Skiing and Snowshoeing Around the Rim
Rules and Regulations
Skiing around Crater Lake
Ski and Snowshoe Trails
Crater Lake National Park receives an average of 44 feet of snow every year. During the winter, trails and unplowed roads provide skiers and snowshoers with access to open slopes, dense forests, and breathtaking views, making Crater Lake ideal for both day-trippers and backcountry visitors. Since 93% of the park is managed as federal wilderness under the provisions of the Wilderness Act, opportunities for solitude abound.
Winter can also be a challenging time. Blizzards, snow avalanches, and steep, icy slopes are just some of the hazards to be prepared for during the winter months. Make safety your first consideration.
Considerations
- Rental equipment is not available inside the park.
- All trails in the park are ungroomed.
- The more popular ski trails are marked.
- The Rim Drive around Crater Lake is closed and unplowed during the winter, creating a popular ski route from about November to April.
- Snowshoers should stay off of and out of ski tracks as a courtesy to skiers.
If you have questions about skiing or snowshoeing at Crater Lake, or if you would like to know the current weather forecast and trail conditions, call (541) 594-3100 between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm Pacific time.
In the park, three sources of information may be available:
- The Steel Information Center is located at Park Headquarters.
- The Rim Information Desk is located in the Cafeteria Building at Rim Village.
- A Ranger Station is located in the Canfield Building in the Park Headquarters complex. During the winter, hours of operation may vary.
Brian Smith three-day ski trip around Crater Lake in March 2010. Brian is the son of NPS Ranger Larry Smith and grew up at Crater Lake.
Ranger Dave Grimes posted these photos of the 2015-16 snowpack at Munson Valley
Brian Smith posted these photos of his winter Union Peak climb in January 2016
