Hotels in Crater Lake

Crater Lake: Oregon's Deep-Blue Caldera Country

Crater Lake sits in southern Oregon's Cascade Range, roughly 60 miles north of Klamath Falls. The lake itself formed around 7,700 years ago when Mount Mazama collapsed after a massive eruption, leaving a caldera that filled with snowmelt and rainfall. At 1,943 feet, it is the deepest lake in the United States. The surrounding Crater Lake National Park, established in 1902, draws roughly 720,000 visitors annually — most arriving between June and September, when Rim Drive, a 33-mile scenic loop, is fully open.

Where to Stay

Accommodation options within the park are limited to Crater Lake Lodge, perched on the caldera rim at 7,100 feet elevation, and Mazama Village Cabins, located near the south entrance. Both fill months in advance for summer weekends. Additional hotels and motels cluster in Klamath Falls to the south and Medford to the west, each roughly 60–80 miles from the rim by road.

Practical Tips

• Season: Rim Drive typically opens in late June; the north entrance road often stays closed until July.
• Altitude: The rim sits above 7,000 feet — allow time to acclimatize before strenuous hikes.
• Access: The nearest commercial airport is Rogue Valley–Medford Airport (MFR), about 80 miles west via OR-62.
• Boat tours: Wizard Island boat tours require advance reservation through the park concessioner.