Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Ready to pack for Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Crater Lake National Park, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Crater Lake National Park
  2. Important essentials for Crater Lake National Park
  3. Activities for Crater Lake National Park
  4. Crater Lake National Park in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Crater Lake National Park in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Crater Lake National Park in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Crater Lake National Park in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Crater Lake National Park in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Crater Lake National Park in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Crater Lake National Park in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Crater Lake National Park in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Crater Lake National Park in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Crater Lake National Park in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Crater Lake National Park in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Crater Lake National Park in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, United States of America, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Crater Lake National Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, United States of America by month

January

January in this region is frosty and somewhat snowy. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It snows about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Crater Lake National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

February

February in Crater Lake National Park can be extremely cold and somewhat snowy. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Crater Lake National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

March

In March, Crater Lake National Park is cold and somewhat snowy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 30s F (single digits C) and regularly jump into the low 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Crater Lake National Park, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Crater Lake National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the correct type. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

If you go to Crater Lake National Park in April, you will notice that it can be very chilly and somewhat snowy. Expect it to snow about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Crater Lake National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the correct type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

May

May in Crater Lake National Park is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It snows sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Crater Lake National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

June

If you are traveling to Crater Lake National Park in June, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Crater Lake National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the correct type. Most adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

July

July in Crater Lake National Park is balmy and dry with little rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Crater Lake National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the right kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

August in Crater Lake National Park is balmy and dry with little rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Crater Lake National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the necessary kind. Many adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

September is chilly. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Crater Lake National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct kind. Many adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

October

October in Crater Lake National Park is pretty cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Crater Lake National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the right kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

November

Traveling to Crater Lake National Park in November, you will notice that it can be very chilly and somewhat snowy. Expect it to snow about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Crater Lake National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

December

If you go to Crater Lake National Park in December, you will notice that it is frigid and somewhat snowy. Expect it to snow about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Crater Lake National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the right type. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

What to do in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, United States of America

Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, United States of America is an incredibly scenic and picturesque location that offers visitors a variety of natural wonders to explore. Known for its deep blue waters, Crater Lake has attracted tourists from all over the world to experience its beauty and tranquility. There are many attractions in the park that make a visit well worth it, but some stand out more than others. Here are the top tourist attractions in Crater Lake National Park.

1. Crater Lake

The main attraction of the park, Crater Lake is a breathtaking sight that is an absolute must-see. It is the deepest lake in the United States and the ninth deepest in the world, reaching a depth of 1,942 feet. The lake was formed more than 7,700 years ago when Mount Mazama erupted and collapsed, leaving behind a caldera that filled with water over time. Visitors can drive around the rim of the lake on the 33-mile Rim Drive or take a boat tour to gaze at its exquisite blue waters and towering cliffs. Swimming, boating, and fishing are popular activities on the lake during the summer season.

2. Wizard Island

Located in the middle of Crater Lake, Wizard Island is a volcanic cinder cone that rises 764 feet above the lake's surface. The island can be accessed by boat and offers stunning views of the surrounding caldera from its summit. Visitors can hike to the top of the island on a moderate to challenging trail, giving them an up-close look at the island's unique flora and fauna. Additionally, a trip to Wizard Island is not complete without exploring its crystal-clear waters, where visitors can partake in activities such as swimming, kayaking, and fishing.

3. Mount Scott

Rising 8,929 feet above sea level, Mount Scott is the highest peak in the park and provides panoramic views of Crater Lake and the surrounding region. Visitors to Mount Scott can hike to the summit, which takes about 2-3 hours and is considered moderate in difficulty. The hike is well worth it, as visitors at the summit are rewarded with stunning views of the entire park, including the mountains of Oregon, California, and Washington. Additionally, the Mount Scott lookout tower offers a unique lookout spot that provides an even more breathtaking view of the area.

4. Pinnacles Trail

Located on the east side of the park, the Pinnacles Trail is a 2.2-mile round-trip hike that features unique rock formations that tower above the trail. Visitors can experience the park's geologic history firsthand as they explore the trail, which winds through old-growth forests before climbing up to the impressive spires of the Pinnacles. The trail is relatively easy to navigate and is suitable for families with children.

5. Crater Lake Lodge

The Crater Lake Lodge is a historic hotel located on the rim of the lake that offers visitors an admirable lodging experience. Built in 1915, the lodge features breathtaking views of Crater Lake, and its rustic decor and ambiance provide a unique and unforgettable experience. Visitors can dine in the lodge's restaurant, which offers delicious meals made with fresh and locally-sourced ingredients, or grab a drink in the lodge's bar while taking in the views of the lake. Additionally, the Lodge offers guided tours, which provide visitors with insight into the history of the lodge and its surroundings.

Overall, Crater Lake National Park is a destination that offers a variety of attractions that will appeal to visitors of all ages and interests. Whether exploring the park's deep-blue lake, climbing to the top of Mount Scott, or immersing oneself in its rich geologic history, Crater Lake National Park is an unforgettable experience that should be a must-see for all visitors to the United States.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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