Honestly, if you’re looking at a Crater Lake National Park forecast right now and seeing temperatures in the 40s, it’s easy to get lulled into a false sense of security. You think, "Oh, 48 degrees? That’s basically spring weather."
Wrong.
At 7,000 feet, 48 degrees feels like a different planet when the wind kicks up across that caldera. Right now, the park is sitting on a snowpack of about 36 inches. That’s three feet of the white stuff. Sure, it’s actually only 56% of what's "normal" for mid-January, but don’t let the statistics fool you. You’re still walking on a frozen volcano.
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The Reality of the Current Crater Lake National Park Forecast
If you're planning to head up there today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, you're actually looking at a pretty spectacular window. We're seeing a high of 48°F with nothing but sun during the day. It’s the kind of day where the lake looks so blue it almost hurts your eyes. But check the overnight: it drops to 32°F with a 10% chance of rain.
The humidity is hovering around 38%, which is dry. Really dry. Combine that with the elevation at Rim Village (7,100 feet) and you’ve got a recipe for a massive headache if you aren't chugging water.
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, looks even warmer with a high of 49°F.
Wait.
Before you pack your shorts, remember the wind. Today we’ve got a light breeze from the southeast at about 5 mph, but when those gusts pick up, the "feels like" temperature crashes. Last night it was 31°F but felt like 25°F. That gap only widens as the sun goes down.
Why 2026 is Different: The Cleetwood Closure
Here is the piece of news that’s catching everyone off guard this year. You’ve probably seen the headlines or heard rumors: "Is Crater Lake closed?"
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The park is open. But the water is off-limits.
Basically, the Cleetwood Cove Trail—which is the only legal way to actually touch the water—is closed for a massive multi-year rehabilitation project. This started in 2026 and is scheduled to last until 2029.
- No boat tours.
- No swimming.
- No Wizard Island shuttles.
It’s a bummer, I know. But the trail was literally falling apart. Retaining walls were leaning, and rockfalls were becoming a major safety hazard. If you go this year, your experience is going to be all about the rim.
Navigating the Snow and Road Realities
Kinda crazy thought: Crater Lake is one of the snowiest inhabited places in America. We’re talking an average of 43 feet of snow a year.
Right now, the North Entrance Road and most of Rim Drive are closed. That’s standard for January. You can usually get to Rim Village via the West and South entrances because the crews plow those daily, but don't expect to drive the full 33-mile loop. It’s just not happening until June or July.
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Winter Safety 101
If the Crater Lake National Park forecast calls for "Clear" or "Sunny," you actually have a new danger: snow cornices. These are those beautiful, overhanging drifts of snow that look like frozen waves on the edge of the rim.
They are deadly.
They look solid, but they’re just air and ice. If you walk out on one to get that perfect "for the 'gram" shot, there’s a non-zero chance you’ll end up at the bottom of the caldera. Stay behind the visible rocks or the paved areas. Honestly, no photo is worth a 700-foot slide into a frozen lake.
What to Wear (The Expert Layering Strategy)
Since the temperatures are swinging from 32°F at night to nearly 50°F during the day, you need to be a layering wizard.
- Base Layer: Synthetic or wool. No cotton. Cotton gets wet from sweat and then you freeze. Basically, cotton is the enemy.
- Mid Layer: A decent fleece or a "puffy" down jacket.
- Shell: Something that blocks the wind. Even a 5 mph wind at the rim feels like a slap in the face.
- Eyes: Sunglasses are mandatory. The sun reflecting off that 36-inch snowpack is blinding.
Actionable Advice for Your Trip
If you’re heading up this week, check the webcams first. The Steel Visitor Center is currently closed for renovation, but the webcams at Rim Village and Annie Spring are still live. They are the only way to tell if the lake is actually visible.
Sometimes the Crater Lake National Park forecast says "Sunny," but the caldera itself is filled with a thick "lake fog" that hides everything.
Your Next Steps:
Check the "Current Conditions" page on the NPS website specifically for Munson Valley Road status before you leave. If you’re coming from the south, ensure you have traction tires or chains in your trunk—Oregon State Police don't mess around when the mountain passes get icy, regardless of how "sunny" it looks in the valley. Pack a thermos of something hot, keep your distance from the rim edges, and enjoy the fact that without the boat tours, the park is actually a lot quieter and more peaceful this year.