Last updated: January 19, 2022
Place
East Rim Winter Route
2018 NPS Photo/Patricia Bass
Quick Facts
Location:
It begins at the junction with Munson Valley Road, four miles north of the entrance station and before the three way blinking stop sign.
Designation:
Winter ski route
East Rim Drive offers access to viewpoints and trails during summer but closes on November 1. As snow accumulates, it transforms into a winter recreational route that is a destination for skiers, snowshoers, and backcountry campers. The East Rim Route is mostly forested and protected from the elements, especially on windy days. It is a great alternative to the popular and crowded West Rim route in Rim Village and is one of the most accessible recreation areas when the 3-mile road to the rim is closed.
Parking is available at park headquarters, however during the week it is limited due to construction at Steel Visitor Center. Parking is not allowed on the road but if the near-by pullout is fully plowed, there may be a few additional parking spaces.
East Rim Route is not marked but the path of the underlying road is easy to follow.
This route is rated “intermediate” because it features long and steep climbs and crosses several areas prone to avalanche.
Possible trips along East Rim Route:
Summit of First Climb 1.8 mi. (2.9 km) one-way. The climb is popular with skiers looking for a short, invigorating workout.
Vidae Falls 3.1 mi. (5.0 km) one-way. The route traverses a potential avalanche area. If conditions warrant, avoid the area by taking the marked Vidae Ridge Avalanche Bypass Trail. Vidae Falls, on the left, is a cascade that drops 100 feet (30 meters) but is merely a trickle in winter.
Sun Notch 4.5 mi. (7.2 km) one-way. Skiers must cross or bypass a second avalanche zone. To view Crater Lake, skiers must continue up to Sun Notch, .25 miles (.4 km) north of East Rim Drive. Stay back from the edge of the caldera where dangerous, overhanging snow cornices have developed.
Garfield-Applegate Ridge 3.2 mi. (5.1 km) one way, for advanced snowshoers and skiers. This is an unmarked ascent through meadows and trees from the summit of the First Climb. It is 1.4 miles (2.3 km) due north, with an additional elevation gain of 950 feet (290 meters) to the rim of Crater Lake.
Parking is available at park headquarters, however during the week it is limited due to construction at Steel Visitor Center. Parking is not allowed on the road but if the near-by pullout is fully plowed, there may be a few additional parking spaces.
East Rim Route is not marked but the path of the underlying road is easy to follow.
This route is rated “intermediate” because it features long and steep climbs and crosses several areas prone to avalanche.
Possible trips along East Rim Route:
Summit of First Climb 1.8 mi. (2.9 km) one-way. The climb is popular with skiers looking for a short, invigorating workout.
Vidae Falls 3.1 mi. (5.0 km) one-way. The route traverses a potential avalanche area. If conditions warrant, avoid the area by taking the marked Vidae Ridge Avalanche Bypass Trail. Vidae Falls, on the left, is a cascade that drops 100 feet (30 meters) but is merely a trickle in winter.
Sun Notch 4.5 mi. (7.2 km) one-way. Skiers must cross or bypass a second avalanche zone. To view Crater Lake, skiers must continue up to Sun Notch, .25 miles (.4 km) north of East Rim Drive. Stay back from the edge of the caldera where dangerous, overhanging snow cornices have developed.
Garfield-Applegate Ridge 3.2 mi. (5.1 km) one way, for advanced snowshoers and skiers. This is an unmarked ascent through meadows and trees from the summit of the First Climb. It is 1.4 miles (2.3 km) due north, with an additional elevation gain of 950 feet (290 meters) to the rim of Crater Lake.