crater lake oregon boat tours

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Last updated: July 2, 2023

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Crater Lake National Park PO Box 7 Crater Lake, OR 97604

541 594-3000

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Discover the Enchantment of Crater Lake Aboard New Tour Boats

Crater Lake , nestled in the heart of Oregon, stands as a testament to nature's unparalleled artistry. Born from the remnants of an ancient volcano, its deep azure waters are among the purest in the world, reflecting the sky above and the surrounding cliffs with pristine clarity. The lake's dramatic history, combined with its surreal beauty, offers an ethereal experience in Oregon's only National Park .

Now visitors can explore the pristine waters of Crater Lake aboard the latest boats introduced this season. With the season running until September 17th, these new vessels guarantee a unique perspective of this natural wonder. Take note, however, that on September 9 and 16, the tours will pause due to the annual 'Ride the Rim' event.

Embarking on a boat ride across this natural wonder, one can truly grasp the magnitude of its grandeur, diving deep into its legends, witnessing its unique geological formations, and feeling an intimate connection with Earth's ancient past. A voyage on Crater Lake isn't just a trip—it's a transformative journey into nature's heart.

Key Features of the New Boats :

• Dimensions: At 41 feet in length and 13 feet in width, these boats are spacious.
• Capacity: Designed to accommodate 55 tourists and 2 crew members.
• Dual Engines: Enhanced reliability means no additional boat will wait at Cleetwood Cove dock for emergencies.
• Viewing Experience: 360-degree vistas of Crater Lake and its stunning caldera, all while protected by windshields from any lake spray.
• Eco-conscious Design: Fueled by gasoline, they sidestep the environmental costs of electric charging setups. Their design also emphasizes shore preservation and eco-friendliness.
• Enhanced Stability: Innovative hull designs promise both stability and peak performance.

Ensuring safety and accessibility, these vessels adhere to U.S. Coast Guard standards and boast upgraded features for the hearing-impaired. Plus, reduced engine noise will enhance the interpretive commentary, ensuring travelers can immerse in the ranger-led insights throughout the journey.

Tour Options :

• Standard Lake Cruise : For $44 (adults) and $30 (children 3-12), revel in a two-hour journey around Crater Lake, witnessing iconic sights like the Wizard Island and Phantom Ship. Multiple departures are available.
• Wizard Island Layover : Priced at $55 for adults and $37 for kids (3-12), this offers a chance to hike the captivating Wizard Island. It includes a three-hour stopover.
• Wizard Island Shuttle : Ideal for fishing enthusiasts and hikers, this shuttle service costs $28 (adults) and $18 (kids 3-12).

Though booking in advance is suggested, last-minute enthusiasts can secure tickets at specific local points. Due to weather dependencies, the schedule might vary. It's advised to set aside at least 90 minutes for travel to the departure point from the Crater Lake Lodge.

Should a tour be canceled, rest assured, Crater Lake Hospitality will either reschedule or refund the booked parties.

For detailed schedules and bookings, make your way to the official website of Crater Lake Hospitality.

Please note : The tour commences and concludes at Cleetwood Cove boat dock, accessed via a 1.1-mile trail. The climb is challenging, with a 700-foot elevation. Children aged 2 or below aren't allowed on these tours.

Where to Book a Crater Lake Boat Tour

Visit Crater Lake Hospitality for all the information you need.

Where to Stay or Camp at Crater Lake National Park

Several options are available, from quaint cabins to backwoods camping:

Crater Lake Resort

Where to Camp at Crater Lake

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Spend Some Time in the Nearby Town of Klamath Falls

Embark on an unforgettable journey, feeling the allure of Crater Lake as never before. Book your boat tour spot now!

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Wizard Island and Crater Lake Boat Tours

A magical place worth visiting by boat and by boot, Wizard Island is an ancient cinder cone volcano located on Crater Lake. The island was named by William Steel in the 1880s because its shape reminded him of a magician's hat. But name aside, it’s a charming place to visit.

Some call the island the most interesting feature on Crater Lake, and it offers visitors great hiking and some interesting history. The little cinder cone land feature was formed sometime after Mt. Mazama erupted, and it’s estimated to have emerged from the surface of the lake about 800 years ago. Today it’s inactive, and serves as a terrific hiking spot.

Tour boats in the summer drop off visitors on Wizard Island for short hikes. It’s about a 2.5 miles round trip, including a loop of the crater at the summit, with a gain of 757 all told. For a small island, it is home to many plant species – roughly 100 in total. Hemlock and Shasta red fir, whitebark pine and wildflowers cloak the slopes. And the view of the surrounding lake and mountains is well worth the quick amble to the top.

