Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake, Oregon · Accessibility score 1.3/5

Address: Crater Lake National Park, OR 97604

Phone: (541) 594-3000

About

Crater Lake National Park protects one of the most stunning natural wonders in the American West. The lake itself fills the caldera of ancient Mount Mazama, which collapsed roughly 7,700 years ago. At 1,943 feet deep, it's the deepest lake in the United States, and its famous sapphire blue color comes entirely from rain and snowmelt, with no rivers flowing in or out.

The 33-mile Rim Drive circles the caldera and offers dozens of overlooks where visitors can take in the jaw-dropping views. Pullouts along the route let you stop at your own pace, and several viewpoints are paved and accessible. The historic Crater Lake Lodge, perched right on the rim, provides a comfortable base with dining and overnight accommodations.

Beyond the lake views, the park holds quiet forests of mountain hemlock and Shasta red fir, wildflower meadows that bloom through July and August, and volcanic formations like the Pinnacles, a canyon of towering spires carved from ancient ash. The Godfrey Glen Trail is a peaceful one-mile loop through old-growth forest that's fully accessible for wheelchair users.

Crater Lake sits at around 7,000 feet elevation, so summers are short and winters bring heavy snow. Rim Drive typically opens in full by mid-July and closes with the first major snowfall in October. The south entrance and Steel Visitor Center stay open year-round, though winter access is limited. Pack layers even in summer, as temperatures at the rim can drop quickly.

The park's visitor centers offer exhibits, a bookstore, and ranger programs that run throughout the summer season. Whether you're here for a quick stop to see the blue water or a longer stay to explore the backcountry, Crater Lake delivers one of those rare moments where nature genuinely takes your breath away.

Accessibility

Crater Lake National Park offers several accessible features for visitors with mobility needs. The Godfrey Glen Trail is the park's fully accessible trail, a one-mile paved loop with no grade higher than 9% and minimal cross-slopes. Visitors have completed this trail in manual wheelchairs and other mobility devices. It begins along Munson Valley Road and winds through beautiful old-growth forest.

Several viewpoints along Rim Drive are paved and accessible, including the Sinnott Memorial Overlook area near Rim Village. The Rim Village promenade is paved and wheelchair accessible for most of its length, though some sections have fairly steep slopes. A parallel path closer to the parking lot is nearly level and provides a good alternative for those who want to avoid the grades.

The Steel Visitor Center and Rim Village Visitor Center both have accessible entrances and restrooms. Accessible parking spaces are available at major pullouts and visitor facilities. The NPS App provides audio descriptions of park locations, things to do, and amenities, which can be downloaded for offline use since cellular service is limited throughout the park.

The park offers a free Interagency Access Pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities, which covers entrance fees. This pass can be obtained in person at the park or ordered online. Crater Lake Lodge has been recommended for accessibility improvements including entrance ramps and accessible guest rooms. Contact the park directly at (541) 594-3000 for the most current information on lodge accessibility and seasonal conditions affecting access.

More accessible places in Oregon

Photo credits

  • Crater Lake National Park - main view of accessible destination: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
  • Crater Lake National Park - view 2 of accessible destination: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
  • Crater Lake National Park - view 3 of accessible destination: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)

More accessible destinations in Oregon