East Rim Drive Open to Nonmotorized Recreation on September 7 and 14
CRATER LAKE, Oregon – Crater Lake National Park, in partnership with the Friends of Crater Lake and Discover Klamath, will host the tenth annual Ride the Rim days on September 7 and 14, 2024. On these consecutive Saturdays, East Rim Drive from North Junction to Park Headquarters will be closed to motorized vehicles at 7:00 PM on the Friday before the event (September 6th and 13th) until 4:00 PM on Saturday to allow for nonmotorized recreation including biking, hiking, and running. The event is free, but normal park entrance fees apply.
Superintendent Craig W. Ackerman said, “Ride the Rim has grown in popularity each year. It provides an opportunity to experience East Rim Drive in a unique way, under your own power, whether you’re on a bicycle or on your own two feet. It is a strenuous endeavor, but the rewards of a slower pace, opportunities for quiet reflection, and healthy, vigorous recreation make it a special experience for many people.”
In accordance with NPS policy, e-bikes (low-speed, electric bicycles with power assistance) are permitted as part of this event. The operator of an e-bike may only use the motor to assist pedal propulsion. The motor may not be used to propel an e-bike without the rider also pedaling, except in locations open to public motor vehicle traffic. The most typical route around the lake is approximately 25 miles with 3,500 feet of climbing at elevations over 7,000 feet. Make sure your battery power, or leg power, will last this long, or consider a shorter out-and-back route. There is no SAG wagon provided.
Visitors on these days should expect a large number of bicyclists on park roads. Please ride and drive with caution and patience. Cyclists should ride single file when sharing the road with motorists.
West Rim Drive will be open for all travel. North Entrance Road will also be open beginning at 7:00 PM Friday evening. Park staff recommend that cyclists avoid riding on West Rim Drive, if possible, because of increased traffic from Ride the Rim participants, shuttles, and other park visitors.
Ride the Rim parking is at North Junction, Park Headquarters, and the Picnic Hill area of Rim Village. Participants are encouraged to share rides to help ease parking congestion.
A free shuttle will transport participants to the start of their Ride the Rim experience or to their vehicles at the end. The shuttle will run between North Junction, Rim Village, and Park Headquarters. The shuttle does not carry bicycles in an effort to accommodate more people. A person or people from each party will need to remain with bicycles while members of their party park or retrieve vehicles. For single riders, there will be a limited bike valet at North Junction and Park Headquarters.
Smoke from wildland fires has been minimal over the past few weeks, but participants are encouraged to check weather and smoke forecasts and make decisions based on their personal needs. Smoke information is available at Current Smoke Outlook for Central Oregon.
For more information visit www.RideTheRimOregon.com.
