Crater Lake National Park

Updated April 26th, 2022
A view of the crystal clear Crater Lake from the visitor center.
Image License: 123rf.com

Crater Lake is a National Park in Oregon. In the peak season there will be as many as 5000 visitors per day who enjoy activities like relaxing at the visitor center, hiking, and taking a road trip along the rim.

Visitor Forcast

You can expect larger than normal crowds for this time of the year however far below peak season according to our national parks visitation model. The estimated visitor model for Crater Lake National park takes into account historic visitation, consumer search patterns, and weather.

Visitation to Crater Lake By Month

People find a reason to visit Crater Lake any time of the year while June, July and August are the most popular times to visit Crater Lake.

If you are planning a trip in the next few months you can expect weather to be cold however there will be few crowds to compete with for the most common activities near Crater Lake.

If you have a flexible schedule then the common concensus is that visiting in the summer months is the ideal time.

How many visitors are there to Crater Lake each year?

In 2020 the expected number of visitors is 2.2 million visitors to Crater Lake National Park. The annual number of visitors to crater lake has been steadily increasing. In 2021 the expected number of visitors will exceed 2 million people.

2020: 1.0 million actual visitors as of October 1, 2020. Expected total of 2.2 million visitors by end of 2020

2019: 1.5 million visitors

2018: 1.2 million visitors

2017: 1.3 million visitors

2016: 1.0 million visitors

2015: 900 thousand visitors

Crater Lake is one of three national parks in Oregon however it is not the most popular. The most popular national park in the region is Mount Hood with an expected 3.1 million visitors in 2020.

Where else to go when visiting Crater Lake?

When considering visiting Crater Lake, many people also will visit one or more of the following nearby cities and towns either for supplies, a hotel, or a local experience:

Medford-Klamath Falls OR

Bend OR

Eugene OR

People who are considering a trip to Crater Lake National Park are also highly likely to research in detail one or more of the following destinations before making the trip.

Redwood National and State Parks

Glacier County

Yosemite National Park

Crater Lake Lodge

Glacier National Park

Olymic National Park

Klamath River

What activities do people do when they visit Crater Lake National Park?

Explore the visitor center

Hike a trial

go camping

find a hot spring

find a waterfall