Crater Lake Dog Policy

Crater Lake lies in the caldera of an ancient volcano called Mount Mazama that collapsed 7,700 years ago. The lake is the deepest in the United States and is noted for its vivid blue color and water clarity. Wizard Island and the Phantom Ship are more recent volcanic formations within the caldera. As the lake has no inlets or outlets, it is replenished only by precipitation.^[1]

Crater Lake is somewhat dog friendly, and dogs are allowed on some of the trails, including with a view of the lake in the summer and fall. Crater Lake is also one of the few parks that allow dogs to be left unattended in vehicles, as long as conditions in the vehicle don't pose a threat to your dog (please be very careful of leaving your dog unattended, as a car can heat up very quickly!).

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Website

https://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm

Pet Policy Details

https://www.nps.gov/crla/planyourvisit/pets.htm

Area

286 mi²

Annual Visitors

670,500

Trail Policy

Dogs are allowed on some trails. The trails allowed vary seasonally.

In the summer and fall the following trails are allowed:

• 1/4 mile paved promenade at Rim Village (which has a nice view of the lake)
• The Godrey Glen Trail (as long as there isn't a lot of snow)
• The Lady of The Woods Trail (as long as there isn't a lot of snow)
• The Grayback Drive (as long as there isn't a lot of snow)
• The Pacific Crest Trail

In the winter and spring the following trails are allowed:

• The Rim Village parking lot
• The Pacific Crest Trail (even if it's covered by snow)

Dogs are not allowed on any other trails or in the backcountry.

Campground Policy

Dogs are alllowed at Mazama Village and the campground loop, as long as they're on a 6' leash.

Road Policy

Dogs are allowed on paved roads and parking lots that don't have snow on them, as well as up to 50 feet away from roads, as long as those areas are snow-free. Dogs must be kept on 6' leashes, and only one dog per dog walker is allowed.