Crater Lake

Crater Lake National Park is located in south-central Oregon. The lake is famous for its otherworldly deep blue clear waters and the rugged forested mountains that surround the lake. Crater Lake features two small islands; Wizard Island and Phantom Ship. At a depth of 1,949 feet (594 m), Crater Lake is the deepest in the United States. The lake is 5 by 6 miles (8.0 by 9.7 km) across. For shoots requiring talent to enter the water, the lake is very cold all year round. There is a popular cliff diving spot located on the north side of the lake. It can be reached by foot (1 mile down) following the Cleetwood Cove Trail. The lake rarely freezes. Crater Lake National Park has miles of well maintained roads with spectacular lakeside and sweeping forest vistas, offering car commercials excellent filming opportunities.

The location is an often sought after destination for shoots looking for spectacular panoramic scenery. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through Crater Lake. Part of the Oscar Nominated film Wild was filmed at Crater Lake.

Full service accommodation is available for sleeping clients and crew. Advance reservations are recommended.

Crater Lake Film Permits

Permits are not required for personal use or news reporting.

Permit applications may be denied if the filming / photography has the potential of damaging the park, creating an unreasonable burden on parks staff, or disrupting visitor’s normal use of the location.

Drone filming is prohibited.

Permits are required to film in areas normally closed to the public.

Proof of insurance is required.

See here for permit applications for short form and long form projects. Special Use application fees apply. Allow at least 4 weeks for permitting applications to be processed. Allow at least 10 weeks for processing permits for more complex shoots.

Location fees apply and are based on the size and scope of the shoot.

Some Crater Lake National Park roads are closed due to snowfall in the winter months. Similarly, fires may also cause road closures during the summer months.

Oregon Film Fixer, Producer & Crew

The closest production service support and film photography crews are based in Portland (4.5hr drive away) and to a lesser extent, Bend (2hr drive away).

Contact us if you are looking for an Oregon film fixer, service producer or shooting crew such as a director, DoP, videographer, cameraman, or stills photographer.