Too late to visit Crater Lake?

okmunky · 10-15-2011, 06:03 AM

I am leaving Springfield Oregon on Tuesday, headed Southeast. I'm thinking about visiting Crater Lake, but not if there is snow. Anyone there, or just left there?

1ciderdog · 10-15-2011, 09:06 AM

Oregon highway cameras (ODOT) do not show any snow on or near the highways.
Safe Travels
Bob

Wayne MD · 10-15-2011, 03:43 PM

Dress warmly, those mountain air winds can cut thru your skin.

Clifftall · 10-15-2011, 04:07 PM

Here's a photo I took a few years ago. Say hello for me. It sure is a beautiful site.

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Kurmudgeon · 10-16-2011, 12:20 AM

I was just there last month and everything was clear. There have been no major weather events yet so you should be fine.

Just be aware that if you're going to use the north entrance, the road is very narrow without shoulders in many places, with steep drop offs. With a motorhome and a toad, it could be a white knuckle drive. At least for me it would be. It bothers me just driving it in a pickup.

I have never used the south entrance, but I am told it is better in that respect. Maybe someone else here has personal experience.

Kurmudgeon · 10-17-2011, 10:27 AM

Here are real time webcams at Crater Lake.

Crater Lake

Visitor Center

scenic route · 10-17-2011, 08:24 PM

Forecastfor Crater until Friday shows no freezing weather, partly cloudy, highs in the mid 60's and a low of 36deg on Wednesday morning.

We visited Crater Lake in late August and the roads were good at both entrances to the park. We camped at Diamond Lake RV(good CG, BTW) and drove in with the Jeep...you should not have any trouble with your 'C' on the roads...but like Kurmudgeon said, there are some areas where you need to pay attention. The viewing pull-offs are plentiful all the way around the crater. Be sure and stop at a few and read the plaques...the way the crater was formed was a big surprise to me. It would be a shame to be that close to the park and not visit...it's beautiful and the water is BLUE! Safe travels...Bob

JimM68 · 10-17-2011, 09:25 PM

WE did crater lake 2 years ago July, in from the south out thru the north, in a 36ft gasser without a toad.
Roads were fine, no problem.
Yes, there was still snow even in July.

ottffss · 10-17-2011, 10:29 PM

Seeing Crater Lake (and other mountain areas) in the snow is an equally impressive yet entirely different perspective than in the summer. Major highways are kept clear, just travel slow and wait for the snow to stop and roads to be plowed before moving on.

Use the highway and park cams to your advantage in planning your snow season moves.

Winter can be an awe inspiring season.

okmunky · 10-20-2011, 04:57 PM

We just left Crater Lake. It was sunny and 55 degrees. Such a beautiful piece of the world!! We went in the north, drove about 1/3way around, stopped at the visitor center and gift shop and out the south exit. We never planned to stay long, but it was well worth the detour on our way to Oklahoma. My old knees don't allow hiking, but my old eyes sure enjoy nature's majesty. Stop by if you ever get close.

Thanks for all the advice.

mga60tw · 10-20-2011, 06:31 PM

We were there in August and the roads are fine. Just go slow! If the boat rides are still being offered make sure you do it. You get to see things you have no idea are there. You can spend 2 days there without seeing it all. The BLUE water is beautiful!!

Wayne MD · 10-20-2011, 10:56 PM

Is there RV CG with or without utilitites on site? Would love to stay overnight during summer activities.

scenic route · 10-21-2011, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne MD

Is there RV CG with or without utilitites on site? Would love to stay overnight during summer activities.

Yes there are, but I think they're primitive. We stayed about 4/5 miles outside of the park at Diamond Lake RV because they had full hookups and it's a great park. There's a LINK to the ones inside the park. We did not check them out. Bob