Before you begin your excursion into Crater Lake National Park, be sure to stop at one of the two park visitor centers. They are both conveniently located in the southwest part of the park. These centers will provide you with valuable information so that you can make the most of your visit. You can also pick up maps and permits when you stop by.

Steel Visitor Center

The Steel Visitor Center is located at the Park Headquarters in the southwest corner of the park. It is named after William G. Steel, who played a key role in getting Crater Lake its National Park status back in 1902. Open year round, this center has a U.S. Post Office. You will find park orientation exhibits on display, and every half hour an 18-minute film - Crater Lake: The Mirror of Heaven – is shown. This center also provides backcountry permits, maps and publication sales, and first aid. Restrooms and a pay phone are also available.

• The center is open every day of the year except Christmas.
• Hours of operation are 10 am to 4 pm, November to April, and 9 am to 5 pm, May to October.
• Steel Visitor Center – 541-594-3000

Rim Visitor Center

The Rim Visitor Center is located at Rim Village near the southwest edge of the caldera, not far from Crater Lake Lodge. Exhibits pertaining to lake research and geology can be found in the Sinnott Memorial nearby. The Restroom Building is also close by this center. General information about the park is provided. Maps, books, and other publication sales are also available.

• It is open only from late May through September.
• Hours of operation are 9:30 am to 5 pm.
• Rim Visitor Center – 541-594-3090