Crater Lake was formed 7,700 years ago by the collapse of the ancient volcano Mount Mazama. Photo: Robert Alexander/Getty Images
Crater Lake, Oregon's only official National Park, saw more than 632,240 recreational visits last year. That's the second highest total since 2021, according to new data from the National Park Service.
Visits peaked in August, shortly before the park closed the Cleetwood Cove Trail and marina — the only access point to the lake's clear, icy waters — for major rehabilitation. It will remain closed through 2028.
Whether or not visits to the 183,000-acre park continue to climb remains to be seen.
