Crater lake

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Mar 15, 2025 | 03:56 PM

#11

2AMGuy

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 9,980

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From: Michigan

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott7d

We went in July of 2023 and it had only been open for 4 days due to snow. With that, April or May could be a coin flip. It is ABSOLUTELY beautiful, though!

Folks in our neck of the woods don't understand the weather patterns "out West" and especially in the mountains.
We were near Yellowstone in early July of one year and even though it was a clear, sunny morning it was VERY cool!
We stopped at a restaurant near a marina for some thing hot to drink and the guy working there said that they had 4" of snow several days ago!
When riding out that way, leathers, rain gear and keeping an eye on weather forecasts are a must!

Mar 15, 2025 | 04:54 PM

#12

scott7d

Road Master

Joined: Jun 2015

Posts: 805

Likes: 1,510

From: Bloomington, IN

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2AMGuy

Yep. I've had snowball fights on Beartooth Pass in the middle of August.

Mar 15, 2025 | 04:57 PM

#13

Y2K

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Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 3,711

Likes: 3,438

From: SW WA.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pyuchem

I’ve been thinking of riding to Crater lake. Never been there before and would love to see it.

Is April or May a good time to ride there ? Would love to do it in April but don’t mind pushing it out to May.

Way too early, best done in July -Sept.
Been there quite a few times, it's my home state so was there as a kid with my folks and have ridden up there a few times on bikes.
You got to remember we're talking 8000 feet elevation up there.
We made it one year in late June, the roads were plowed clear but there was still a lot of snow on the ground.

Mar 15, 2025 | 05:05 PM

#14

Y2K

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Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 3,711

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From: SW WA.

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott7d

We went in July of 2023 and it had only been open for 4 days due to snow. With that, April or May could be a coin flip. It is ABSOLUTELY beautiful, though!

The Cascades have gotten a lot of snow this year, I doubt the roads around the lake will be open in April or May.
It's 8000 feet elevation, I had some snow this week at my place only 1000 feet.
Just looked on my phone's weather app and it's currently 26 degrees and snowing at Crater Lake.
Forecast shows snow every day for over a week.

Mar 15, 2025 | 08:27 PM

#15

pyuchem

Thread Starter

Road Warrior

Joined: Mar 2013

Posts: 1,903

Likes: 1,420

From: Lost

Thanks everyone, this is good info. I've been wanting to goto Crater lake for few years now. I think I'll push this in July then. Super helpful, I was all excited for last few days wanting to plan this trip for next month or so LOL. I guess this will have to wait

Mar 15, 2025 | 08:43 PM

#16

Y2K

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 3,711

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From: SW WA.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pyuchem

It will be worth the wait.

Mar 15, 2025 | 10:02 PM

#17

son of the hounds

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Joined: Aug 2011

Posts: 5,281

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From: Idaho Panhandle

Current Conditions

ALERTS

Park Closure

Road from Park Headquarters to Rim Village is CLOSED
The road from Park Headquarters to Rim Village is CLOSED due to the latest winter storm. It is not possible to access a lake view by vehicle at this time. All Oregon Chain Laws apply. more
North Entrance Road and Rim Drive are CLOSED for the season.
The North Entrance Road and East & West Rim Drives are now closed for the season a few The roads will not open again until mid to late June or July 2025. All other roads are open.
Trail Closures Due to the Middle Fork Fire
The Bald Crater Loop, Bert Creek and Boundary Springs Trails are closed until further notice due to potentially hazardous conditions created by the Middle Fork Fire. The Pacific Crest Trail through the park is now completely open for hikers. more

Caution

Icy Roads - Please Use Caution!
The open roads in the park have lots of icy patches. Please drive slowly and with caution. All Oregon Chain Laws apply.
No Gasoline is Available in the Park
The gas pumps at Mazama Village are CLOSED for the season. Please plan ahead and fill up your tank before heading to the park.