Visiting Crater Lake National Park in Early Summer: Low Crowds, Snowy Views & Stunning Scenery

Gabriella Viola
Jul 13
3 min read

Updated: Oct 8

Discover what it's like to visit Crater Lake in early summer (even with snow & road closures!)

A person in a red shirt stands on a snowy cliff overlooking a serene blue lake and snow-capped mountains under a clear sky. This is crater lake national park

If you’re wondering what it’s like to visit Crater Lake National Park in early summer, you’re in the right place. I went in mid-June as part of an Oregon road trip, and even though Rim Drive was mostly closed, it turned out to be one of the most peaceful and beautiful park visits I’ve had.

Watch the video here:

Why Early Summer is Worth It

Crater Lake is known as the deepest lake in the U.S., with its famously deep blue water formed inside a collapsed volcano. The park is open year-round, but snow often sticks around into early summer, which can limit access to some roads and trails.

That said, visiting before the summer crowds arrive has its advantages—you’ll enjoy fewer people, and the snow adds an extra layer of beauty to the already gorgeous scenery.

Snow-capped mountains with pine trees surround a clear blue lake. The scene is calm and picturesque under a clear sky.

What Was Open in Early Summer

When I visited Crater Lake in mid-June 2025, here’s what was accessible:

The South Entrance was the only one open
You could drive as far as Discovery Point
Beyond that, Rim Drive was closed to vehicles but open to hikers and cyclists

So while the full Rim Drive loop wasn’t open to cars, you could still walk or bike along the road and access several stunning overlooks. With no traffic and very few people, it felt like a more personal way to take in the scenery.

A woman in a red top and denim shorts stands on a rocky cliff, looking at a tranquil blue lake and mountains, under a clear sky.

Snow-capped mountain reflected in a calm, deep blue lake. Clear blue sky above, creating a serene and peaceful landscape scene. — Perfect reflection at Crater Lake

Walking Rim Drive

Since cars weren’t allowed past Discovery Point, I walked a section of Rim Drive and enjoyed some of the best views of Crater Lake, without any traffic. The road is paved with a gentle incline. It’s not too hard, but with the hot sun and exposure, it felt like a workout. I was glad I brought plenty of water, a hat, and sunscreen.

Snowbanks still lined both sides of the road, and most of the trails were still covered in snow. You could veer off and explore parts of the trails, but since the paths weren’t visible, you had to be careful where you stepped.

Two cyclists ride on a wet mountain road flanked by high snowbanks, under a clear blue sky. — Snowbanks along Rim Drive

Woman in red hiking on snow, overlooking a pristine blue lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains under a clear sky. Serene setting. — Discovery Point Trail covered in snow

The Watchman Overlook

I walked to The Watchman Overlook before turning around. A few people passed me on e-bikes and regular bikes, which honestly seemed like the smarter way to go since they were able to keep going past The Watchman for even more views.

The overlook itself was stunning. Seeing Wizard Island blanketed in snow and that deep blue water was seriously impressive.

Snow-covered island in a clear blue crater lake, surrounded by mountains. Bright summer day with vivid colors and calm reflections. — Wizard Island from The Watchman Overlook

Steep rocky cliffs overlooking a deep blue lake, with patches of snow and scattered trees. Clear sky in the background, serene landscape.

Weather & Lake Conditions in June

I visited on two different days, and both had perfect weather—clear blue skies, and the lake was so calm it looked like glass.

If you’ve looked into Crater Lake at all, you know the weather can change fast. Sometimes fog rolls in, and the lake vanishes from view. So if you get a clear day like I did, consider yourself lucky. Waking up early really pays off for those calm reflections and the best light.

Mountain landscape with clear blue lake, surrounded by evergreen trees. Snow patches dot the scene. Calm, serene atmosphere.

Tips for Visiting Crater Lake in Early Summer

If you’re planning a Crater Lake road trip, here are a few quick tips to make the most of your visit:

Check current road conditions ahead of time here
Bring water and snacks if you plan to walk along Rim Drive
Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat for sun protection
Wear sturdy hiking boots, and bring snowshoes or crampons if you’re hiking—snow is still likely
Arrive early for clear views and smaller crowds

Crater Lake with a deep blue color, surrounded by rocky cliffs and a snow-capped island. Pine trees dot the landscape under a clear sky.

I hope you enjoyed my guide to visiting Crater Lake National Park!

Looking to explore more around Crater Lake? Check out my video on paddleboarding through the crystal-clear waters of Spring Creek in Southern Oregon.

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