Getting there:

Volcano Boat Cruises offer tour tickets to Wizard Island for $57 per adult. The tour leaves Cleetwood Cove at 9:30 a.m. and returns at 2:30 p.m. or 5 p.m. Reservations are advised, and overnight camping on this island is not allowed.

Crater Lake Tours without a full tour of Wizard Island are $40 for adult tickets. Click the Book It! button to learn more.

Add to the Discussion (5)

We love Crater Lake National Park, but haven't yet taken this tour. Thanks for posting, Nastacia--sounds like a memorable adventure!

Just a note that Wizard Island Boat Tours are offered everyday from 06/24/2016 to 08/14/2016 from 9:45 AM to 5:45 PM. Sorry they're currently closed for the season, but Crater Lake is still fun to visit anytime, especially now that the National Park Service is being funded again! Snowshoeing and cross country skiing are amazing this time of year--it's just so pristine--and you can't beat the cozy lodge. :)

Learn more about the latest conditions on the Crater Lake National Park website: https://www.nps.gov/crla

Advance reservations for the park's accommodations and boat tours on Crater Lake can be made with the park's concessioner, Crater Lake Hospitality. Reservations can be made online at www.travelcraterlake.com

or by calling 866-292-6720.

Such an incredible, otherworldly kind of place - what a great post, and these photos are amazing! It's helpful to find all the necessary links right here in one place too. Going to go scope it all out now...thanks for the info!

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Take a Boat Tour of Crater Lake & Hike to the Top of Wizard Island

CRATER LAKE, Oregon

Description

Added by Jess Curren

Enjoy beautiful and unique views of Crater Lake as you take a boat tour of the lake. In the middle, you'll get to hike to a cinder cone on a ranger led tour. 

Wizard Island is located in the middle of Crater Lake National Park. In order to get out to there you have to book a tour through the commercial concierge. Tickets were fairly pricey, but included a full boat tour of Crater Lake, plus 3 hours on the island itself. Half the tour is before you reach the island, with the remaining half after they pick you up.

To start, you need to hike the steep 1.1 miles down from the rim along the Cleetwood Cove Trail. This wasn't so difficult in the morning, but hiking back out in the afternoon with 3 kids was more of a challenge. There are plenty of benches to stop and rest, so just take it slow and plan extra time if you are worried.

Once you arrive on the island, the 2 mile trail heads northeast, but soon starts switch backing up the mountain. Its is fairly steep and rocky, but we took it slow and the kids did great. Once at the top, there's a path around the the rim of the crater.

We packed a lunch and ate at the summit with beautiful views of the lake all around us! The hike back down is much quicker, although it did take almost the full three hours to hike up, eat lunch & explore, and hike back down.

There are composting toilets near the dock on the island, which we made sure to use before getting back on the boat for the remainder of the lake tour.

Highlights of the boat tour included seeing the Old Man of the Sea and circling the Phantom Ship in the water.

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Take a Boat Tour of Crater Lake & Hike to the Top of Wizard Island Reviews

Carlos Franco

Be Ready For Some Switchbacks

View was excellent; boat ride stopped in middle of lake to fill our water bottles with the water- which was X-rays cold and blue; hike was tough; worth it.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Wizard Island Boat Tour Dock

Wizard Island Boat Tour Dock is located in Crater Lake. It is a 763-foot cinder cone-shaped island that offers boat tours, fishing, biking, and hiking. For more information, please contact 541-594-3000

You can click on the map to open Google Maps in a new tab for directions and more.

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Water Level on 4/4: 6167.93 (-2.07)

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Crater Lake National Park

Photo © Sandro Munoz - Flickr

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Photo © D. Broberg - The Blue Goose Inn

To fully appreciate the incredible beauty of this picturesque alpine lake when you visit, be sure to take one of the Crater Lake boat tours offered by a local company from July to mid-September.

Providers these companies can get you there.

• Crater Lake, OR
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Crater Lake National Park Lodges - boat cruises

• White City, OR

Enjoy a delightful hike and boat tour on the Lake, learning of the folklore and geology of this truly impressive spectacle of nature. For kids 3 and up.

