Crater Lake National Park
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Crater Lake National Park - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Castle Crest Wildflower Trail
This picturesque 1-mile round-trip trek passes through a spring-fed meadow and is one of the park's flatter hikes. Wildflowers burst into full bloom here from July through mid-August. You can also access Castle Crest via a similarly easy ½-mile loop trail from East Rim Drive. Easy.
Oregon, 97604, USA -
2. Crater Lake Lodge
Built in 1915, this regal log-and-stone structure was designed in the classic style of western national park lodges, and the original lodgepole-pine pillars, beams, and stone fireplaces are still intact. The lobby, fondly referred to as the Great Hall, serves as a warm, welcoming gathering place where you can play games, socialize with a cocktail, or gaze out of the many windows to view spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Exhibits off the lobby contain historic photographs and memorabilia from throughout the park's history.
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3. Mt. Scott Trail
This strenuous 4½-mile round-trip trail takes you to the park's highest point—the top of Mt. Scott, the oldest volcanic cone of Mt. Mazama, at 8,929 feet. At a leisurely pace, give yourself about two hours to make the steep uphill trek—and about 60 minutes to get down. The trail starts at an elevation of about 7,679 feet, so the climb is not extreme, but the trail is steep in spots. The views of the lake and the broad Klamath Basin are spectacular. Difficult.
Oregon, 97604, USA -
4. Pinnacles Overlook
Ascending from the banks of Sand and Wheeler creeks, unearthly spires of eroded ash resemble the peaks of fairy tale castles. Once upon a time, the road continued east to a former entrance. A path now replaces the old road and follows the rim of Sand Creek (affording more views of pinnacles) to where the entrance sign still stands.
End of Pinnacles Rd., Oregon, 97604, USA -
5. Rim Drive
Take this 33-mile scenic loop for views of the lake and its cliffs from every conceivable angle. The drive takes two hours, not counting frequent stops at overlooks and short hikes that can easily stretch this to a half day. Rim Drive is typically closed due to heavy snowfall from late fall to late spring.
Oregon, USA -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Rim Village
This is the only park picnic area with running water. The tables are set behind the visitor center, and most have a view of the lake below. There are flush toilets inside the visitor center.
Rim Dr., Oregon, 97604, USA -
7. Watchman Peak Trail
This is one of the park's best and most easily accessed hikes. Though it's just more than 1½ miles round-trip, the trail climbs more than 400 feet—not counting the steps up to the actual lookout, which has great views of Wizard Island and the lake. Moderate.
Oregon, 97604, USA -
8. Wizard Island
The volcanic eruption that led to the creation of Crater Lake resulted in the formation of this magical island a ¼-mile off the lake's western shore. The views at its summit—reached on a somewhat challenging 2-mile hike—are stupendous. Getting to the island requires a strenuous 1-mile hike down (and later back up) the steep Cleetwood Cove Trail to the cove's dock. There, board either the shuttle boat to Wizard Island or a Crater Lake narrated tour boat that includes a stop on the island. If you opt for the latter, you can explore Wizard Island a bit and reboard a later boat to resume the lake tour. The hike to Wizard Summit, 763 feet above the lake's surface, begins at the island's boat dock and steeply ascends over rock-strewn terrain; a path at the top circles the 90-foot-deep crater's rim. More moderate is the 1¾-mile hike on a rocky trail along the shore of Wizard Island, so called because William Steel, an early Crater Lake booster, thought its shape resembled a wizard's hat.
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9. Wizard Island
The park's best picnic venue is on Wizard Island; pack a lunch and book yourself on one of the early-morning boat tour departures, reserving space on an afternoon return. There are no formal picnic areas and just pit toilets, but you'll discover plenty of sunny and shaded spots where you can enjoy a quiet meal and appreciate the astounding scene that surrounds you.
Oregon, USA -
10. Annie Creek Canyon Trail
This moderately challenging 1.7-mile hike loops through a deep stream-cut canyon, providing views of the narrow cleft scarred by volcanic activity. This is a good area to look for flowers and deer. Moderate.
Mazama Village Rd., Oregon, 97604, USA -
11. Cleetwood Cove Trail
This strenuous 2¼-mile round-trip hike descends 700 feet down nearly vertical cliffs along the lake to the boat dock. Be in very good shape before you tackle this well-maintained trail—it's the hike back up that catches some visitors unprepared. Bring along plenty of water. Difficult.
Oregon, 97604, USA -
12. Cloudcap Overlook
The highest road-access overlook on the Crater Lake rim, Cloudcap has a westward view (best enjoyed in the morning) across the lake to Wizard Island and an eastward view of Mt. Scott, the volcanic cone that is the park's highest point.
Oregon, 97604, USA -
13. Discovery Point
This overlook marks the spot at which prospectors first spied the lake in 1853. Wizard Island is just northeast, close to shore.
West Rim Dr., Oregon, 97604, USA -
14. Godfrey Glen Trail
In a small canyon abuzz with songbirds, squirrels, and chipmunks, this picnic area has a south-facing, protected location. The half dozen picnic tables here are in a small meadow; there are also a few fire grills and a pit toilet.
Munson Valley Rd., Oregon, 97604, USA -
15. Godfrey Glen Trail
This 1.1-mile loop trail is an easy stroll through an old-growth forest with canyon views. Its dirt path is accessible to wheelchairs with assistance. Easy.
Oregon, 97604, USA -
16. Junior Ranger Program
Kids ages 6–12 learn about Crater Lake while earning a Junior Ranger patch in daily activities in summer at the Rim Visitor Center, and year-round they can earn a badge by completing the Junior Ranger Activity Book, which can be picked up at either visitor center.
Oregon, USA -
17. Lava Beds National Monument
Park (National/State/Provincial)About midway between Crater Lake and Lassen Volcanic national parks, this 47,000-acre tract of lava beds is a popular stop among travelers taking the scenic route between these two parks. The lava beds are just down the road from the Tule Lake and Lower Klamath national wildlife refuges. Many of the top attractions at Lava Beds are underground lava tubes created 32,000 years ago during the eruptions of Mammoth Crater. You can buy lamps and hard hats in the visitor center to tour these fascinating, bat-filled caves. The park has miles of hiking trails above ground as well.
1 Indian Well, off Hill Rd., Tulelake, California, 96134, USA530-667–8113Sight Details
Rate Includes: $15, Park 24/7. Visitor center, late May–early Sept., daily 8–6; early Sept.–late May, daily 8:30–5, $15 (cash only) -
18. Mazama Village
Visitor CenterIn summer, a campground, cabin-style motel, amphitheater, gas station, and small store are open here. No gasoline is available in the park from mid-October to mid-May. Snowfall determines when the village and its facilities open and close for the season. Hours vary; call ahead.
Mazama Village Rd., off Hwy. 62, near Annie Spring entrance station, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, 97604, USA541-594–2255 -
19. Oregon Shakespeare Festival
More than 400,000 Bard lovers descend on charming downtown Ashland (85 miles from Crater Lake) for this nearly yearlong festival that presents works by Shakespeare and other past and contemporary playwrights.
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20. Pacific Crest Trail
You can hike a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, which extends from Mexico to Canada and winds through the park for 33 miles. For this prime backcountry experience, catch the trail off Highway 138 about a mile east of the North Entrance, where it heads south and then toward the west rim of the lake and circles it for about 6 miles, then descends down Dutton Creek to the Mazama Village area. You'll need a detailed map for this hike; check online or with the PCT association. Difficult.
Oregon, 97604, USA
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