Timing your visit to Crater Lake depends on which activities you most enjoy. Summer, obviously, is the most popular time to visit because the park is most accessible. In addition to viewing the lake from the rim or by boat in the caldera, there are opportunities for hiking, camping and learning about the lake’s history and unique ecology.

In wintertime, outdoor activities turn to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing (free, guided hikes are offered by volunteer rangers generally from November to April). Crater Lake officials always say winter is the park’s dominant season, considering that it is snow-shrouded most years from October to May.

Travel alert for 2025-2029: The Cleetwood Cove Trail, the park’s only trail to the water, serves about 10% of park visitors each year. It will undergo repairs by the National Park Service starting summer 2026 to keep visitors safe for years to come.

While no swimming and boating will be allowed during that closure, there are still many other ways to enjoy the park. Take a scenic drive or bike ride around Rim Drive. Look for 250 species of birds. See the park film at the Steel Visitor Center. Have a picnic at an accessible viewpoint. Take a ranger-led hike. Enjoy nearly two dozen trails through the forests, meadows and around the lake, ranging from easy to strenuous.

For more information, head to nps.gov and search for “Cleetwood Cove Trail.”

Whatever you do, be safe, be responsible and respect all staff and signage. Visit early and mid-week to avoid crowds.