An unusually low snowpack and warm temperatures have resulted in a greatly accelerated reopening of the West Rim Drive in Crater Lake National Park this year, the National Park Service says in a press release.
Both the North Entrance Road and West Rim Drive at Crater Lake opened to vehicle traffic on Friday morning, May 28.
North Entrance Road and West Rim Drive Reopening at Crater Lake National Park
This means that visitors will be able to drive the West Rim Drive and access several viewpoints along Crater Lake during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, which is remarkably early in the year.
Because of this, the park expects the holiday weekend to be very busy, a trend that will probably continue through the entire summer of 2021. If you’re visiting Crater Lake National Park, you should expect long lines at entrance stations and in congested places like Rim Village. Parking lots may be full as well.
Both the iconic Crater Lake Lodge, one of the greatest national park lodges, and the Mazama Village Cabins are open for the season right now. The huge Mazama Campground will open in mid-June. Check the website of Crater Lake Hospitality for accommodation reservations and other up-to-date information.
If at all possible, the National Park Service suggests, consider arriving in the park before 10 am or after 4 pm to avoid peak periods.
Visitors should also be aware that, although the West Rim Drive is open again, there’s still quite a lot of snow on the ground throughout Crater Lake National Park.
All trails in the park are currently covered with snow and/or debris. Popular Crater Lake hiking trails like Cleetwood Trail, Garfield Peak Trail and Watchman Trail remain officially closed because of dangerous conditions.
The National Park Service also points out that “icy and snowy roads can still occur this time of year, especially at night and early morning hours.” At popular overlooks, visitors should use extreme caution, as steep snowfields can cause falls. Don’t go beyond closure signs and barriers, and use common sense.
The East Rim Drive is not yet open to vehicle traffic, but hikers and bikers can access the parts that have already been plowed.