How to See the Spectacular Crater Lake in Winter

What does a perfect day at Crater Lake in winter look like? Start by picturing the deepest, truest shade of blue you’ve ever seen. Now, surround it with snow so white and sparkling, it feels like it’s been sprinkled straight from a holiday card. Welcome to Crater Lake in winter—where the beauty of the season comes alive for the few who venture to brave the journey!

2025 Guide to Visiting Crater Lake in Winter

There’s something so magical about visiting our national parks in the off-season. Maybe it’s just me, but the idea of soaking in their beauty without the crowds feels downright irresistible. In winter, it’s even more special—you’re one of the few lucky people to witness these incredible places at their most raw, wild, and extreme.

That’s exactly why I decided to visit Oregon’s only national park—Crater Lake National Park—this past December (2024). Experiencing it for the first time in winter felt like the perfect way to truly embrace its rugged charm.

Of course, winter adventures come with their own set of challenges, and planning is key. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!

Why it is a Winter Wonderland

Let’s talk elevation! Not all areas of Crater Lake National Park are accessible year-round, so here are the key spots I’ll be highlighting:

• Annie Spring Entrance Station: 6,000 feet
• Steel Information Center: 6,450 feet
• Rim Village: 7,100 feet

For comparison, think about Mount Rainier National Park. Paradise, a popular year-round destination (on weekends, weather permitting), is at 5,400 feet. Meanwhile, Sunrise—closed during winter—sits at 6,400 feet.

When planning your trip to Crater Lake in winter, keep in mind that its high elevation can make timing your visit around favorable weather a bit tricky. (Honestly, we lucked out!) But with a little preparation, the rewards are more than worth it.

Where to Stay

If you’re visiting from out of town like we were, I highly recommend staying a night or two. This way, you can make the most of the short winter days and soak in the magic of the season.

My favorite place to stay is Grants Pass, Oregon. If you can, try to visit in December when the town pulls out all the stops for the holidays! Think giant nutcrackers, festive decorations, and the biggest Christmas tree I’ve ever seen—it’s pure holiday charm.

For a peaceful retreat along the Rogue River (and conveniently located off the Rogue River Highway, your route to the park), check out the historic Weasku Inn Resort. We spent two nights here and absolutely loved it! After a long drive from western Washington, we arrived after dark, but the warm welcome of twinkling holiday lights and the inn’s vintage neon sign made it feel like a holiday movie moment. Add in a cozy lobby with fireplaces, and we were instantly at home.

Here’s why I recommend the Weasku Inn Resort:

• Fresh homemade chocolate chip cookies every night (yes, please!)
• S’mores kits to enjoy at their outdoor fire pit
• Wine tastings featuring locally made Oregon wines
• A hot breakfast served every morning to fuel your adventures

Bestie Tip: Before heading out to Crater Lake, swing by a local cafe like DASSH Bakery for coffee and to-go sandwiches. Trust me—you’ll want a solid lunch on the road since food options near the park are pretty limited. We were so glad we planned ahead!

{RELATED POST: What to do in Sisters, Oregon During Winter}

Resources to Keep Tabs On

As I mentioned earlier, winter visits (although worthwhile) can be more of a challenge to plan. Here are a few things you will want to keep a close eye on in the weeks and days leading up to your trip:

• Weather Forecast: Check how much precipitation is expected in the day or two before your visit, whether temperatures are below freezing, and what the visibility is likely to be on the day of your trip. (Clear skies make all the difference when it comes to those breathtaking views!)
• Live Webcams: The National Park Service provides three live webcams that are super helpful for seeing real-time conditions in the park.
• Road Status & Park Alerts: Stay up to date with the latest road closures, park conditions, and any alerts by checking the National Park Service website.

Driving to Crater Lake in Winter

In winter, the only way to access Crater Lake National Park is through the Annie Spring Entrance Station, also known as the South Route. When we visited, the road was snow-covered a few miles from the entrance. Thankfully, it had been plowed and wasn’t icy—but keep in mind, conditions can vary, so always be prepared.

For your safety, chains or traction tires are required on all vehicles during this time of year, and Oregon’s chain laws are strictly enforced.

A couple of extra tips:

• Know Your Route: Be sure to download or print maps ahead of time, as phone service is limited (or non-existent) inside the park.
• Fuel Up: Fill up your gas tank before leaving Grants Pass, because there are no gas stations within the park.

A little preparation can go a long way in making your winter visit safe and less stressful!

Steel Visitor Center

If you’re visiting Crater Lake in winter, a stop at the Steel Information Center—also called the Steel Visitor Center—is a must. While you won’t find views of the lake here, it’s typically the highest point accessible by car during the winter months.

At the Steel Visitor Center, you’ll find:

• Bathrooms (yes, with flushing toilets!)
• Water bottle fill-up stations to stay hydrated
• A gift shop with fun souvenirs and park goodies
• A short documentary film that delves into the park’s natural and cultural history

This is also the perfect spot to get your questions answered. Park rangers can share helpful updates, like whether the lake is visible, current trail conditions, and any winter hazards to watch out for. (For example, cornices—unstable snow formations that extend beyond the rim—are extremely dangerous, so avoid stepping near them!)

It’s pretty incredible that this visitor center remains open year-round, considering the building itself gets buried in snow! You can visit daily from 10 AM to 4 PM during the winter season.

To get there, simply follow the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway (Munson Valley Road) for 3.8 miles past the Annie Spring Entrance Station.

Snowshoeing to Rim Village

To experience Crater Lake in winter, you’ll need to swap your car for snowshoes—this is where the real adventure begins! From the Steel Visitor Center, grab your gear and head up the Raven Ski Trail.

While the trail sign says it’s 1 mile, it’s actually about another mile to reach Rim Village. Once there, you can choose how far into the village you want to explore. Around the 2-mile mark (after about 625 feet of elevation gain), you’ll be treated to your first jaw-dropping view of Crater Lake. Trust me, it’s worth the climb!

Bestie Tip: Not totally sure how to layer clothing in the colder months? Check out my guide on what to wear for winter hiking.

One surprise during our snowshoe trek was the constant dripping from the trees. The sun’s warmth was melting snow in the branches, turning our forest walk into a slightly noisy game of dodging falling snowpiles. If you encounter similar conditions, I recommend bringing a waterproof backpack or cover and a good head covering to keep yourself dry.

A quick note: snowshoe rentals aren’t available within the park. We rented ours from REI, with the nearest locations in Medford or Eugene. If you’re driving in from Portland or Seattle, the Eugene store is a convenient stop right off I-5

What to Expect at the Viewpoint of Crater Lake in Winter

Despite a ranger telling us that clouds like to settle about the lake, we crossed our fingers that the morning clouds would clear by the afternoon. That being said, it doesn’t always happen that way. So be sure to enjoy the hike itself — the forest has old growth trees and you can look for animal tracks in the snow!

Before you make the final ascent out of the trees, be sure to put on your warmer layers. Even on sunny days, it is often windy at the top. In fact, the winds were 20 mph when we were up there. Because of this, it also helps to dig your camera out of your backpack before you can actually see the lake.

I hope you have good luck at Crater Lake! Again, it can be a challenge in the winter but there is something so special about it this time of year.

This post was all about Crater Lake in winter.