Riding the Rim of a Crater...

After a successful test drive — or rather non-drive — in June, Crater Lake National Park will hold its inaugural Vehicle-Free Weekend at Crater Lake Sept. 21-22. Park Superintendent Craig Ackerman said he plans to make the third weekend in September an annual event for enjoying views of the deepest lake in the United States without motorized vehicles.

“In June, Crater Lake National Park, Travel Oregon and Cycle Oregon collaborated to open Crater Lake’s East Rim Drive to non-motorized traffic for a first-time trial,” Ackerman said in a press statement today. “After an outpouring of positive feedback from the many people who participated in this rare opportunity, we decided to make it an annual occurrence.”

Under the plan, East Rim Drive will be closed to automotive traffic, except for administrative and emergency vehicles, from North Junction around the East Rim of Crater Lake all the way to the intersection at Crater Lake National Park Headquarters and the Steel Visitors Center. Parking lots and Highway 62 through the south end of the park, West Rim Drive and the North Entrance Road will remain open to vehicles. Standard park entrance
fees apply (although the following Sunday, Sept. 28, is free admission day at national parks.)

“Crater Lake and scenic cycling opportunities are state treasures that Oregon proudly claims,” said Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon, in today’s press release. “Creating world-class recreation opportunities within Oregon’s unique landscapes is what we do best. I commend Craig and his team for giving Oregonians and visitors yet another opportunity to experience Crater Lake in such a remarkable way.”

Yosemite, are you listening?