A trip to Crater Lake
in Oregon is an unforgettable experience. In the winter,
the lake seems to glow an ethereal blue as its rests,
surrounded on all sides by snow and evergreens. In summer,
the blue transforms into an unearthly turquoise, and the
surrounding forest reveals miles upon miles of trails
for hiking. Travelers coming to Crater Lake National Park
in any season for hiking,
biking, snowshoeing or camping
should have no trouble finding a great place to stay.
Crater Lake Lodge is one of the more popular places to stay, often because it is located within the park. Standing at Crater Lake Lodge you are able to see the whole of Crater Lake below you, which is quite a view. Crater Lake Lodge also features one of the nicest lobbies and most well appointed rooms you’ll find near Crater Lake. Another advantage to this particular Crater Lake hotel is the excellent restaurant on the first floor serving local cuisine which highlights some of the best food of the Pacific Northwest. Though the lodge is open year round for Crater Lake lodging, it is best to book your stay as far in advance as possible. Particularly in the summer, this Crater Lake hotel can fill up fast.
Another great choice for Crater Lake lodging is the Steamboat Inn. Although not located right near the lake, the Steamboat Inn is just a few moments’ drive from the park. This Crater Lake Hotel is another of the most luxurious hotels in this area of Oregon, and the hotel is never empty. Be sure to book your stay at the Steamboat Inn well in advance of your trip. Some rooms have soaking tubs, and the hotel has its own restaurant on the premises.
The Union Creek Resort is another well known hotel near Crater Lake. The Union Creek building is on the National Register of Historic Places and has been open as a hotel since the beginning of the twentieth century. The Prospect Historical Hotel and Motel is also a nice choice among Crater Lake Hotels, and is located about 30 minutes from the park in the small town of Prospect. The hotel was first constructed in 1889, and seems somewhat like an enormous house. Although the rooms are small, they are individually furnished with various antiques.
In addition to all of the great Crater Lake lodging in hotels in and around the Crater Lake National Park, Crater Lake camping can be a great way to experience this special park. There are two campsites within the park, Mazama and Lost Creek. Crater Lake camping at Mazama is the more luxurious option of the two. There are over 200 campsites with their own fire rings. The campsite also has running water and outhouses with flush toilets. For a more rustic experience, try Crater Lake camping at Lost Creek. Lost Creek is located further inside the park that Mazama and does not have any amenities, save 16 sites that have been cleared somewhat for tents. Both campgrounds are open throughout the summer, and it is a good idea, especially on the weekend, to try and reserve your camping spot early. To enter the park, you will need to pay a $10 fee per car, which will be good for a full seven days.
