National Parks Webcams - Crater Lake Webcam

Crater Lake National Park Live Webcams

Crater Lake National Park (U.S. National Park Service)Crater Lake inspires awe. Native Americans witnessed its formation 7,700 years ago, when a violent eruption triggered the collapse of a tall peak. Scientists marvel at its purity—fed by rain and snow, it’s the deepest lake in the USA and one of the most pristine on Earth. Artists, photographers, and sightseers gaze in wonder at its blue water and stunning setting atop the Cascade Mountain Range.

Crater Lake Webcams

North view across the lake from the Sinnott Overlook at Rim Village (elevation 7,100'/2164m). On a clear day, it takes in Wizard Island, Llao Rock, and Mount Thielsen

Annie Spring Entrance looking south along Munson Valley Rd The elevation is 6,000'/1,829m

The Steel Visitor Center at Park Headquarters (elevation 6,450' /1,966m)

Introduction

Crater Lake National Park, located in the southern part of Oregon, stands as a testament to the raw power of volcanic forces and the beauty they can create. This pristine wilderness area is centered around the stunning Crater Lake, which fills the caldera of Mount Mazama, a once-active volcano.

Crater Lake was formed around 7,700 years ago when Mount Mazama erupted violently, collapsing upon itself. The resulting caldera, now filled with water, is the deepest lake in the United States and the ninth deepest in the world. The Klamath Native American tribe has long revered this place, and their oral traditions tell of the cataclysmic eruption that created the lake.

In 1870, William Gladstone Steel, a young man from Kansas, read an article about Crater Lake. The story ignited his imagination, and he vowed to see the lake someday. In 1885, after seventeen years of anticipation, Steel finally stood on the rim, gazing upon the pristine waters. Steel believed that Crater Lake should be preserved for future generations. His tireless efforts led to the establishment of Crater Lake National Park on May 22, 1902, by President Theodore Roosevelt. The fifth national park. The park attracts around 700,000 visitors each year

Crater Lake plunges to a maximum depth of 1,949 feet (594 m), making it the deepest lake in the country. The lake covers approximately 20.6 square miles (53.4 square km). Its crystal-clear waters allow visibility down to nearly 100 feet (30 m).

There are two iconic islands in the park. Wizard Island is a small volcanic island rises from the lake's surface and is a popular destination for boat tours. The island reaches an elevation of 755 feet (230 m) above the lake. Phantom Ship resembles a ghostly ship 170 feet (52 m) above the water.

For more information on the park, go to the Wikipedia Page.

Top Hikes

There are 90 miles of hiking trails in Crater Lake National Park. Please be aware that the Lake View trails begin around 7,100 Feet (2,164 m). Shortness of breath is common for individuals who have not climatized. Long hikes, with an overnight require a backcountry permit. A full list of hikes within the park are in the NPS link.

Easy Lake View Trail

The Sun Notch Trail is an easy hike that is approximately 0.8 miles or 1.3 kilometers long. The trailhead is located at an altitude of 7054 (2,150 m). Total elevation gain is 150 feet (46 m). The trail offers panoramic views of Crater Lake and the Phantom Ship Island below. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.

Moderate to Difficult Lake View Trails

The Mount Scott Trail is 4.4 miles or 7.1 km long round trip. Mount Scott is the highest peak in Crater Lake National Park. The trailhead is located at an altitude of 7680 feet (2,341 m) and the summit is at an altitude of 8832 feet (2,692 m). The trail offers panoramic views of the High Cascades, Klamath Basin, and Eastern Cascades. The summit also has a fire lookout and provides a panoramic view of the lake.

The Garfield Peak Trail is a 3.5-mile (5.6 km) out-and-back trail that takes a little over 2 hours to complete. The trail has an elevation gain of 1,076 feet (550 m). The trailhead is located near the Rim Village and Crater Lake Lodge. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.

Moderate to Difficult Non-Lake View Trails

The Union Peak Trail is a 9.3-mile (15 km) out-and-back trail located in Crater Lake National Park. The trail is generally considered moderately challenging and takes around 4.5 hours. The trail is open from June through October and is best visited during this time. The trail has an elevation gain of 1,669 feet (509 m) and offers stunning views of the surrounding forest and wildlife. The minimum elevation on the trail is 6,578 feet (2,005 m) and the maximum elevation is 7,510 feet (2,289 m).

The Lightning Spring Trail is a 4-mile (6.4 km) out-and-back trail. It takes an around 4 hours and is open from June through October and is best visited during this time. The trail has an elevation gain of 5,899 feet (1,798 m) and offers stunning views of the surrounding forest and wildlife. The minimum elevation on the trail is 6,578 feet (2,005 m) or and the maximum elevation is 7,149 feet (2,179 m)

Backpacking

A permit is required for all overnight trips. They are available from the ranger station. A full list is Frequently Asked Question is also available at their website.

