On a beautiful autumn weekend, we set out for a trip to Crater Lake, the sole national park in Oregon. Admittedly, it’s been a while since our last national park visit. This journey was a tad unique since our two furry little companions were accompanying us.
Though I had been hearing about the inundation of visitors at national parks leading to trash overflow, entry restrictions, and the like, our Crater Lake visit was pleasantly uneventful. It was pleasantly bustling with visitors, parking was available, and rangers were actively ensuring smooth operations. We spent our day driving around the rim, soaking in the views, having a picnic, exploring the gift shop, and taking a short jaunt on The Lady of the Woods Trail.
Canine Companions in Crater Lake
It’s permissible to bring your furry pals into the park, but they must always be leashed. The guideline we were provided was “paws on pavement”. This rule seemed to be followed by most visitors, with a bit of leniency regarding the distance from the pavement.
There are specific trails where dogs aren’t permitted, either due to the steep nature or restrictions. Out of the 16 hiking trails the park offers, only four are dog-friendly. We chose The Lady of the Woods Trail, a relatively simple 0.7-mile loop around the park’s main building. This trail offers intriguing insights into the park’s architectural highlights. Its name is inspired by a unique sculpture of a woman etched into a trailside boulder.
While the trail is termed “easy”, it’s more moderately so, with uneven grounds and slight elevations. Given my asthma and the park’s elevation of almost 6,200 feet, I needed a few breaks. Wheelchair users might find some areas challenging. On our visit, the trail’s entrance seemed temporarily relocated, possibly due to construction or some closures.
Other dog-friendly trails include:
- The Godfrey Glen Trail – nestled among ancient forests.
- The Grayback Drive – open to mountain biking.
- The Pacific Crest Trail – intersects the park at two locations with parking.
In winter and spring, only the Pacific Crest Trail is pet-friendly, perfect for skiing and snowshoeing.
Park Restrictions in Crater Lake
Our decision to visit in late October was strategic as many roads close from November 1 or earlier if snow sets in. Recognized as one of the snowiest inhabited locales in the U.S., Crater Lake witnesses an average annual snowfall of about 42 feet. This results in the closure of Rim Drive and North Entrance for vehicular traffic. When closed, many visitors indulge in skiing or snowshoeing along the Rim Drive, while the North Entrance Road serves as a snowmobile trail.
Due to the pandemic, typical summer activities like trolley and boat tours were suspended.
Visiting Crater Lake: Tips and Insights
Given the heavy snowfall and seasonal closures, it’s wise to check the current conditions at Crater Lake before planning a trip. There are several hikes we wish to explore in our next visits. Top on the list are the Pinnacles Overlook, Watchman’s Peak, and Castle Crest.
While securing a spot at the Crater Lake Lodge requires long-term planning, there’s an array of local accommodation options ranging from RV parks to hotels.
I’m elated that we managed to explore at least one magnificent national park this year. If there’s a picturesque location or national park near you, seize the moment and revel in its beauty.