If you are planning to visit Crater Lake during the summer, be sure to plan on taking a boat tour so you can fully experience this majestic lake. Formed when Mount Mazama erupted and then collapsed over 7,000 years ago, this beautiful alpine lake is one of the deepest and clearest in the world. Surrounded by rocky cliffs and verdant forests, Crater Lake’s mesmerizing beauty attracts nearly half a million visitors each year.

When can I take a Boat Tour?

Crater Lake tours typically run from late June to the middle of August, weather permitting.

Where are the boat tours?

In order to access the Crater Lake boat tour dock you will need to hike down the challenging 1.1 mile Cleetwood Cove trail to the lake’s shore. The hike is well worth it, as the boat tour takes you around the lake’s perimeter while one of the National Park Service’s Interpretive Rangers tells you about the history of this spectacular lake.

What will I see along the tour?

As you tour this pristine lake, enjoy various stops including Wizard Island and Phantom Ship - two of the lake’s most fascinating formations. Some boats will drop you off at Wizard Island so you can hike up to the top. The views from the summit are absolutely breathtaking.

How do I book a boat tour?

You can make a boat tour reservation in advance or purchase tickets at the parking area for the Cleetwood Cove Trailhead. To make a reservation call 888-77-4CRATER (888-774-2728).

How much does a boat tour cost?

It depends on the tour:

• Standard Lake Cruise Adult: $41 Child (ages 3-11): $27 Infant (under 3): Not permitted
• Wizard Island Cruise Adult: $57 Child: $36 Infant (under 3): Not permitted
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Wizard Island Boat Tour

Location & Hours

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570 Rim Village Dr

Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake, OR 97604

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Overall rating

We planned a trip in August and when we got there the smoke was so bad you couldn't even see lake and trips were cancelled. There was an advisory for when we were supposed to go. We contacted to find out about our trip and they rely on group in AZ that does the bookings and won't pick up phone even when recording says they are open. The AQI was high and an advisory not to go out was issued on day of our trip. Morning bookings had been cancelled so we called to see if ours was. Terrible communication and they didn't refund our boat cost even though we have pics showing air quality was unsafe.

We purchased tickets for a shuttle to Wizard Island the day before, and when we arrived, there was a sign saying all tours were canceled due to visibility limitations caused by smoke. The company didn't try to contact us to tell us the shuttle wouldn't be running, so we drove out to the location, only to drive all the way back. We were very disappointed in the experience.

A very enjoyable experience. First a walk down to the cove. It takes about 20 minutes. Keep in mind the walk up takes 40 minutes. A group of about 30 take a boat ride to the island with brief narratives from a volunteer park ranger who stays on the island with the group. Then a walk to the top of the island another mile. The views of Crater Lake along the way cannot be beat. At the top is a volcano cone. You can walk down to the center and around the rim. After lunch, the one mile walk down. The ranger is waiting for Q&A. It was his last day of the summer but he was still upbeat. Next a 75 minutes narrated tour around the lake. Take a jacket as it is cold. Last but not least, the long walk up to the parking lot. All told, a seven hour day excluding driving. If you have just one day in the Park and can walk 4.5 miles with elevation, the Wizard Island Tour is a good bet.

Actual tour schedule does not match online listings. They don't take reservations. Our tour was cancelled after we paid for it as well as the park entrance fee. Nobody we spoke to seemed to know what was going on. We were really looking forward to the visit and are extremely disappointed.

We were misinformed from the beginning. Months before our trip we attempted to purchase 7 tickets online. When our order was completed their website stated that we had purchased 5 tickets. When we called to figure out what happened we were told that we probably got the last 5 tickets that were available online but not to worry because they reserve half their seats to sell 45 minutes before departure of the boat. Based on this information we decided we would arrive early to purchase our last two tickets. When we got there however we were told that they were sold out. Apparently they had been on sale for a full 24 hours. At this time we were told that if anyone cancelled or if there were no shows we could buy tickets and get on the boat but it would be cash only. We were never informed of their cash only policy until we were there. We did not have cash on us but thought if seats became available we could explain our situation and pay with a card. (We paid for our first five tickets with a card so we knew the company could process the payment) We hiked a mile to the boat and when it was time to board they had six no shows. We asked if we could give them our debit card information so we could buy tickets. They said no. Trying to come up with a solution we asked if we could leave our ID's with them so we could get cash after the trip and come back to pay for the shuttle and retrieve our ID's. The man we spoke to said he would ask his supervisor, Brad. Brad came over and rudely told us he couldn't do anything for us. At this point in time we had spent over $100 with Wizard Island Shuttles and the supervisor treated us like garbage. He couldn't have cared less. My oldest son and I stayed behind and watched as the boat with six available seats left without us. Wizard Island Shuttles website does not say anything about requiring cash to purchase tickets and the person we spoke to on the phone did not tell us. This makes me wonder if the management is just pocketing the cash. Regardless, if we had all the information we needed from the beginning we would have planned our trip differently.

