Rim Village Café and Gift Shop

Eat before you come to Crater Lake or pack a lunch.  Self serve low end  overpriced sandwiches.  Best part is the tip jar next to the cash register.

The small cafe and the gift shop run by Xanterra Parks & Resorts, Inc. stays open year round. For those who venture into the park in the winter to snowshoe, sky or just view this fantastic park covered with several meters of snow, the cafe/gift shop provides warm shelter, hot food and drink. If your timing is such that you can't get back ot Becky's Cafe in Union Creek for lunch (and PIE!!!!), then eat at the rim cafe--it is okay.  The gift shop has some superior offerings; it is worth visiting while you warm up or rest from engaging the snowy slopes outside.
If you visit the park when it is covered with snow, generally November into June, at least wear closed shoes if not boots.  You wouldn't believe how many people not only drive up wearing sandals, flip flops or other summer wear burt attempt to climb the snow bank from the parking lot to view the rim.  Of course, the exercise is worth the discomfort, but really city folk, do you think every place has swept sidewalks and heat?

Some reviewers complained about high prices. Well high prices for hot dogs are normal for businesses that are some 90 miles from the nearest city, have a monopoly and stay open despite roof-deep snow (see April photo).

The Cafe here at Rim Village is a bit basic and I wish they would add a space for grocery items such as wine, cheese, crackers, etc. to go. It's also a bit pricey and for that kind of money, I would recommend going over to the Crater Lake Lodge (when it's seasonally open), sit in the Lounge or outside on the Deck and order off the bar menu. For the view and the comfort, it's a superior value.

The Gift Shop is fairly large and has a decent selection of souvenirs including various versions of stunning Crater Lake pictures, clothing, and a surprisingly impressive selection of local crafts. Gayle and I picked up a panoramic puzzle for a future evening of mutual brain exercise and recalling fond memories of this amazing natural wonder.