Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake is a stunning natural monument. The deep blue lake is not only the deepest lake (1,950 feet) in the continental US, it is also an impressive relic of the volcanic era. When Mount Mazama, the ancient volcano errupted around 7,700 years ago, the crater filled with rain and melt water.

The National Park was founded in 1902. Within the park you will find numerous hiking trails including an alternate of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT), some campgrounds and lodges. Swimming and fishing is permitted and you can also join a boat ride to Wizard Island, the small island within the lake.

If you have a long distance permit for the PCT, you are not allowed to camp along the rim. The next legal campsite from Mazama Village is at the base of Grouse Hill. Otherwise you have to obtain an extra backcountry permit for Crater Lake National Park. You can send resupply packages to Mazama Camper Store in Mazama Village using the following address:

Your Name, PCT Hiker
c/o Mazama Camper Store
Mazama Village
Crater Lake, OR 97604
Expected arrival date

Opening hours: 7 days a week during summer months, package pickup from 8 am to 8 pm.

If you walk parallel to the Rim Drive along the crater, you will have fantastic views of the crater lake that are not as crowded as those at Rim Village.

One of the highlights in Oregon and unique in the world due to its size.