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Crater Lake - Volcano Boat Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Complete Guide to Crater Lake National Park

C rater Lake National Park is located in southern Oregon and has views that are so incredible and so worth visiting! We are excited to share this Crater Lake National Park Travel Guide to help you plan the best trip possible to the park. 

Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake is located in the Mount Mazama caldera or volcanic basin. It was created when the 12,000 foot Mount Mazama last exploded 7,700 years ago then fell in upon itself.

Today we see the remnants of this glorious volcano that towers over the area. What remains from the old cone of the caldera sits inside the lake known as Wizard Island and rises roughly 900 feet above the level of the lake.

It is surrounded by some of the purest water in the States up to 1943 feet (590 meters) deep! . The lake itself is held in by 2000 foot towering cliffs surrounding the lake at an average of over five miles wide. 

Since there are no rivers to feed into the crater, the water in this lake is 100% snowmelt and rain. Luckily for Crater Lake, they receive on average 43 feet of snow each year which incidentally makes it one of the snowiest places in the US. 

About Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake was formed following several eruptions on Mount Mazama, with the main eruptions occurring approximately 7,700 years ago. The eruption produced over 150 times as much ash as did Mount St. Helens in Washington State, on May 18, 1980.

Ash scattered over eight states and three Canadian Providences. Six inches of ash covered over 5000 square miles. When all the eruptions settled down, a huge bowl-shaped caldera had been formed.

Over time water from springs, snows and rain began to collect and fill the caldera, producing what is thought to be the cleanest large body of water in the world, ranging from four and a half to six miles wide and 1,943 feet deep.

The mountain is full of history and the lake is the main attraction, however, there is so much more that is available to do and see once you arrive.

As a visitor, you can see all Crater Lake has to offer in a day but the more adventurous can take advantage of campground facilities , hiking trails, and ranger-guided activities.

Is Crater Lake National Park worth visiting?

YES! The park is so amazing you may even see a dinosaur enjoying the view.  On our last visit, we just so happened to see the indigenous Homo Sapienius ala dressesupasa Tyrannosaurus rex! What a day at the park!

On a serious note, Crater Lake is located in southern Oregon approximately 100 miles from the Pacific Ocean, and is a must-visit for any park lover. It is one of those places you have heard and seen in photos but the real thing far exceeds your expectations! It's kinda like the Grand Canyon for the fact they are both hard to capture their sheer size in a photo.

I have to admit that every time I go and see this park, there is just something so beautiful about that first moment you see the lake. The size, the deep blue color, and the views are simply amazing! It is much more than a big beautiful lake. Sightseers from far and wide stand in awe of its beauty from the moment they arrive in the park.

History of Crater Lake National Park

There was once a volcano called Mount Mazama where Crater Lake is today. Mount Mazama took roughly 500,000 years to reach its estimated peak height of 12,000 feet.

Around 7,700 years ago the volcano suffered a massive collapse after a particularly explosive eruption.

The collapse caused a large depression. That depression is now home to Crater Lake. Volcanic activity continued in the caldera following the collapse.

One of the most notable formations that were caused by this post-collapse activity is Wizard Island,  a cinder cone volcano that is thought to have been formed before the caldera filled with water.

There are other similar formations that are hidden beneath the surface of the lake.

Crater Lake is not connected to any other sources of water and is only able to fill itself with water because of the heavy snowfall in the area.

Because Crater Lake is cut off from other water supplies there are no naturally occurring fish in the lake however, in 1888 people began stocking the lake with various types of trout and salmon.

Crater Lake was not officially discovered until 1853. However, there is evidence that the native American Klamath tribe was aware of the area as far back as the collapse of the volcano. The tribe has passed down legends of the collapse of the volcano for thousands of years. 

The first settlers to come across Crater Lake were a group of men that were prospecting for gold in the area.

One of the men suggested naming the lake "Deep Blue Lake," but the name never stuck. A second group came across the lake nearly ten years later. They were also prospecting for gold.

One of these men suggested calling it "Blue Lake," but once again the name did not stick.

Three years later a group of U.S. Army soldiers came across the lake. The name suggested this time was "Lake Majesty." The name persisted until 1869.

