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Experiencing Crater Lake in Oregon: Podcast Show Notes
Welcome to Experiences you should Have. Your how-to guide for amazing experiences. Today we are journeying to a very special place called Crater Lake.
My First Visit to Crater Lake
I live in Bend, Oregon, which is in central Oregon and I have made an annual trip to Crater Lake the last 9 years. The first time I went to Crater Lake, I had my friend Ben drive, so I could be the one looking out the window, plus he had seen it before.
It took about 2 hours to get there from Bend (99 miles) and after we checked into the gate (and paid our $10), we drove a little further and then we stopped at a lookout at the top of the hill. I got out of the car and there in front of me was the deepest most amazing blue I have ever seen in my entire life.
The vastness of Crater Lake and the deep blue I saw in front of me took my breath away. The wind started to pick up and then a chipmunk appeared below my feet and started to scurry around looking for food. But that moment, being in front of this deep blue caldera, changed me. It made me appreciate Oregon in a new way.
You may or may not know what a Caldera is, but a caldera is a crater left behind after a volcanic eruption. Water filled this giant caldera after Mt. Mazama erupted in 2290 BC. When I stood at the top of Crater Lake and scanned across and looked at the perimeter and realized the power and intense eruption that must have happened.
What Caused Crater Lake?
A giant, earth-shattering eruption of Mt. Mazama created what know as Crater Lake today. The eruption happened 7,700 years ago and it began from a single vent on the northeast side of Mt. Mazama. When the eruption hit, it was a true eruption that you might think of in your head. Ash and pumice burst into the air, reaching as high as 30 miles above the ground. Mazama ash has been found in Oregon, California, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Wyoming, Utah, and even in multiple Canadian provinces (Wikipedia).
Why Should You Visit Crater Lake?
There’s something about looking at the deep blue water of Crater Lake (which is the deepest lake in the United States and 9th deepest in the world), that makes you realize how powerful nature is, and calming at the same time. Here this beautiful tranquil deep blue lake with a depth of 594 ft came from a mighty eruption more than 7,000 years ago. To stand there at the edge of the Caldera brings a new perspective on life and the power of mother nature.
When is the best time to go to Crater Lake?
The lake is open year-round, however not all the entrances are open year-round and you can only drive completely around the lake starting around early July through September and sometimes early October. I would recommend visiting Crater Lake in mid to late July because fire season starts in Oregon in mid to late August and goes through September. You can check the latest road and entrance conditions here.
You will want to plan your trip on a sunny day and on a day where the clouds are higher than the top of Crater Lake. We’ve gone to Crater Lake where clouds have covered the entire Caldera and had to wait more than a day for the clouds to clear (check out the video below). Crater Lake is around 6,000-foot elevation, so you want the clouds to be higher than 6,000 feet, so plan accordingly.
Can you Camp at Crater Lake?
Yes and no. There are campgrounds near Crater Lake, but there are no campsites that have a view of Crater Lake. Even if you have an RV, you can not park it overnight around the lake. Mazama and Lost Creek are the two nearby campsites and both open late June or early July and are open through September (sometimes early October).
Mazama campsite can fit RV’s up to 50’, while the Lost Creek campsite if for tents only. You can reserve these Mazama and Lost Creek campsites online.
Can you spend the night on the edge of Crater Lake?
There is a lodge right on Crater Lake that you can stay at and get amazing views of the lake if you purchase the right room. It is a bit more spendy than a campsite, but the views are unbeatable. There is a nice restaurant located at the lodge.
Tips for visiting Crater Lake:
- If heading there for a day-trip, bring your own food in. There is a café there with limited selections but suggest bringing your own food and having a picnic by the lake.
- Try to limit your plastic use and take with you what you brought in.
- Bring sunscreen and plenty of water and refillable water bottles.
- Check the weather before you go to make sure the cloud levels are above 6,000 feet and check online for entrance or road closures.
Things to do at Crater Lake: Boat Tour at Crater Lake
If you are into hiking, you can head down a 2.2-mile (round trip) hike that declines approximate 700 feet. At the bottom, you can hop on a boat to tour the lake. Advanced reservations are highly recommended. The boat tours start around early to mid-July. More information on Crater Lake Boat Tours. The hike down to the boat is not recommended if you are not in good physical condition.
Accessible Travel: Can you experience Crater Lake If You Have Limited Mobility?
Absolutely! In fact, if you have a permanent disability, you can apply for an Access Pass, which covers your cost into Crater Lake. While you may not do the hike down to get on the boat, I absolutely love driving the perimeter of Crater Lake. There are so many stunning lookouts that you can see right from your car! Just make sure you do this trip when you can drive the full perimeter starting in mid to late July.
Also, if you love experiences, but may have limited mobility, then check out these Accessible Travel Ideas from EYSH.
Can You Swim in Crater Lake?
You can, but it is a steep hike down, 2.2 miles round trip via Cleetwood Cove Trail, and the water is a brisk 55 degrees Fahrenheit or 12 degrees Celcius. Swimmers must remain within 100 yards of shore.
Can you Scuba Dive in Crater Lake?
Dive shops in Bend have planned dive trips there before, but since 2012, scuba diving has been prohibited at Crater Lake. I spoke to some divers who have dove the lake and they said it was very cold and blue, but not much to see underwater. If you are looking for a stunning freshwater dive, check out Clear Lake in central Oregon in Winter, which you can easily get to from Bend. Also, be prepared for extremely cold water there, so have appropriate gear and certifications.
What Next?
Go ahead and plan your trip to Bend, Oregon. You’ll need to fly into airport RDM, rent a car. Stay in bend, hit up the many breweries around Bend, float the river in the summer, and then pick a beautiful sunny day in late July to spend a day at Crater Lake. Head out early, so you can take advantage of the full day!