News Release

North Entrance Road Opens at Crater Lake for the 2018 Season

Date: May 25, 2018
Contact: Marsha McCabe, [phone]

Crater Lake, OR - The North Entrance Road and West Rim Drive in Crater Lake National Park will open for travel Friday afternoon, May 25, 2018 – just in time for the holiday weekend. Superintendent Craig Ackerman announced that visitors will now be able to drive to and from the park via this popular route and access spectacular views of the lake from West Rim Drive.   This is a very early opening for Crater Lake’s North Entrance. Warm temperatures and a low snow pack have resulted in a greatly accelerated spring opening this year.
 
The park anticipates high visitation for the holiday weekend. Visitors should expect long lines and delays at park entrance stations and other locations, including Rim Village. If possible, consider arriving before 10:00 AM or after 4:00 PM to avoid major congestion.
 
Some snow still remains on the ground throughout the park.  Snow depth is greater at many locations around the rim. All trails, including the Cleetwood Trail, are still closed and snow covered.  However, it is possible to hike and bike on the parts of East Rim Drive that have been plowed, but are not yet open to traffic. National Park Service snow removal crews are now focusing their efforts on opening other parts of the park. More information will be issued when the entire Rim Drive is open for travel.

Crater Lake Lodge and Mazama Village Motor Inn are open for the season, and two loops of Mazama Campground are open for camping. The Rim Café and Annie Creek Restaurant are also open daily. For lodging reservations, please call [phone]; for general concession information, please call [phone].

Steel Visitor Center in Munson Valley is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  Ranger talks are given at Crater Lake Lodge each day at 4:00 PM.  More ranger-led programs, including boat tours and trolley tours, are scheduled to begin on Friday, June 22, 2018. For more information, call the Steel Visitor Center at [phone].

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. Please stay far back from the edge! 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!