Crater Lake

Crater Lake is widely known for its intense blue color and spectacular views. As the northern jewel of the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway - All American Road, Crater Lake can stun visitors with its beauty, dramatic scenery and abundant wildlife. Crater Lake has neither an inlet nor outlet. At an elevation of 6,940 feet and a lake depth of 1,927 feet, it is the 7th deepest lake in the world and the clearest in the country, with visibility up to 140 feet.

On June 12, 1853, prospectors hunting for gold led by John Wesley Hillman found Crater Lake. President Theodore Roosevelt declared it a national park on May 22, 1902, the fifth oldest national park.

Natural wonders abound, and the 71 room historic Crater Lake Lodge is worthy of its grand surroundings. The lodge (listed in the

National Register of Historic Places) was built in 1915 to boost the tourist potential of the new park. Considerable restoration and renovation occurred in the early 1900’s.

During the summer you can navigate the 33-mile Rim Drive around the lake, enjoy boat tours to Wizard Island, camp at Mazama Village, or hike some of the park’s various trails, including Mt. Scott which peaks at 8,929 ft. Many interpretive programs are available to expand your knowledge and appreciation of this national park, 90% of which is managed as wilderness. www.craterlaketrust.org

The winter brings some of the heaviest snowfall in the country, averaging 533 inches per year. Although park facilities mostly close for this snowy season, visitors may view the lake during fair weather, enjoy cross-country skiing, and participate in weekend snowshoe hikes.

2008 OPERATING SCHEDULE

Rim Gift Shop - Open daily

Rim Cafe - Open daily

Crater Lake Lodge - Hotel Accommodations

Wed., May 21, 2008 - Sun., Oct. 12, 2008

Crater Lake Lodge - Dining Room

Opens for lunch, Wed., May 21, 2008 at 11:30 am

Closes after breakfast, Mon., Oct. 13, 10:30 am

Complimentary coffee for Lodge guests - 6:00 am - 10:30 am

Great Hall beverages - 2:00 pm till dining room closes

Great Hall appetizers & desserts - 3:30 pm till dining room closes

Annie Creek Restaurant

Friday, May 30 (11:30 am) - Monday, Sept. 15, 12:00 noon

Mazama Village Camper Store and Gasoline

Gasoline only:  Wed., May 21, 2008 - Thurs., May 29 - 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm

Mon., Sept. 29 to Mon., Oct. 13, 5:00 pm

General store and gasoline:

Friday, May 30 - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Friday, June 6 - 8:00 am to 8:00 pm

Friday, June 13 - 7:00 am to 10:00 pm

Tuesday, Sept. 2 - 8:00 am to 8:00 pm

Store closes for the season on Monday, Sept. 29 at 5:00 pm

Gasoline only closes for the season on Monday, Oct. 13, 5:00 pm

Cabins at Mazama Village

Opens for the season Friday, May 30 at 11:00 am

Closes for the season on Monday, Sept. 29 at 11:00 am

Mazama Campground

Opens Friday, June 13 (weather permitting)

Closes for the season on Monday, Sept. 29 at 12:00 noon

Boat Tours

Saturday, June 28 (weather permitting)

Last day of tours, September 14, 2008

Daily boat tour schedule to be determined.