Crater Lake Rim Trail is a 19.1-mile (31 km) out-and-back trail that follows the rim of Crater Lake. The trail is considered moderately challenging and takes an average of 2-3 days to complete. The trail is open from July through September and is best visited during this time. The trail has an elevation gain of 2,659 feet (810.46 m). The minimum elevation on the trail is 7,106 feet (2,166 m) and the maximum elevation is 7,739 feet (2,358.85 m). The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding forest, wildlife, and the lake itself .

The Lightning Spring Trail offers a beautiful and moderately challenging backpacking experience. The trail begins from the Lightning Springs Trailhead, approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) north of Rim Village on Rim Road. The trail is 8.4 miles (13.5 km) round-trip, with a elevation gain of 1,295 feet (394 m). Keep an eye out for fellow hikers with pack animals; this route is commonly used by PCT through-hikers. Enjoy views of Crater Lake and the surrounding volcanic landscape.

Boat Tour

At Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, you can embark on an unforgettable boat tour to explore the stunning beauty of Crater Lake.

Crater Lake Hospitality (a concessioner for the park), provides daily boat tours during the summer season. These boat tours take you on a journey around the caldera of Crater Lake. A knowledgeable park ranger accompanies most tours, providing insights and answering questions. The boats are US Coast Guard certified and operated by experienced captains.

Visitors must descend and ascend the Cleetwood Cove Trail, a one-mile (1.6 km) trail dropping 700 feet (213 m) to the lake shore. Children must be at least 3 years old to participate. Visitors should be prepared for sun exposure, wind, occasional rough waters, and engine noise. There are no onboard bathrooms.

For more information and reservations go to the Crater Lake Hospitality website.

Accommodations

Camping

There are two campgrounds within Crater Lake National park. A description is provide below. Here are the links to recreation.gov and the hotels are at the end of the section.

Lost Creek Campground is a small, tents-only campground located on the road to Pinnacles Overlook, three miles from the rim of Crater Lake. It usually opens in early July and closes in mid-October. The campground has 16 first-come, first-serve campsites. The campground is primitive with no running water or drinking water. The campground is surrounded by lodgepole pines. In July and August, the campground typically fills by mid-afternoon.

Mazama Campground is located seven miles south of Rim Village, just past the park's south entrance station near Highway 62. The campground has 214 sites, 75 RV only and 121 tent-only sites. It is nestled in an old-growth forest at 6,000 feet (1,828 m) in elevation. Each site features a picnic table, fire ring, and bear-resistant food locker. The campground is managed by Crater Lake Hospitality. The link for reservations is below. The campground is usually open from May to September. The exact opening and closing dates are determined each year by the snow level in the camp sites, safety issues, and other factors.

Hotels

There are two hotels within the park. Reservations can be made at Crater Lake Hospitality.

Crater Lake Lodge is a historic hotel and was built in 1915 and is situated on the edge of the caldera, almost 1,000 feet (305 m) above the water, providing spectacular views of the lake and the caldera. The lodge is surrounded by meadows and sub-alpine trees, and offers 71 rooms, including six accessible rooms. The lodge is open from mid-May to early October, depending on the current snow levels. The lodge's dining room offers three meals a day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, for lodge guests and any park visitors wanting a more formal meal service. The Great Hall, defined by a large native stone fireplace, tall windows, and accents of Ponderosa pine wood, invites guests to lounge with a drink, play board games, or simply relax to the crackle of the fire which is lit most inclement days. On the back patio are rocking chairs that draw your attention to the lake, especially at sunrise. Depending on the weather, ranger programs are presented daily either indoors near the fireplace or outside on the patio.

The Cabins at Mazama Village are located seven miles south of Rim Village, just past the park's south entrance station near Highway 62. The cabins are nestled high in the Ponderosa pines and offer a rustic lodging experience. The cabins are usually open from May to October and are decorated in historic style furnishings, wall art of vintage style travel posters, and materials, such as hickory saplings and alder, the cabins honor the local region's history and surroundings. There are 10 cabins, each with four private accommodations. The cabins feature two queen beds with a private bath and shower. The cabins offer the serenity of rooms free of phones and TVs.

Restaurants

There are three dining options within the park.

The Crater Lake Lodge Dining Room offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner for lodge guests and park visitors. The dining room provides a memorable fine-dining experience amidst the majestic beauty of Crater Lake National Park. The restaurant's chefs center their gourmet creations around seasonal, sustainable ingredients grown in Oregon, from smoked salmon to wild mushrooms. The dining room offers wonderful views of the lake, making it the perfect destination to enjoy a relaxing meal during your park visit.

The Rim Village Café is a restaurant located in at Rim Village and offers grab-and-go food items such as sandwiches, salads, and snacks. The café also has an adjoining patio that provides stunning views of the lake. The café is typically open daily from mid-May thru Mid-October.

Annie Creek Restaurant is a family-friendly restaurant located in the Mazama Village area and offers lunch and dinner options, including specialty sandwiches, soups, pizza, veggie options, and local beer. The restaurant is typically open daily from mid-May thru Mid-October.

Please let us know if you have any questions or comments on the website.

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