Anonymous wrote:We went to Crater Lake last summer and just be aware the main road isn’t open until quite a way into the summer. We went in the first half of July and it still wasn’t open beyond a mile or two. It was beautiful, but I’d only go that far out of my way if it was late summer.

Yes lots of snow

https://www.nps.gov/media/webcam/view.htm?id=81B462AA-1DD8-B71B-0BAC82E1AFD3CC1D

We went to Crater Lake last summer and just be aware the main road isn’t open until quite a way into the summer. We went in the first half of July and it still wasn’t open beyond a mile or two. It was beautiful, but I’d only go that far out of my way if it was late summer.

I would skip Crater Lake and Mt St Helens but add Mt Rainier.

Agree with above. We had a very smoky boat ride there which i had booked months in advance. The next morning was great, but I would not add on to that particular itinerary for this. You should also stay at the lodge there if possible which needs to be booked a year ahead of time.

Is it with kids? Crater lake is really beautiful and it’s a beautiful lodge to spend a night for a romantic getaway, but there’s absolutely nothing else to do nearby. Kids would be disappointed about the fact that you can’t really swim or kayak or paddle board on the lake. So, I’d skip it with kids, but maybe keep it on the itinerary for a couple.

You will drive right by Mt Rainier. Just remember you need reservations or hotel room in the park to enter/drive in to the park during spring,summer and fall. Check all the parks before you go.

The road to Mt Saint Helens was still closed in August this year and not scheduled to open for a while. There was a major landslide and the road has not been repaired. I think you can make it to lake spirit. Plan accordingly.

Also the drive to and around Olympic is long with a lot of clear cutting. Might want to check the driving times. They do have float plane out of Port Angeles and you can rent a car there.

There’s not much to do near crater lake. It’s lovely but in the end….its a lake. I wouldn’t drive 6+ hours to see it and turn around, and there’s not much else to do near there to make it worthwhile.

Yes it’s a must see, but I’d do it as a separate trip. Go to Crater Lake when you have time to see other nearby sights along the Pacific Crest Trail, especially if you like backpacking.

I did Seattle/Olympic/Mt Rainier as a 10 day trip, and Portland/Crater Lake/3 Sisters/etc as another. Both were amazing but Oregon felt more unique.

No. I live in Oregon and I’d say you can skip it. You’re doing a ton already.

For the itinerary you described, it’s not worth the extra effort.

On a clear sunny day, crater lake is one of the most beautiful sites in America. I have amazing pictures and memories from my time there.

That said, its a long drive. It's much better as a stop between Portland and San Fran on a 2 week trip.

I liked crater lake but Olympic and Portland is already a lot of driving, I can't imagine also going to Crater Lake in the same trip. Olympic itself is huge and so much driving. Also when are you going? We went to Crater lake in August and with wildfire smoke there was one day when we couldn't see the lake at all.

I’d skip it based on your itinerary / it’s out of the way and required the sun to be out of your really want to see that blue color. If the weather on your day to go has fog / overcast, you’re going to walk away disappointed

This is already a pretty big trip without Crater Lake.

But you could use Medford airport.

Planning a Washington/Oregon trip this summer and will be hitting Seattle, Olympic National Park, Mount St. Helens, and Portland. Looking into doing Crater Lake too but looks like its several hours from Portland and we'd have to turn around to get to an airport to fly out... is it a "must see" or will we regret the time/money of trying to get down there?