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2020
March 18 2020 With federal agencies adjusting to guidance on coronavirus, Crater Lake National Park announced on Wednesday that it would be one of the national parks that stays open without entrance fees for the foreseeable future.
However, it won’t be business as usual at the park. The Steel Visitor Center at park headquarters will be closed, and all ranger-guided snowshoe walks have been canceled.
“Where it is possible to adhere to the latest health guidance, park areas remain open,” Crater Lake officials said. “It is still possible to come view the lake and go for a snowshoe walk or cross-country ski on your own.”
The Rim Cafe and Gift Shop remain open, though food will be take-out only and cannot be eaten inside. Visitors are advised to maintain social distancing while at the park. (KDRV – 12)
March 19 2020 National parks in Oregon and across the country will temporarily be free for all visitors, offering Americans easier access to natural spaces during the coronavirus outbreak.
Entrance fees will be waived at all national park sites that remain open, the National Park Service announced, effective until further notice. (The Oregonian)
March 24 2020 Two of Oregon’s most iconic places, Crater Lake National Park and the Painted Hills, will be closed
beginning as of Tuesday. Both cited Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s executive order and the need to halt the spread of the coronavirus as the reason for the closures.
“Crater Lake National Park is closed to all park visitors until further notice,” the National Park Service said in a news release. “This closure will be enforced 24-hours a day and 7-days a week and there will be no access permitted.”
The other national park site, the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, which includes the popular Painted Hills, is also closing as of Tuesday.
“Trails, overlooks, and picnic areas will be closed to the public until further notice,” the national monument near John Day wrote in a news release. “All outdoor areas of the park are closed.”
The two sites join the growing list of places where outdoor recreation is outlawed, including all state parks, much of the Oregon Coast and many national forest sites.
Highway 62 through the park remains open for travel, but does not offer any views of Crater Lake.
Winter 2019 – 2020 September 7.8
Snowfall NWS October 12.2
November 22.3
December 47.6
January 135.0
February 22.8
March 60.6
April 17.8
316.1 inches
26.5 feet
April 14 2020 Presently 74 inches (6 feet) of snow on the ground. Snowfall averages 528 inches annually, and by early spring, it is typical to have ten to fifteen feet of snow on the ground.(NPS website)
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