Roads and trails at Crater Lake National Park (Oregon) are opening up for summer visitors.
According to a report, most of the park’s roads, such as North Entrance Road and Rim Drive past the North Junction and Cleetwood Cove Trail, are accessible.
The portion of East Rim Drive between Skell Head and the park’s headquarters and the Pinnacles Road are still closed.
Although the roads that are still closed were recently cleared of snow and plowed, park officials said that the roads must be cleaned, repaired, and signed prior to opening.
Hikers are warned that many of the park’s hiking trails remain partially covered with snow.
The famous Garfield Peak and Watchman Peak trails are closed due to hazardous conditions. Other trails are still open; however, as per the park’s officials, the trails may be hard to follow and potentially hazardous.
The Cleetwood Cove Trail, which leads to Crater Lake’s shore, is snow-free and open.
The Boundary Springs Trail, which leads to the Rogue River’s headwaters, is also free of snow. The five-mile roundtrip has an elevation gain of 400 feet. The trail begins outside the park on Highway 230.
Park officials say another possibility for hiking/biking is the portion of the East Rim Drive that has recently been cleared but is not yet accessible to vehicles. Hikers, cyclists, and pets on leashes are permitted to pass through the gates of Skell Head and park headquarters. Everyone is warned to avoid fallen rocks, downed trees, road damage, and administrative vehicles.
Visitors are reminded that the visitor contact station at Munson Valley is closed for ongoing repairs and upgrades. A combination visitor contact station/post office/Crater Lake History Association sales area has been established near the park’s South Entrance.
Lodging is available at the Crater Lake Lodge and Mazama Village Cabins.
The two campgrounds are closed, with Mazama Campground near the South Entrance expected to open later this month or in early July, while Lost Creek Campground, however, is not scheduled to open this year.
Camping in the park’s pullouts and parking lots is not allowed. Park officials said the closest places for overnight parking and camping include the Annie Creek Sno-Park, a half-mile south of the park on Highway 62, and the Thousand Springs Sno-Park, 2.4 miles west of the park on Highway 62.
Camping in all Oregon Sno-Parks is free from May through October.
For more information, see the park website at www.nps.gov/crla.
This story originally appeared on Mail Tribune.
Exploring Crater Lake NP this summer? Watch out for chipmunks eyeing your trail mix! Hunting the perfect sunrise reflection spot? It’s like a quest for Instagram gold. Enjoy the adventure – it’s all part of the Crater Lake charm!
Super excited that Crater Lake National Park is gearing up for summer fun. Don’t forget to stay updated on road conditions for a safe and enjoyable visit to this amazing place!