Size: 183,224 Acres

Year Established: 1902

Annual Visitors: 648,000

Firearms Information in Crater Lake National Park

Those who are eligible to do so under federal, state, and local law can legally carry guns in Crate Lake National Park as of February 2010. Prior to entering the park, visitors must ensure that they are in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to guns.

Signs at all park gates will let you know if carrying guns is prohibited in the area, federal facilities are off limits, as required by federal law (18 USC 930).

You can learn more about Oregon Gun Laws here.

Hunting in Crater Lake National Park

Hunting is not allowed in Crater Lake National Park.

You can learn more about the hunting laws in Oregon here.

Fishing in Crater Lake National Park

Yes, you can fish in Crater Lake National Park and no fishing license is required within park boundaries. You can fish the non native fish, Rainbow trout and kokanee. Except for Sun Creek and Lost Creek, you can fish in all of the park’s streams. Because bull trout live in these two creeks, they can’t be used (Salvelinus confluentus). The only fish that is native to the streams in Crater Lake National Park is the bull trout. The park is working on a long-term project to bring back a healthy population of bull trout. The Endangered Species Act helps protect bull trout because they are an endangered species.

There is no proof that Crater Lake ever had native fish. But between 1888 and 1941, seven different kinds of fish were put into the lake.

Additional Information About Crater Lake National Park

Mount Mazama’s eruption 7,700 years ago released 50 times as much lava as Mount St. Helens in 1980 in Washington. Due to the volcanic explosion, a six-mile-wide and 1,943-foot-deep lake formed below. Among lakes in the United States, this one has the distinction of being the deepest.

The water in Crater Lake is an otherworldly shade of blue. Because it wasn’t filled by a stream, but rather by precipitation and snowmelt, it doesn’t contain any silt. As a result, not only is it extremely frigid, but it is also incredibly clear, allowing for visibility of over a hundred feet.

The Mazama newt is found nowhere else on the planet. The little salamander makes its home among the rocks and driftwood. Like the muddier water close to shore, it is a dark brown tint. However, the Mazama newt faces danger from invading species such as crayfish.

Best Time to Visit Crater Lake National Park

The best time to visit Crater Lake National Park is between July to September.

Visitor Fees

$15.00 per person/cyclist for up to 7 days

$30.00 per vehicle for up to 7 days

$25.00 per motorcycle for up to 7 days

$55.00 for Crater Lake National Park Annual Pass


Interesting in visiting multiple National Parks this year?

Consider the America The Beautiful Annual Park Pass.

This annual park pass to gets you and some friends into all U.S. National Parks for $80.
They also offer Senior, Military, and other discounts.


Visitor Centers

Mazama Visitor Center

Address

Crater Lake National Park
1 Sager Building Highway 62
Crater Lake , OR 97604

Phone Number

(541) 594-3000

Hours of Operation

Daily 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Be sure to check for seasonal closures.


Rim Visitor Center

Address

Crater Lake National Park,
Rim Village, OR 97604

Phone Number

(541) 594-3000

Hours of Operation

Daily 9:30 AM–5:00 PM

(Closed in Fall, Winter, and Spring)


Steel Visitor Center

Address

Crater Lake National Park,
Munson Valley Rd, Oregon 97604

Hours of Operation

Temporarily closed

(Currently undergoing renovation)