Crater Lake

Dog Friendly National Park Day Trip from Bend

CASCADES

9/6/20265 min read

Trip Overview

Ease of Access

Lodging is available nearby via camping and resorts.
Transportation will require a car or bike.
Basic amenities are available, but longer stays should be prepared to self-support as it’s a an hour+ to civilization.

Experience Summary

This is a perfect rest day activity if you don’t mind a scenic drive.

Duration

Day Trip
This trip was possible with an early breakfast and planning to be at Crater Lake around 10-11am. We were back for a late dinner and movie.

Entering through the North gate, we first stopped at Merriam Point to get some elevation for our first glimpse of the lake and appreciate the spectacularly forested northern rim. The hour was spent driving counter-clockwise around the lake and stopping at several viewpoints and taking in the sweeping views. We had some rolling fog, and even a light dusting of snow, but that reinforced the PNW vibes and was a special treat.

Since the Cleetwood Cove trail was closed, we went to see the Crater Lake Lodge and gift shop. Then, we moved down the slopes of ancient Mt. Mazama towards one of the most unique spots in the National Park System. Godfrey Glen Trail is part of a volcanic lahar, or mudslide, from the eruption of Mt. Mazama, is highly-accessible, and is one of the only dog-friendly trails in the park. The views here were incredible, as well as the unique formations.

Recreating with our pooches is a privilege, so please be respectful of others. At minimum, keep your dog on leash and pick up after them. If visiting during the summer, never leave Fido in a car alone. Temperatures can quickly become lethal even at this elevation.

We found ourselves pretty hungry after our exploration, so we wandered down the mountain to the Annie Creek Restaurant and Gift Shop. Lemme tell ya, it's not cafeteria food. Reasonably priced, creative local menu, with large tables to host families, and a fraction of the crowds at the summit, this was a great midday stop. The gift shop offered great variety (you know we love a good gift shop), and I picked up a bottle of Crater Lake Pinot Noir to sip on back in Bend.

With full bellies, we head west on Hwy 62, towards Union Creek. As we descend the slopes of Mt. Mazama, you get an immersive experience of old growth forest. The area around Union Creek has a few amenities, including the Union Creek Resort and 2 US Forest Service campgrounds for those wishing to spend the night underneath the towering trees.

Our destination, the Rogue River Gorge. I could tell you about how the mighty Rogue carves a hallway for itself through the Mt. Mazama basalt, but that wouldn’t do it justice. Instead, here’s a teaser for you to to go yourself. See if you can find the Living Stump!

Heading home to Bend, we made a slight detour to Diamond Lake for some of the best pizza in the area at South Shore Pizza! Good food, cold beer, ICE CREAM, and well, whatever else your heart could desire after a day spent adventuring!

Winter travelers take comfort: there’s a Sno-Cat from the Diamond Lake Resort to this beloved parlor, or you can snowmobile your way over there since the roads are not maintained. Talk about a fun way to grab a slice!

We brought this pizza back, threw it in the oven, and popped on a movie to conclude the day tired, but fulfilled.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I bring my dog in Crater Lake?

Dogs are welcome on paved roads, parking lots, auto pullouts, the paved promenade/walkways at Rim Village, campgrounds, and within 50 feet of paved surfaces. The only dog-friendly trails in the park are:

Godfrey Glen Trail
Lady of the Woods
Grayback Drive
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)

Dogs are NOT welcome in any water (stream, lake, etc), any public building, or on any trail not specifically designated as pet friendly.

What's the weather like in Crater Lake?

At just over 6,000' elevation, Crater Lake experiences sub-arctic mountain weather which can change quickly. Summers are dry and mildly hot, while winters bring enormously deep snow and frigid temperatures. Spring is a lovely time to catch wildflowers, while fall brings crisp temperatures. Due to the evergreen conifers lining it's flanks, Crater Lake does not share the autumn colors typical of southern Oregon.

Layers are your best friend with the changing weather. As always if you're venturing outside, socks should be wool, hats are cool, and Crocs are for fools.

Travel Oregon - Crater Lake

How much does it cost?

Standard Vehicle = $30 summer, $20 winter
- The North Gate is closed to cars during winter.
Motorcycle = $20
Foot, bike, snowmobile (North Gate winter) = $15
Accepts America the Beautiful pass ($80 annual)

The park is cashless; you must pay with a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay.

My party needs accessible features. What can we expect?

There's no missing out here! The park is best enjoyed via Rim Dr, and most viewpoints and many of the roadside picnic areas are wheelchair accessible.

The Rim Village Promenade offers some of the clearest views of the lake, is 0.75 miles of <5% grade, and has plenty of benches and tables on prime view real estate.