Totally amazing views from most any viewpoint. You can't currently make the circle drive because part of the East Rim Drive is closed for construction. But even though you have to double back, the drive from the lodge to the north entrance on West Rim Drive, and from the lodge as far as the Phantom Ship viewpoint on East Rim Drive are certainly worthwhile.

This place is one the most beautiful places on this planet that I've seen in my 25 yrs of travel. The blue color of the lake is unbelievable, its mesmerizing, breathtaking and you can't help but just to look at it in awe. I first did the rim drive, the first day was a little smoky due to the fires that were going on but the next day it was completely clear so I got different photo opportunities. There is a lecture that is given by a geologist near the visitor center/gift shop on timed intervals. He gave a great presentation and provided alot of information. The only drawback of the place is its in the middle of nowhere but soooo worth the drive. I recommend staying in prospect as a base if you're staying more than one day.

We went there to see Crater Lake and see the Annular eclipse. The lake and park are so beautiful! There was a little snow on the ground but the roads were clear. The day of the eclipse the weather did not cooperate and we saw about 4 seconds near totality and that was it

It’s a beautiful drive to Crater lake, it’s beautiful when you’re there! There was so much snow it was a cold magical winter wonderland. You can only get to Rim Village but that’s ok because you have full view of the lake! We weren’t prepared for the low temps so we popped into gift shop and got gloves. Very reasonably priced. So happy we went. And will go again. Everyone needs to see it. It’s just beautiful.

We came in mid-June and unfortunately for us, most of the park was still closed due to heavy snow still on the roads. But, we did come up to the visitor's center and take in the views of the lake, and drove to Discovery Point, which was the only place on the drive that was open. We were the only ones in the park when we first arrived, infact I assume there is an entrance fee to get in (I do have an America the Beautiful pass), but when we came up to the guard shack, it was unmanned so we just continued on through. After about 2 hours of being there, the park did start to see some more crowds of people, and by the time we left, there was a long line of people trying to get in, so my advice would be to come early and avoid that crowd. The Lake itself is mesmerizing to look at. The blue hue of the lake is like nothing I've ever seen, and I've seen lots of beautiful alpine lakes in my time. Definitely worth the visit. I don't know that it tops the charts of my favorite national parks, but we were limited with what we were able to do because of the road closures. We spent about 2 hours in the park, which seemed sufficient for not being able to do much.

This is one of the most spectacular NP of USA. A bit unknown and remote, but the experience is amazing. The view from the Crater is 360. I could experience a sunset and a moon rise in opposite directions. Totally like this National Park.

Incredible views on April 22nd. Clear skies, calm waters, great reflections, temp in the low 40s. A little difficult to climb the 10' snowbacks for viewing the lake, but well worth the effort. Park staff was helpful, courteous and friendly.

We were visiting Crater Lake in early May. While preparing our Pacific northwest tour I learned it was important to doublecheck if the road 138 is open. I did that during my breakfast, it was open, so we headed there, to Merriam Point on the north side. After an hour and a half drive from Roseburg through majestic landscape, we reached the right turn from 138 leading to the volcano, but - it was closed !! See the pic. Eager to see the lake one way or another, we drove a detour to the south gate which took almost an extra hour. There, it was open, but the kind ranger warned us we're about to climb at our own risk to see the lake due to heavy clouds up. We paid 20$ entry fee and drove up. It took around 20 min and while driving I understood why it was closed - the road was clear, but cut between around 5 met snow height. Once up, we were rewarded for our efforts - amazing deep blue lake views in a mixture of clouds and sun with snow all around, really a fairy tale like scenery. The rim drive was closed of course, but we hope to come back some time for it.

My husband and I recently made a road trip from Seatle to San Francisco, going inland to visit different parks. Crater Lake was by far my favorite. It's possibly the most beautiful place I've seen. Rim Drive was only open for about a mile due to the snow, but we did walk the highway that was closed and go to different overlooks. I can't imagine a more peaceful place to just sit and admire God's workmanship.

It was a long winter and only a small portion of the park was open when we visited in June. We debated whether it was worth going because it’s not just a quick on-off on an expressway. We arrived and the wait line to get in was a little long, but we had patience and it was worth it. We were there on a mostly sunny and windless day. There was still snow around to add a neat touch. The lake’s dark blue waters did the rest, It was enough to provide treasured memories for the rest of our lives. Go if you can. You won’t regret it. I’m sure it’s even better when the park is fully open, but just a glimpse is good also!