Crater Lake Rim Drive

The Crater Lake Rim Drive is a 33-mile scenic circuit that circumnavigates North America's deepest lake at elevation 7,700 feet. The road is narrow, winding, and does not have shoulders, with a 35-mph speed limit and traffic flowing both directions. Two hours minimum is needed to complete the circuit, longer for larger vehicles. The route provides 30 overlooks with parking areas, 5 picnic areas, and various hiking trails of different difficulty levels with geologic formations and waterfalls. The park receives an average of 41 feet of snow annually with typical closures beginning November 1st or with first heavy snowfall, reopening in stages starting in May (West Rim first, then North Entrance Road, followed by East Rim Drive). East Rim Drive closes the first and third Saturdays in September for the Ride the Rim event. Bicyclists frequently share the road.