A Visit To Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park Is A Magical Wintertime Experience

Crater Lake is one of Oregon's most treasured gems. At 1,949 feet, it's the deepest lake in the entire country, and its azure blue color is due to it purity - the lake isn't fed by any rivers, and gets all its water from snow melt and rain. Crater Lake is incredibly busy during the summer, but winter months are a lot more quiet. On a clear day, the lake is absolutely stunning! Here's why you should pay a visit to this national park in Oregon during the wintertime:

Every year, more than 700,000 visitors come to Crater Lake National Park to get a look at this stunning beauty, but most show up during the summer months. Locals know that winter is just as good a time - if not the best time - to visit!

The park gets an average of 43 feet of snow every year, which turns this place into a winter wonderland that's hard to beat.

Even if you wait 'til summer to visit, odds are good that you'll still see some snowbanks here and there. The snow doesn't typically melt completely until August, and some years not all of it has a chance to melt before new snow falls.

The north entrance of the park and Rim Drive close every winter due to snow and treacherous conditions, so you'll want to enter at the west or south entrances.

Make sure you're prepared for winter weather when you visit! Bring tire chains and make sure you have a blanket, some snacks and water, and warm clothing in case you get stuck.

One important thing to know before you visit during winter months: the lake is only visible about 50 percent of the time! Cloud cover, snow, and rain often make it impossible to get a good view.

Before you head out to the park, you can get a look at current conditions on the Rim Village webcam.

You'll also want to be prepared for reduced services.

Food, beverages, gasoline, lodging, and camping are not offered during winter months. Restrooms are available at Rim Village, or during certain hours at the Visitor Center.

It's well-worth it to wait for that bluebird day to visit. On a sunny day, Crater Lake National Park is a winter wonderland.

The icy landscape is downright beautiful, but due to the lake's depth, it's very rare for it to freeze over completely. The last time it happened was 1949!

The snow-covered pines, firs, and hemlock trees are particularly pretty.

Immerse yourself in this frosty beauty by exploring via snowshoe or cross-country skis. You can take the unplowed West Rim Drive, or check out the two-mile-long Raven Trail.

Visitors from Nov. 1 through May 21 pay just $20 per vehicle - a $10 discount. Your entrance pass is good for seven days.

Learn more by visiting the National Parks Service website, linked below.

Visit the Crater Lake National Park website to learn more about the park, and get the latest updates on weather conditions and closures. If you love this lake like we do, you'll also want to follow the park's Facebook page to see more stunning photos and learn about every facet of this special place.