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.
- Popular Types of ActivitiesPopular types of activities in Crater Lake National ParkCrater Lake National Park is perfect for hiking and camping because of its scenic views and its proximity to nature.
- Things to doBest things to do in Crater Lake National ParkHike around the stunning blue waters of Crater Lake and take in the views from the many lookout points. Then explore the historic buildings and lava flows of Wizard Island.
- crater lakeMy First Visit to Crater Lake National Park
- Annual Visitor StatsAnnual Visitors to Crater Lake National ParkCrater Lake National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. The park saw a decrease in visitors from 2007 to 2009, but the number of visitors has been increasing since then.
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
Related or Nearby Destinations
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