Ride the Rim returns for 2023
A cyclist gives a thumbs up as he peddles around the rim of the Crater Lake Caldera as part of Ride the Rim. (Submitted photo)
A pair of cyclists take a break from cycling the Crater Lake Caldera. (Submitted photo)
EDIT: 9/6/23, 6:50 PM - Corrected the total mileage of the construction area to 4.3 miles.
Visitors can enjoy vehicle-free days at Crater Lake National Park
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - Crater Lake National Park, in partnership with Friends of Crater Lake and Discover Klamath, will host the annual Ride the Rim days on September 9 and September 16, 2023. On these consecutive Saturdays, East Rim Drive from North Junction to Park Headquarters will be closed to motorized vehicles from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM to allow for non-motorized recreation, including biking, hiking, and running.
“Ride the Rim provides an opportunity to experience East Rim Drive in a unique way, under your own power, whether you’re on a bike 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,” said Superintendent Craig W. Ackerman.
Visitors on these days should expect many 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 to both pedestrian and cycling traffic. Park staff recommends bicyclists 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 will be located at North Junction, Park Headquarters, and the Picnic Hill area of Rim Village. Participants are encouraged to share rides to help ease parking congestion.
Extensive road construction has kept Rim Drive from being open to vehicles this summer. Crews have assured Ride the Rim organizers that the section between Cleetwood Cove and White Bark Pine will be available for participants. On September 9, the 4.3 mile section will be open, but the road condition will be gravel. On September 16, one lane will have been paved and available for the event.
The road to Cloudcap Overlook will remain closed for both events.
Organizers urge participants to plan their ride accordingly for the road conditions.
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 will not carry bicycles in an effort to accommodate more people. A person or people from each party should remain with bicycles while members of their party park or retrieve vehicles. For single riders, there will be limited, unfenced bike corrals at North Junction and Park Headquarters. Check-in with Ride the Rim Volunteers if you wish to use the bike corral.
Lost Creek Campground will be unavailable on the nights of September 8, 9, 15, and 16 to accommodate volunteers working to support Ride the Rim. Mazama Campground will be open on these days.
The event also offers jerseys and other merchandise for participants to remember Ride the Rim. Says Tonia Ulbricht, Senior Marketing Manager for Discover Klamath: “We are excited to offer event mementos through merchandise including many different styles of tees, hats, and other merchandise.”
Ride the Rim participants must pay a Park Entrance Fee upon entering the park.
