If I had to choose only one word to describe Crater Lake it would be stunning. It isn’t immense, like the Grand Canyon. It isn’t as popular as Yellowstone. But it will entrance you, take your breath away, and leave you with a sense of awe. The color of the water, the bite in the wind, even the way the clouds crawl over the top ridge … it’s like nowhere else I’ve ever been.
Just five miles across, Crater Lake was formed when Mount Mazama erupted and then collapsed into itself 7,700 years ago. The huge crater left behind slowly filled with rain and melted snow, eventually becoming the deepest lake in the United States and the seventh deepest in the world, at 1,942 feet. No rivers or streams run into or out of the lake – the 66 inches of rain and 44 feet (yes, FEET) of snow the park sees each year are it’s only source of water.
Rim Drive snakes around the tops of the 2,000 foot cliffs that encircle the lake and provides the most dramatic views. The 33-mile road is only open from early July to late October, and the weather is so unpredictable that it can snow any time of the year!
As with most National Parks, pets are severely restricted at Crater Lake and must be within 50 feet of a road, campground, picnic area or parking lot at all times. There are no dog friendly trails and pets are required to be leashed or otherwise restrained anytime they are outside your vehicle.
Luckily, southwestern Oregon has no shortage of national forests where pets are very welcome to join you for a hike.
The Rogue River, Umpqua, and Winema National Forests all border Crater Lake National Park. Each one has distinct features and some interesting looking hikes, but we chose to stop at the Rogue River Gorge in Rogue River National Forest. The boys got a chance to stretch their legs while we reveled in more ridiculous scenery.
As we checked off another of our must-sees, I wondered – will I ever be satisfied that I’ve seen enough and be ready to settle down again? At this point, it doesn’t seem likely.
Planning a pet friendly trip of your own? We’ll make it easy:
Pet Friendly Hotels | Pet Friendly Destinations | Pet Friendly Activities
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Kat Marean Thanks, Kat! And waggin’ trails to you.
There are trails at Crater Lake that are dog friendly: Godfrey Glen Trail and Lady of the Woods Trail. easy 1mile-ish loops but no views of Crater Lake from them. There’s also the The Grayback Drive trail and the PCT but again, can’t see Crater Lake. https://www.nps.gov/crla/planyourvisit/pets.htm
Hi Joseph! We’ve not been in that neck of the woods so early in the season, but their website says they’re currently burried under 84 inches of snow, and it looks like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular this time of year. Pets are allowed on the Pacific Crest Ski Trail, and snowshoes are available for rent at the Rim Village Gift Shop. There are ranger-led snowshoe walks available on Saturdays and Sundays, and you can find more info here: https://www.nps.gov/crla/planyourvisit/conditions.htm I hope that helps and that you have a great time. Waggin’ trails!
That’s great, Kathy! Thanks for dropping us a note – we’ll get it added to the website.
Thanks for the great information. We are planning a visit in April and now understand the rim trail will be closed. We will have our dog with us, any recommendations as to what might be available in April? This is part of a much longer trip but couldn’t pass up seeing the Lake.Thank you.
Thanks so much, Terri Knight! We’ll make sure to get these added to the website database.
GoPetFriendly.com Prospect Hotel is Closer and they let Pets stay there. Also Shady Cove, has 3 Motels who all accept pets. Medford is 2 hours from Crater Lake. Prospect 45 minutes and Shady Cove 1 1/2 hours.
Crater Lake is pretty remote, Megan, and there aren’t a lot of hotel options nearby. Medford, Oregon is the closest small city with a good selection of pet friendly hotels. Here’s a link that should help: http://www.gopetfriendly.com/Hotels/oregon/medford/1.aspxHave a great trip!!
It’s 1.9 miles each way, Megan Tennant.
Where is the best place to stay near Crater Lake NP and the Rogue River Gorge? I’m planning a weekend trip to hit up both places with 2 people and 2 dogs.
How long is the Cleetwood cove trail?
Wonderful, Michael! We’re glad to help and we hope you have a fantastic trip. Waggin’ trails!
THANK YOU for this blog post! You showed pics of Crater Lake AND gave dog friendly options! This is exactly what I needed to read!
Hi Sid,As long as you stay on the trails in the national forest, you should not have to worry at all about your pup getting caugt in a trap. Waggin’ trails to you!
The article mentions National Forests next to the Park where dogs can go on trails. How worried do I need to be about traps (leg hold traps, snares etc) in those forests? I am not sure what the rules in Oregon are, but traps are a big problem in NV where I live.
(Blush Blush… Thank you, GoPetFriendly! Enjoyed your article. :D )
You’re wonderful, Maura McAuliffe Lolandi! Thanks so much for all the help!
Thanks for the heads-up, Katrina. Unfortunately, it sounds like none of the four trails have a view of the lake. =(
Thanks for that info, Maura McAuliffe Lolandi!
The one trail down to Crater Lake itself is called the Cleetwood Cove Trail (no dogs allowed) & it usually opens by mid-June. <3