Crater Lake National Park guide · 1 min read
Milky Way Nights in a Dark Sky Park
Stargazing is one of the main reasons to stay out after dark at Crater Lake National Park.
The park's remote location keeps the sky dark, so on clear, moonless nights you can look up and see satellites, planets, and thousands of stars.
Night access is simple, since visitors can enter and leave the park after dark. For a longer stay under the sky, backcountry camping is an option, with the chance of a brilliant night sky. Wilderness camping requires a permit, and longer backcountry trails may need one too, so check the requirements before you set out.
Crater Lake itself draws many visitors. It is one of the deepest and clearest lakes in the world, and its water has a blue color that stands out. The historic Rim Drive, 33 miles long, circles the lake and passes 30 overlooks. Sinnott Memorial Overlook is the most popular stop, with exhibits on the geology of Mount Mazama and how the lake formed.
Daylight brings its own chances. Photographers can capture the lake, the surrounding landscape, and wildflowers in countless ways. Autumn is a strong season to combine this with stargazing, since it brings clear nights, cooler temperatures, bird migrations, and wildlife sightings.
