North Entrance Road Opens at Crater Lake National Park June 23, 2017

Date: June 22, 2017
Contact: Marsha McCabe, [phone]

The North Entrance Road in Crater Lake National Park will open Friday, June 23^rd for travel. Superintendent Craig Ackerman announced that visitors will be able to drive to and from the park via this popular route accessed from Oregon Highway 138. National Park Service snow removal crews are now focusing their efforts on opening other parts of the park. More information will be issued as additional sections of the Rim Drive are open for travel.
 
The park is in the third year of a major road construction project to improve Rim Drive. Much of this year’s work is occurring along the West Rim. Visitors should expect delays of up to 30 minutes when traveling that route, and expect the road to be narrow, rough and dusty through construction zones. Beginning Sunday, June 25^th, visitors may encounter periodic overnight road closures in order for major structural road repairs to be made. Once completed, the newly rehabilitated road will provide for safer and more enjoyable travel in the park.
 
All concession facilities are open, including Crater Lake Lodge, Rim Village Café and Gifts, Mazama Village, Mazama Campground, and Annie Creek Restaurant and Gift Shop. For lodging reservations, please call [phone]; for general concession information, please call [phone].
 
Steel Visitor Center at park headquarters is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the Rim Visitor Center is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Ranger talks are given at Crater Lake Lodge each day at 4:00 PM. Junior Ranger programs will begin on Friday, June 23, 2017. More ranger-led programs will begin as locations become accessible. 
 
The park experienced above average snowfall over the winter. Over three feet of snow still remains on the ground at park headquarters, and snow depth is greater at many locations around the rim. Snowshoes are recommended in order to explore park trails. While conditions are improving daily, nearly every trail is currently snow covered. 
 
With several feet of snow still covering much of the park, visitors should be aware of potential hazards such as slippery snow patches and falling rocks. Steep snowfields still exist at many of the overlooks along Rim Drive, and visitors should use extreme caution to prevent falls. Please stay far back from the edge! Because of the hazardous terrain that exists in the caldera surrounding Crater Lake, travel below the rim is prohibited at all times.   Be safe and have an enjoyable visit!

 

-NPS-