Date: May 5, 2016
Contact: Jennifer Evans, 541-594-3002
Crater Lake National Park has begun spring opening operations along West Rim Drive. The Crater Lake road crew has cleared snow to the Diamond Lake Overlook, about five miles northwest of Rim Village. The first mile of West Rim Drive, from Rim Village to Discovery Point, is currently open to motorized vehicle traffic. The North Entrance is projected to open to vehicles between Memorial Day and mid-June, dependent on weather.
Crater Lake will begin charging an entrance fee beginning Friday, May 6. Entrance fees for a seven-day pass into the park are $15 per car or $10 per person for motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
As snow is removed from Rim Drive, Crater Lake welcomes hikers and bikers to access cleared roadway segments before they are open to motorized vehicles. "As the park prepares Rim Drive for the summer season, we are glad to offer this opportunity for healthy recreation and peaceful reflection. We hope hikers and bikers will take advantage of this special time when the lake remains wrapped in its winter coat," said Superintendent Craig Ackerman.
Crater Lake will publish regular updates of road opening progress on our website at www.nps.gov/crla/planyourvisit/spring-opening1.htm and on Facebook and Twitter.
At an average elevation of 7,000 feet, both East and West Rim drives receive an average of 50 feet of snow each winter. The park uses a combination of heavy bulldozers and rotary plows to remove snow, ice, and rockfalls that have accumulated since the road closed last autumn. Annually, the Crater Lake road crew clears 33 miles on Rim Drive, nine miles on North Entrance Road, six miles on Pinnacles Road, and numerous pullouts and parking areas.
While spring opening is underway, remember that snow and ice will likely continue into June. Always stay far back from the edge of the caldera. Also, walk or bike in the middle of the road to avoid falling rocks or clumps of snow and ice from unstable snow banks. Although the road is closed to traffic, park vehicles and heavy machinery will be on the road as a part of spring opening.
Park concessions facilities are also preparing to open this month. The Lodge opens for the season on May 20, and the Mazama Village Cabins, Annie Creek Gift Shop and Restaurant, and Mazama Camper Store and Fuel Station will open on May 27. The Mazama Campground will open one week later on June 3.
The Steel Visitor Center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