In 1869 a newspaper editor visited Crater Lake and even went to Wizard Island by boat.

When he wrote the story of his adventure, he called the lake "Crater Lake" after the crater that sits atop Wizard Island. This time the name stuck.

In 1902, president Theodore Roosevelt officially named Crater Lake National Park.

Depth and clarity

At approximately 1,943 feet deep, Crater Lake is recognized as the deepest lake in the United States, and the seventh deepest in the world.

Due to the exceptional purity and the depth of the water, the lake appears very deep blue.

General statistics

Crater Lake is the fifth oldest national park in the nation, and the park contains the deepest lake, for which the park is named, in the United States.

The deep blue lake is more than 1,943 feet deep, according to the U.S. Park Service, which estimates that it holds more than 4.5 trillion gallons of water.

The water owes its dark blue color mostly to the depth and purity of the lake, the water primarily coming from snow melt-off and rain.

The park itself isn't large in comparison to some other national parks and it contains a little more than 183,000 acres.

It became a national park when President Theodore Roosevelt signed a bill for that purpose on May 22, 1902.

The surface of Crater Lake is at an altitude of more than 6,100 feet, with the rim, overlooking the lake, at about 1,000 feet higher.

The highest point in the park is Mount Scott, the top of which is nearly 9,000 feet in elevation.

Things to know before your visit to Crater Lake National Park

Entrance fee  .

7-day single-vehicle park pass - $30 in the summer (May 22-October 31), $20 in the winter (November 1-May 21). 

7-day individual park pass - $15 per individual. Admits one individual with no motor vehicle (bicyclist, hiker, pedestrian). 

7-day motorcycle park pass - $25 in the summer (May 22-October 31), $15 in the winter (November 1-May 21).

Annual Park Pass - $55

Valid for one year through the month of purchase. Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle or its pass holder.

The Annual Park Pass covers both Crater Lake NP and Lava Beds National Monument . 

Planning a National Park vacation? America the Beautiful/National Park Pass covers entrance fees for an entire year to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites.

The park pass covers everyone in the car for per vehicle sites and for up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

Buy on  REI.com  and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

Free Entrance Days   -Find the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually. 

Time Zone  

PST - Pacific Standard Time

Pets  

Pets are welcome at Crater Lake National Park, but only in certain areas.

Pets on a leash are allowed on paved roads and in parking lots, and up to 50 feet away from paved areas. 

Leashes must be no more than 6 feet in length, and only one pet per person is allowed.

Pets are also allowed on a few of the park's hiking trails, none of these trails have a view of the lake:

- The Godfrey Glen Trail

- The Lady of the Woods Trail

- The Grayback Drive

- The Pacific Crest Trail (the official PCT, not the "alternate" PCT along the rim of the lake)

There are no kenneling services in the park. The closest kennels are one hour away in Klamath Falls.

In the winter and spring, pets are allowed only on one park trail: the Pacific Crest Trail, which is open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. 

Cell Service

Cell reception in the park and surrounding areas is limited. 

The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day.

But many of the park's roads, trails, and facilities are closed seasonally due to snow.

Wi-Fi can be found at Crater Lake Lodge, Rim Café, Mazama Cabins, Annie Creek Cafe, Mazama Convenience Store (no charge for lodging guests)

Insect Repellent

Insect repellent is always a great idea when outdoors, especially if you are around any body of water. 

We use  permethrin bug spray  that can be applied to your clothes before you leave for your trip.  

Water Bottle  

Make sure to bring your own water bottle and plenty of water with you. Plastic water bottles are not sold in the park.

Large RV's, Trailers, Buses

There are no restrictions on the size of RVs, trailers, or buses allowed in the park. 

Food/Restaurants

The park has three restaurants. The Rim Village Café is open year-round. The other facilities are open seasonally.

Rim Village Café -  grab-and-go sandwiches and salads

Annie Creek Restaurant - Located in Mazama Village. Grab-and-go sandwiches and salads for lunch and serves pizza, burgers, and other entrees for dinner.

Crater Lake Lodge Dining Room -  casual dining with a lake view. 

Groceries/Stores

The Mazama Village Store sells groceries, camping supplies, firewood, and gasoline.

Unleaded gas is available seasonally at the Mazama Village Store. 

The closest gas stations are in the towns of Prospect (33 miles west of Park Headquarters) and Chiloquin (34 miles south of Park Headquarters).

Drones are not allowed to be used within the park. 

National Park Passport Stamps

National Park Passport stamps can be found in the visitor center.

