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The winding road that takes you up to Crater Lake is filled with the beautiful natural landscape of Oregon. When you get to the top and first see the lake at Crater Lake National Park, it will astound you. The dark blue water appears to be so deep, you will think the bottom goes down to sea level. The park is open May through October most years.

Weather
Winter brings an average snowfall of 533 inches. Snow melt generally shows up by the beginning of July. Summer (July through September) usually sees an average temperature of 40 degrees during the daytime, although August can bring temperatures over 80. You must have some sort of waterproof outerwear in the winter months, but you will still need warm clothing during the summer. Plan on packing clothing that can be layered.

Lodging
There are two campgrounds and two lodges within Crater Lake National Park. Historic Crater Lake Lodge, first opened in 1915, overlooks the lake for a spectacular view. Mazama Village Motor Inn offers rustic cabin lodging; it is located just seven miles from the Crater Lake rim, amid Ponderosa Pines. Mazama Campgrounds offer 200 camping sites. They have running water, flush toilets, fire rings and picnic tables. Lost Creek Campgrounds has 16 tent sites and is a bit more rustic than Mazama Campgrounds.

Dining
Crater Lake Lodge has seating for 75 in their dining room. They are open for all three daily meals, serving Northwest fine-dining cuisine. Annie Creek Restaurant, located in Mazama Village, has room for 60 guests at a time. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, they serve casual dining with pizza, burgers, pasta and sandwiches. Rim Village Café, located just one block north of the lake, offers sit-down or grab-and-go sandwiches, soups, salads and snacks.

Activities
If you love the outdoors, Crater Lake National Park could not be a better location for a family vacation. There are scenic tours and a driving route around the rim. Boat tours are also available. There is winter snowshoeing and cross country skiing with nine alternate skiing trails. Choose from any of the 90 miles of trails for hiking. You can fish for rainbow trout or salmon in the lake. If you are in shape, try bicycling around the Crater Lake Rim--it is 33 miles. If you are scuba diver, the lake will be a new adventure, but remember to get your permit as soon as you arrive.

Wildlife
The salmon and rainbow trout are not native fish to the area. They were introduced to Crater Lake during the late 1800s and early 1900s. You may spend your whole vacation at the park and never see living creatures other than people and their pets, but there are bear, martins, squirrels and deer in the area. It is strictly prohibited to feed the wild animals. There are many species of birds, including balk eagles and spotted owls.

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