Crater Lake’s 33-mile Rim Drive closes for winter on November 1, and snow can end it even sooner
Crater Lake is about to disappear behind a wall of snow. The 33-mile loop around its rim closes to vehicles on November 1, or with the first heavy snowfall, whichever comes first.
Right now the whole drive is open, which makes this your last good window to see the lake from every side. Here’s how to spend it.
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What the loop actually involves
Rim Drive passes 30 overlooks with parking, and you should plan on at least two hours behind the wheel. Add more time if you’re in an RV or towing, because the speed limit is 35 mph or less.
The road is narrow and winding with no shoulders, traffic runs both directions, and cyclists share it. Think slow scenic cruise, not shortcut.
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Phantom Ship is the stop to build your day around
Here’s my pick: head for the Phantom Ship Overlook on East Rim Drive first. The island below stands 170 feet high and 500 feet long, a bigger presence than it looks from the rim.
Its rocky spires are what’s left of an ancient volcanic cone, and they hold the oldest rock in the Crater Lake basin, more than 400,000 years old. The overlook is open July through October, weather permitting, so you’re catching the tail end of its season.
Where to pull over next
The Watchman Peak Lookout view looks across the water to the island below, and it earns every photo you take. Many of the 30 overlooks were designed between 1931 and 1938, and most pullouts lack signs, so stop wherever the lake peeks through.
Before you go
Check the park’s conditions page the morning you leave. East Rim Drive has traffic control near work zones this season, and some pullouts may close as work finishes.
The Cleetwood Cove Trail is closed for construction all season, so the rim is how you see the lake. There’s no gas inside the park, so fill up before you climb.
Rim Village stays reachable on Munson Valley Road, which is open year-round, though sections can close for snow or accidents. Entrance fees apply, and an America the Beautiful Pass covers the national park entrance.
Which overlook would you pull over at first?
Trip tips: grab a rental car to get out here, lock in your hotel before the good rooms are gone, or skip both and book a camper van instead.
Rules and fees change, so always confirm current requirements before you go.
