Crater Lake, this is what it's like to visit the great jewel of nature in Oregon

Crater Lake It is one of the hidden gems of the United States.

There are very few non-North American tourists who know about the existence of this national park of the West Coast, specifically, in the state of Oregon.

Precisely as it is located about 700 kilometers north of San Francisco, places it outside the most common West Coast routes for those of us who travel to that area of ​​the United States.

I will tell you that it is about deepest lake in the United States, which occupies an impressive crater opened about 7.700 years ago, when the volcano Mount Mazama It collapsed after a large eruption.

Now Crater Lake It is a national park, and visiting it is an authentic experience of enjoying nature.

This is what it's like to visit Crater Lake National Park

La visit to Crater Lake It's not just about seeing the lake.

It is a visit that, if possible, is worth spending time on because once you get there, the landscapes will impress you and you will want to enjoy them in the middle of nature.

If you like hiking and nature walks, it is an ideal place.

From the north, if you want get to Crater Lake from Portland, you will have to travel 375 kilometers.

Access to Crater Lake National Park It is done through an impressive giant sequoia forest, with a lushness that at times darkens a sunny day.

The first thing you have to keep in mind is that the ideal is to visit in the morning so you can enjoy it peacefully, since the park can only be visited in daylight.

Therefore, it is advisable to sleep in a nearby accommodation.

Where to sleep in Crater Lake

And as a tip, it is advisable to arrive at the accommodation when there is still sunlight.

These places are made up of a huge, almost virgin forest, and the road that runs through it has no lighting, so the only light you will see will be that of your vehicle and that of the moon.

Furthermore, the forest is full of deer, and if you go at night, as was my case, you will have to go very slowly because they come out onto the road and you may have a problem if one crosses the path.

Inside the national park and almost at the edge of the crater, you find the complex cabins Mazama Village, a dream place but not always affordable for all budgets.

Being a large natural area, there are no towns for many kilometers.

But near the south entrance of the park there is another area of ​​much more affordable cabins (Union Creek Resort), which is the most recommended accommodation for most visitors.

Of course, you have to book in advance because the complex only has 30 cabins.

They are beautiful cabins in the middle of the forest, a small store and a small restaurant where you can have dinner and breakfast.

Access to Crater Lake

Once you have secured your accommodation, I will tell you that there are three entrances to the national park, and already inside there is a road that borders the crater, as well as countless trails and paths.

Inside the crater you will see there is a small island with trees; If you want to see it up close, it is best to access it through the south entrance.

Visitor Centers at Crater Lake

Through this access, which is the most spectacular, you reach the Mazama Village Visitor Center where you can hire, if you are interested, a boat trip through the crater, which includes surrounding the island.

There is also another visitor center, Kidney, which is not open from October to May as there are some areas of the national park that are closed to visitors in winter due to winter conditions.

Continuing along the circular road you will find a multitude of viewpoints where there is audiovisual information explaining how this wonder of nature was created, as well as many other curiosities.

From the edge of the crater there is a large drop with ravines to the water. You will also find that there are several trails that take you to the shore.

But the really interesting thing is not descending, but quite the opposite, ascending the hills from where you will have impressive views.

Crater Lake Hours and Ticket Prices

Access to this national park has no schedule, since It is open 24 hours a day, Everyday of the year.

Los Crater Lake ticket prices They are $30 for a car with all its occupants ($20 from November to May), and the pass gives you access to the park for seven days.

If you travel by motorbike, the price is $25 ($20 from November to May).

In summary, in Crater Lake You will be able to enjoy the beautiful landscapes both inside the crater and outside of it, with immense redwood forests, without counting on the pure air that you will be able to breathe.

A highly recommended, unforgettable visit.

Map: where is Crater Lake and how to get there

El Crater Lake National Park It is located 5 hours south of Portland and 7 hours north of San Francisco.