Crater Lake
Driving from Lassen Park to Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park is located in southern Oregon, about a half days ride from Lassen Volcanic National Park in northern California. The drive from St. Bernard Lodge to Crater Lake is slightly over 200 miles.
Crater Lake National Park is open year-round and is considered by many to be the snowiest place in the Northwestern United States. Over 500 inches of snow drops annually, allowing for magnificent vistas, backcountry camping and hiking in old-growth forests, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The most popular attraction, however, is Crater Lake.
Crater Lake is a caldera lake which is a cauldron-like feature that was formed when the Mount Mazama volcano erupted and then collapsed on itself and the land around it almost 7,700 years ago. The Crater Lake caldera is 6 miles wide, is the deepest lake in the United States at 1,932 feet, and 7th deepest lake in the world.
It is known for its deep blue color, impeccable water clarity, and the Old Man of the Lake, a full-sized tree that has bobbed in the middle of Crater Lake consistently and reliably for over 100 years. There are no inlets or outlets to Crater Lake.
The water in Crater Lake has a greater UV transparency than any other natural body of water in the world. Light penetrates up to depths of 320 feet on a regular basis.
A great way to see Crater Lake is via a boat tour. The only legal way to access the shore of Crater Lake is via the 1.1-mile Cleetwood Cove Trail. This is a strenuous trail with an 11% grade.
Suggested taking 33-mile Rim Drive when visiting Crater Lake. Do not want to miss Phantom Rock or Wizard Island.
Lodging and Accommodations for Travelers to Crater Lake National Park and Other National Parks
For travelers exploring other National Parks in the vicinity of Crater Lake, make sure to add Lassen Volcanic National Park to your list. When visiting Lassen Park, consider St. Bernard Lodge in Mill Creek, CA, as the perfect B&B and inn stopover for singles, couples, families, and groups to stay, rest in rustic comfort, and eat drink great food.
St. Bernard Lodge in Mill Creek is minutes from Lassen Volcanic National Park and is a central lodging and bed and breakfast location for travelers en route from/to Lake Tahoe or other surrounding National Parks such as Lassen, Yosemite National Park, or Redwood National Park.
St. Bernard Lodge is a beautiful rustic inn whose second floor has seven rooms and can sleep up to 20 guests. The restaurant and tavern on the first floor can feed up to 50 diners which means that those coming into Lassen to camp or with RVs can also be seated comfortably. You can call us at 530.258.3382 to reserve, or feel free to reserve online.
Crater Lake National Park Map and Directions
Click on the following link for a map and directions from Crater Lake National Park in Oregon to St. Bernard Lodge in Mill Creek, CA. Lassen Volcanic National Park in Mineral, CA, is only a 20-minute drive from the Lodge.
Crater Lake National Park Location
Crater Lake National Park is located in southern Oregon, about an hour north northeast of Medford in the Cascade Range. Crater Lake is about a 5 ½ hour drive from Lassen Volcanic National Park in northern California and only 10 ½ hours to Yosemite National Park. The closest major airport is Eugene Airport, located in Eugene, Oregon. The airport is about 120 miles northwest of the Park.
Things to See on your Drive from Crater Lake to St. Bernard Lodge
Collier Memorial Park is an excellent place to get out and stretch your legs. It’s 30 miles north of Klamath Falls on U.S. Highway 97. Collier Memorial Park is an outdoor museum of historic logging equipment and a relocated pioneer village.
The Lava Bed National Monument is south of Klamath Falls, off of Hwy 139. This is a great place to stop if you are into caves and geological features. Visitors are able to explore dozens of developed caves on their own. Guided tours are available in the summer months. Make sure to bring a flashlight and be prepared for cool temperatures in the caves. Year-round temperatures in the caves are about 55 degrees F or 13 degrees C.
One of the least challenging caves is Mushopt Cave and the only lighted cave. A moderate challenge is the Sunshine Cave. If you are really into cave crawling, try Labyrinth Cave and Lava Brook Cave. Park’s contact number is 530-667-8100.
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park has one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state. Burney Falls is 129 feet tall. Pacific Crest Trail passes through the Park. The Park is located off Hwy 89, eleven miles north of Burney. You can take either the 1-mile or 2.4-mile loop to see the falls. Burney Falls is about two hours from St. Bernard Lodge and well worth a quick stop if driving by.
Subway Cave, located in Lassen National Forest off Hwy 89, is a fun stop. The Cave is a lava tube that was formed some 2000 years ago. It extends 1300 feet. This is an easy lava tube to explore for both young and old alike. Once again, you need a flashlight; the cave temperature is about 55 degrees F year-round. Admission to this cave is FREE. From here, you are only about an hour’s drive to St. Bernard Lodge.
Crater Lake National Park Address
Crater Lake National Park
PO Box 7
Crater Lake, OR 97604-0007
Phone: 541-594-3100
TDD: 541-594-2261
Fax: 541-594-3010
You can call us at 530.258.3382 to reserve, or feel free to reserve online.
