Crater Lake National Park: Munson Valley

Other Popular Destinations: Greater Yellowstone • Colorado • Jackson Hole • Hawaii • Alaska • California

Introduction Plan Your Visit (Map) Weather Activities Wildlife History
Mazama Village Munson Valley Rim Village Rim Drive The Pinnacles

The primary visitor service in this section of the park is the William G. Steel Information Center (open year-round). Information, backcountry permits, exhibits, maps and publication sales, an audio-visual program, and first aid can be obtained at the center. The other developments in Munson Valley are for park support personnel.

If you approach Munson Valley from the north (accessible only from late June to October), the easterly portion of the Rim Drive is a left-hand turn just past the Steel Information Center. Continuing straight ahead (south) takes you to Mazama and the Annie Spring Entrance Station. If you approach Munson Valley from the south, you encounter the junction with the Rim Drive. Proceeding north-west, you begin the clock-wise portion of the Rim Drive, and access to the Rim Village. Turning east takes you around Crater Lake in a counter-clockwise direction and is the quickest route to The Pinnacles section of the park.

A short distance (east) of this road junction on the Rim Drive is the delightful Castle Crest Wildflower Trail. While this is a short .4-mile loop trail, the tread is uneven and is not suitable for wheelchairs. When flowers are in bloom the profusion of colors is spectacular. The trail passes from forest, to wet meadows, crosses a tributary of Munson Creek, and finally passes a small dry slope exposing the visitor to a wide assortment of Northwest wildflowers.

Visitor Services:

Steel Information Center

Images and text courtesy of National Park Service.

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