Pets

Pets—dogs, cats, birds or any other animal—are wonderful! They provide comfort and companionship. You and your pets are welcome to visit Crater Lake National Park but there are a few rules and regulations that apply to visiting with your pet.

Where May I Walk With or Carry My Pet?

(See Superintendent's Compendium 36 CFR §2.15 – Pets)
Hikers may only be in possession of one leashed pet per person on trails. Leashed pets may accompany you in the following areas:

1. In Mazama and Lost Creek Campgrounds, and all picnic areas
2. Along established roads and within 50 feet of the paved surfaces
3. On parking areas and paved walkways
4. Only on these designated trails:

Lady of the Woods (as long as the trail is free of significant snow)
Godfrey Glen (as long as the trail is free of significant snow)
Annie Spur Trail (connects PCT hikers to Mazama Village)

Grayback Drive (accessible when East Rim Drive is open)
Pacific Crest Trail (the official PCT, not the "alternate" PCT along the rim of the lake)

Trail descriptions are found on this website under hiking trails and a map is available on page and 5 of the summer edition of the park newspaper. These trails can also be found by zooming in on the southern half of the digital park map, or use the "Find a Location" feature and enter the name of an individual trail.

Whether they are on a leash, being carried, or in any sort of pack, pets are not permitted on the Cleetwood Cove Trail.

In summer and fall

A great place to walk your dog is along the paved promenade in Rim Village, where you (and your dog) will get uninterrupted views of the lake. Also in rim Village, you may walk you dog along the paved roads in the picnic area (historic campground).The same is true for the campground loops at Mazama Village, and all auto pullouts.

In winter and spring

The most popular place to walk a pet is in the Rim Village parking lot or on top of the snowbank beside the parking lot, but no more than 50 feet away. Pets on leash are allowed on paved roads that are free of significant snow, in parking lots that are free of signficant snow, and up to 50 feet away from these paved, snow-free areas.

The Pacific Crest Trail is open year-round to pets, whether it is covered by snow or not.

Prohibited Areas

Per the Superintendent’s Compendium: “Pets are prohibited from entering Crater Lake, all streams, and any body of water within the park.”

All hiking and designated ski trails/routes except for those listed above.

Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations Part 2.15(a)(1)
It is prohibited to “possess a pet in a public building...or any structure or area closed to the possession of pets by the superintendent.” This includes visitor centers, Crater Lake Lodge, all Mazama Village and Rim Village public buildings,

Service animals (any dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability)when accompanying an individual with a disability, may go wherever visitors are allowed.

 

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is open year-round to pets This Labrador is leashed and awaiting a winter hike. NPS Photo/Stephanie Duwe

Why Should My Pet be on a Leash?

All leashes must be a maximum of six feet per 36 CFR 2.15(a)(2)

FOR THE SAFETY OF YOUR PET
Off-leash pets may easily be lost, injured, or even killed, especially near cliff edges.

FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL VISITORS
Some people fear pets, and normally well behaved pets can be stressed in unfamiliar surroundings, by crowds, and wildlife.

FOR THE PRESERVATION OF PLANTS Pets may dig or trample fragile vegetation.

FOR THE SAFETY OF WILDLIFE Off-leash pets can flush animals out of nesting sites or burrows, destroy wildlife homes, and leave behind a predator scent.

 

Temperatures inside vehicles rise quickly, and pets left in them can overheat and die. A cracked window provides little relief.

It is legal to leave your pet unattended in a vehicle. However, if the conditions create a danger to the animal, or if the animal becomes a nuisance, your pet can be seized by law enforcement and you may be cited.

Pets may not be left unattended and tied to vehicles, trees or other objects.