First point: Crater Lake National Park is basically built around one great view—the lake in the crater – so you probably only want to give it a day trip or one night.

Second point: There are no campgrounds or other lodgings with that crater view.

Conclusion: If you can afford it, book the seasonal Crater Lake Lodge, which will be open May 19-Oct. 16 in 2017. (Rates for 2017 rates are $189.99 -$328.99.)

At Crater Lake, Ore., sky and water become one, bathed in blue »


× Crater Lake, a caldera nearly 2,000 feet deep and 4 1/2 to 6 miles across, is a mirror where a mountaintop should be.

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Loneliest beach in America’s most remote park?

In honor of this year’s National Park Service centennial, the Travel section is posting 100 park travel ideas and tips based on trips staff travel writer Christopher Reynolds has taken, along with photo-op advice from Times photographer Mark Boster. We’ll post one per day through Dec. 31.

Follow Reynolds on Twitter: @MrCSReynolds


See travel videos by Reynolds from around the world.