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Crater Lake Guided Snowshoeing Tour

Guided

Duration: 3 hours

Features

Kid Friendly
Locally Owned
Small Group Sizes
Beginner Friendly
Instant Book
$89 We Supply Snowshoes with Poles
$89 Bring Your Own Snowshoes

Description

Guided Snowshoeing Tour of Crater Lake National Park

Step into the quiet beauty of winter at Crater Lake National Park, where snowshoeing offers a unique way to experience one of the most iconic landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. Formed over 7,700 years ago when Mount Mazama erupted and collapsed, the caldera slowly filled with rain and snowmelt to become the deepest lake in the United States. Known for its vivid blue color and remarkable clarity, the lake has long been a place of reverence for the Klamath Tribe, who regard it as sacred in their cultural traditions.
On your guided tour, you’ll explore the park’s snow-covered rim and surrounding trails while learning about its volcanic origins, local wildlife, and human history. Guides share stories of early explorers, the preservation efforts that led to the park’s designation in 1902, and the natural forces that continue to shape the landscape. Along the way, you’ll take in sweeping views of the caldera rim and Cascade peaks, surrounded by the serene stillness of winter. No experience is required, and snowshoes are provided—making this an accessible way to discover the park’s wild side in its most peaceful season.

Duration

  1. Approximately 3 hours
  2. Tours operate daily, October 1 – April 15 (weather permitting)

Location / Where to Meet

Tours start at Rim Village or East Rim Road in Crater Lake National Park at 10:00 am. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure. 
If access into the park is unavailable due to weather conditions, we'll be in touch to coordinate an alternative location.

Ages and Requirements

  1. Minimum age: 12 years old
  2. No prior snowshoeing experience required
  3. Small group size for a more personal experience (minimum 4 participants required)

What's Included

  1. Local, experienced guides
  2. Snowshoes with poles
  3. Educational interpretation of geology, wildlife, and history

Not Included

  1. Transportation to the starting point
  2. Winter clothing (rentals available here)
  3. Meals & snacks
  4. Gratuity for your guide

What to Bring / Wear

  1. Waterproof snow boots with good traction (essential for comfort in deep snow)
  2. Warm, layered clothing (base layer, insulating mid-layer, and waterproof outer shell)
  3. Waterproof jacket and pants to stay dry in snowy conditions
  4. Warm hat or beanie that covers your ears
  5. Insulated gloves or mittens (waterproof recommended)
  6. Wool or synthetic socks (avoid cotton, which stays wet and cold)
  7. Sunglasses or ski goggles to protect your eyes from sun and snow glare
  8. Neck gaiter or scarf for added warmth and wind protection
  9. Daypack to carry extra layers, snacks, and personal items
  10. Reusable water bottle or hydration pack (staying hydrated is important, even in cold weather)
  11. Sunscreen and lip balm (UV rays are strong at higher elevations, even in winter)
  12. Camera or phone for capturing the incredible views (optional but recommended)

Snowshoeing at Crater Lake

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures

FAQs

Do I need previous experience to go snowshoeing in Crater Lake National Park?

No experience is necessary. Our guides provide instruction, and snowshoes with poles are included. The pace is beginner-friendly.

Where in Crater Lake National Park will we snowshoe?

Most tours take place around Rim Village and along sections of the East Rim Road, offering spectacular viewpoints of the caldera and surrounding peaks. The exact route depends on snow and weather conditions, but all tours are designed to showcase the park’s winter scenery while keeping the terrain suitable for beginners. If access within the park is limited due to weather, we’ll choose an alternate nearby trail to ensure you still enjoy a memorable snowshoeing experience.

What if the weather is too severe for Crater Lake access?

If Rim Village or East Rim Road is closed due to weather, we’ll move the tour to another nearby snow-covered trail in Klamath County. You’ll still enjoy a full snowshoeing adventure.

How difficult is the tour?

The tour covers approximately 3 miles in 3 hours, with plenty of breaks. Expect some uphill and downhill terrain, but most guests in good health and comfortable walking outdoors can participate.

Do I need to arrive early?

Yes, please arrive 30 minutes in advance. If all members of your group have not arrived within 15 minutes of the start time, at the discretion of Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures, the reservation may be considered a no-show, and no refund will be given. Please contact us as soon as you know you may be running late so we can do our best to accommodate special circumstances.

Are dogs allowed on the tour?

No, pets are not permitted on these tours.

Cancellation Policy

All tour reservations are nonrefundable once booked. Guest-initiated rebookings are allowed up to 24 hours before the scheduled tour and will incur a 5% rebooking fee. We do not provide refunds for illness, weather, early returns, late arrivals, or non-usage.

Weather-related cancellations are determined by Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures staff; if a tour is canceled due to weather, you will receive a credit toward a future tour of equal value.
If your group has not arrived at least 15 minutes prior to departure, your reservation may be considered a no-show and no refund will be given. Please contact us as soon as you know you may be running late so we can do our best to accommodate special circumstances.
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Availability

October 2025

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Location

Address

Rim Village Visitor Center, Rim Dr

, OR, 97604

US

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