The Quickest Route to Relaxation: Rim Drive
Oregon is well known for its wonderful landscapes – from mountains to warm beaches, this US state provides its visitors with a full experience. What is less known about it, though, lays right in the heart of the Crater Lake National Park. Surprisingly enough, this unforgettable place is a plain simple highway.
Ever since 1902, when the former president Theodore Roosevelt agreed to the development of the Crater Lake National Park, a simple road was created around the Crater Lake to make it easy for people to move around. As time passed by, the road suffered a series from modifications and became the way it is now: the ideal place for a car or bicycle ride, or just for a nice walk.
Rim Drive, as it is known as today, is a loop which surrounds the Crater Lake. Those who pass by can enjoy the spectacular intense shades of blue and the calm water. Another interesting objective in the same spot is the Wizard Island, a small piece of land located relatively close to the shore. Furthermore, if tourists feel the need to take a break, they can stop by at the so-called Discovery Point, a small area from which a considerable part of the lake, as well as the surrounding mountains.
Overall, the location and route of the Rim Drive can easily become the favorite road for those who enjoy cycling, driving or simply walking around a nice area. For those who want to enjoy a car ride here, a $15 fee is required at the entrance to the park – but, judging by tourists’ opinions and the breathtaking landscape, the price is worth it for a day of relaxation.
Cole Chase Photography/Flickr
Alan Wolf/Flickr
Anthony Maw/Flickr
Arun Yenumula/Flickr
Cameron Booth/Flickr
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Rim Village, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, USA (visitor-area reference for Rim Drive)
- Coordinates
- 42.91146, -122.14662
- Access
- As of September 26, 2026, East Rim Drive is closed between Park Headquarters and Phantom Ship Overlook for construction, so the complete circuit is unavailable. Check the NPS current conditions before travel.
- Admission
- Seven-day private-vehicle park pass: $30 May 22–October 31; $20 November 1–May 21. No vehicle reservation required
- Time needed
- When the full loop is open, allow at least 2 hours including viewpoint stops; current construction prevents the complete circuit
- Best season
- Rim Drive opens in stages from spring as snow is cleared and typically closes around November 1 or earlier after heavy snowfall; check current road status.
- Opening hours
- The park is open 24 hours year-round, but Rim Drive is seasonal for motor vehicles. It closes on November 1 or earlier with significant snowfall; spring reopening has no fixed date and depends on snow removal and conditions. Check NPS Current Conditions for live road status. Winter sections may be used for skiing or snowshoeing.
- Location checked
- 2026-09-26
- Facts checked
- 2026-09-30
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