Located in Crater Lake National Park, Rim Drive is a 33 mile, or 53 kilometer, road around the lake, and is the primary transportation when using a car. Along the way there are 30 unique overlooks with ample car parking, which provide opportunities to stop for views of the lake and caldera. There are also five picnic areas, hikes of various difficulty, geologic formations, and several waterfalls.

Rim Drive is fully open between late June and mid October, with snow causing East Rim Drive to close from late October to mid June as a result of the lack of plowing. There are limited restrooms available, which can be found at the Cleetwood Cove, Park Headquarters and Steel Visitor Center, White Bark Pine, Crater Peak Trailhead. Please note that the bathrooms at Rim Village are open 24 hours.

Please make sure to check and get a permit before going if there are any questions. Note: if commercial filming is being done. Use the link to apply. Make sure to get one if there are questions: https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/commercial-film-and-photo-permits.htm

Astronomy Sites

It is worth noting that to the South of Rim Drive, where the Visitor Center and the Lodge is, the lights from the city of Klamath Falls can be visible and might be an issue for those trying to capture the Milky Way and images in that area of the sky. Therefore, some options would be too avoid that area of the sky if possible or find a location that can frame the desired photo that has the lights out of frame.

Here are some ideas for locations that one can use for astronomy that will be great options, but is not an exhaustive list.

Name	Description	Location
Mount Scott	It is a 4.4-mile roundtrip to the top of Mount Scott that provides panoramic views from the highest point, 8929 feet, in the park.	Trailhead is at Mile 19.6
Watchman Overlook	It provides great views of the lake, especially during sunset. There is a hike at the Watchman Peak Trail, to get aerial views of the lake, which is less than 1 mile each way, with a 420 foot change in elevation.	Mile 6.6
Merriam Point	There are several panoramic views of Mount McLoughlin and Mount Scott, Llao Rock, and Wizard Island here.	Mile 8.7
Cloud Cap Overlook	This is the biggest overlook on the eastern side of Rim Drive, which is a 1-mile road to the large parking lot	Mile 19.7
Palisade Point	This point has a great view of the lake	Mile 14.6

Camping/Lodging

There are a plethora of nearby camping spots in the area close to Rim Drive; however, onsite camping is either the lodge or the campground.

Crater Lake Lodge was first opened in 1915, with 71 total rooms that can have reservations be made up to 365 days in advance.

Mazama Campground has 241 tent camping spots open from June to September, which are reservable.

Lost Creek Campground is managed by the National Park Service, and is a first-come, first serve tent camper campground that is usually open in early July and closes in mid-October.

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