Crater Lake National Park Open During Winter Storms

Date: December 23, 2015

Crater Lake National Park remains open during winter storms that have brought more than 130 inches of snow to park headquarters since December 9. The Steel Visitor Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on December 25, and Highway 62 South is plowed and passable, although chains or traction tires are required for travel on park roads, and visitors should be prepared for winter driving conditions.

Highway 62 West from the junction with Munson Valley Road to the park's west boundary and Munson Valley Road from headquarters to Rim Village remain closed because of heavy snow and downed trees. Park staff are working to reopen the remainder of Highway 62 and all of Munson Valley Road as soon as possible. Snowfall is expected to lessen going into this weekend, which will speed efforts to reopen park roads. Visitors are advised to call the visitor center at 541-594-3100 or check the park website, www.nps.gov/crla, for current conditions. 

Superintendent Craig Ackerman said, "While these last few storms have been severe, this is exactly what we are supposed to see at Crater Lake in winter. We've had to temporarily close some roads, but the park, including the visitor center, remains open. And when the weather clears, we'll have a great foundation for winter recreation like skiing and snowshoeing." 

The park is open 365 days a year, but on December 25, the Steel Visitor Center and Rim Village Café and Gift Shop will be closed. Visitor services will not be available on this day. The visitor center will reopen on December 26, and the Rim Village Café and Gift Shop will reopen as soon as Rim Village is accessible.

During this holiday season, the park is offering free ranger-led snowshoe walks every day from December 26 until January 3. The walks start at 1:00 p.m., last two hours, and cover one mile of moderately strenuous terrain. Snowshoes are provided. Visitors must register for snowshoe walks in advance by calling the visitor center at 541-594-3100. 

For more information, please contact Public Information Officer Jennifer Evans at [e-mail] or 541-594-3002.