Introduction
Crater Lake National Park showcases the stunning jewel of the Cascade Mountains - Crater Lake. This Saffire gem is the park's main attraction, but it isn't the only natural wonder here.
Set in the caldera of an ancient volcano, the lake points to this region's fiery past. It is a land marked by beauty–and mystery.
From cinder cones and fascinating volcanic spires to mysterious underwater tubes and a strange floating spectacle--this park is nothing short of amazing.
Where is Crater Lake?
Shutterstock Image
Crater Lake is located in the Cascade Mountain Range in southern Oregon, about four hours south of Portland.
The nearest cities are Eugene, Bend, Medford, and Klamath Falls, Oregon, which are all within a few hours’ drive of the national park.
Map of Airports Near Crater Lake
Which Airports Are Closest to Crater Lake?
The following list of airports is within driving distance (four hours or less) of Crater Lake National Park. They are listed in order of distance starting with the airport closest to the park.
Medford (MFR)
Joseph Hunkins
Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport is about 75 miles or 1.5 hours from the park by car. Airlines flying into MFR include:
- Horizon Air/Alaska
- United
- Delta
- American
- Allegiant, and
- Avelo
For a list of cities with direct flights to Medford, click here.
Eugene (EUG)
Eugene Airport is a small airport about 175 miles or 3-3.5 hours from the park by car. Airlines flying into EUG include:
- Alaska
- Allegiant
- American
- Avelo
- Delta
- Southwest, and
- United
For a list of cities with direct flights to Eugene, click here.
Portland (PDX)
Portland International Airport is the closest major airport to Crater Lake National Park and offers the most options for airlines and flight times. It is about 290 miles or 4 hours from the park by car.
PRO TIP! Need a rental car? If you are a Costco member, check out Costco Travel when booking your rental car. They often have the best prices for Avis, Budget, Alamo, and Enterprise. Plus – free reservations and no cancellation fees!
RELATED: Swimming in Crater Lake National Park
How to Get to Crater Lake by Car
From the North (I-5/Portland)
From Portland, it’s about 4.5 to 5 hours or 245 miles to get to the park.
Take Interstate 5 south. Just south of Eugene, take Highway 58 east to Highway 97 south.
To enter through the North Entrance Station, turn west on Highway 138.
If the North Entrance is closed, continue south on Highway 97 towards Chiloquin and take Highway 62 to enter the park through the South Entrance.
From the North (Central Oregon/Bend)
From Bend, it’s about 2 hours or 102 miles to get to the park.
Take Highway 97 south to Highway 138 to enter the park through the North Entrance Station.
If the North Entrance is closed, continue south on Highway 97 towards Chiloquin and take Highway 62 to enter the park through the South Entrance.
RELATED: Best Hikes & Trails in Crater Lake National Park
From the South (Klamath Falls)
From Klamath Falls, it’s about 1.5 hours or 70 miles to get to the park.
Take Highway 97 to Highway 62 and enter the park through the South Entrance via Annie Springs Entrance Station (open year-round).
From the West (Medford)
From Medford, it’s about 2 hours or 88 miles to get to the park.
Take Highway 62 northeast and enter the park via the Annie Springs Entrance Station (open year-round).
How to Get to Crater Lake by Train
If you are coming from somewhere along the West Coast, consider taking the train to Crater Lake! A train ride is a fun option and can cut down on the amount of drive time.
Amtrak offers stops in both Eugene and Klamath Falls. For more information or to book a trip on Amtrak, click here.
NOTE: Enterprise offers free pick-up service from the Amtrak stations in both Eugene and Klamath Falls. To schedule a pick-up, contact the car rental office directly.
Explore Crater Lake with Shaka Guide
Whether you arrive by plane, train, or automobile, Shaka Guide has you covered!
With guided turn-by-turn narration, you’ll explore Crater Lake at your own pace. You'll also learn about the fascinating history and volcanic wonders of the region.
We’ll point out the popular views, stops, and hikes in the park and leave it up to you to choose what stops you want to visit.
There’s no schedule to keep or crowd to follow. If you are here for a few days or just a few hours, let Shaka Guide help make the most of your Crater Lake experience.
Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Crater Lake National Park Tour!
We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.
For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Crater Lake National Park Itinerary and Know Before You Go article.
Like this article? Share it on Pinterest!
