snowmobile use is limited to the unplowed roadway.

To ensure protection of the park's natural resources and to provide maximum safety for all winter users, we ask for your compliance with the following regulations:

• Snowmobiles must stay on the unplowed roadway.
• Maximum speed is 45 mph.
• Both headlight and taillight must be illuminated while the snowmobile is in operation.
• Operators must carry a valid state registration for each snowmobile.
• Operators must possess a valid state license or proof of state certification by an authorized state snowmobile safety officer.
• Snowmobiles must be equipped with a muffler in good working order.
• No wheeled vehicles are permitted.