Make sure to bring your  National Park Passport Book  with you or we like to pack these  circle stickers  so we don't have to bring our entire book with us. 

Crater Lake NP is featured in the 1989 Passport Stamp Set  

Crater Lake's stamp is currently available during business hours at the Rim Village Café & Gift Shop and at the Post Office at Park Headquarters. 

It's the same design at each location.

Electric Vehicle Charging

There are EV Chargers available at Mazama Village. 

1 Tesla Connector, up to 16kW.

Available to the public. Self-park.

Details about National Park

Size - 183,224 acres

Crater Lake is currently ranked at 34 out of 63 National Parks by Size . 

The lake is situated in the center of the park and comprises just a small part of the park which is 183,224 acres large.

Some 95 percent of the park is a wilderness of mountainous peaks and dense forests with only a handful of hiking trails.

Date Established  

Established on May 22, 1902

Established in 1902 as the nation's sixth National Park .

Visitation  

In 2021, Crater Lake NP had 

In 2020,  Crater Lake NP had 670,500 park visitors. 

In 2019,  Crater Lake NP had 704,512 park visitors. 

Learn more about the most visited and least visited National Parks in the United States . 

National Park Address

The park does not have a physical street address, so it can be hard to locate us using GPS.

Try entering "Crater Lake" or "Rim Village" as a town or waypoint, or entering the coordinates for Park Headquarters, which is 3 miles south of Rim Village:

42° 53' 48.91" North

122° 08' 03.08" West

Crater Lake National Park Map

For a detailed map of the park, we use the National Geographic Trails Illustrated Maps available on Amazon . 

Where is Crater Lake National Park?

Crater Lake is located in central Oregon approximately 75 miles from Medford, Oregon.

Estimated distance from major cities nearby

Klamath Falls, Oregon - 69 miles

Bend, Oregon - 130 miles

Eugene, Oregon - 139 miles

Portland, Oregon - 236 miles 

Seattle, Washington - 405 miles

San Francisco, California - 397  miles

Estimated Distance from nearby National Park

Redwood National Park - 206 miles

Lassen Volcanic National Park - 238 miles

Olympic National Park - 462 miles

Mt. Rainier National Park - 387 miles

North Cascade National Park - 511 miles

Yellowstone National Park - 791 miles

Glacier National Park - 745 miles

Where is the National Park Visitor Center?

There are currently two visitors centers located within the park.

Both are staffed with park rangers that can aid you in planning your trip as well as obtaining the weather forecasts. Books, maps, and other educational materials are available for sale at both locations.

The Steel Visitor Center is located at Park Headquarters and is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.

It was named after William Steel who first viewed the lake in 1885 and was instrumental in the campaign for National Park status.

The Rim Village Center is located at rim Village, with operational hours of 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day from June through September.

Getting to National Park

Closest airports .

We flew into the Medford, Oregon airport which is 75 miles from the park. You can also fly into Klamath Falls which is 63 miles from the park.

The North Entrance is closed for about 7 months each year. It closes on November 1 (or earlier, if there is significant snowfall).  The entrance normally opens from Mid-May to Late June depending on snowfall during the winter.

The Rogue Valley-Medford Airport is served by Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, and United.

International Airports

Portland International Airport - PDX

Regional Airports

Klamath Regional Airport - LMT

Closest Train Service

Amtrak provides daily service to Klamath Falls, Oregon (63 miles from Park Headquarters). From July to early September, a  shuttle  runs from the Amtrak station to Rim Village.

Public Transportation

There is no public transportation in the vicinity of the park.

Driving Directions

From the west  (Medford) - Follow Highway 62 to the park's West Entrance. Open year-round.

From the south  (Klamath Falls) - Take Highway 97 to Highway 62 and the park's South Entrance. Open year-round.

From the north  (Eugene, Portland) - Leave Interstate 5 just south of Eugene. Take Highway 58 to Highway 97. If the North Entrance is open, turn west on Highway 138 to the park's North Entrance. If the North Entrance is closed, continue south on Highway 97 toward the town of Chiloquin. Take Highway 62 to the park's South Entrance.

From the northwest  (Roseburg) - Follow Highway 138 east to the park's North Entrance. If the North Entrance is closed, continue on Highway 230 to Highway 62, entering the park through the West Entrance.

Best time to visit Crater Lake National Park. 

The most popular months to visit Crater Lake are July, August, and September.

While there are crowds during this time most of the park services are open and available to explore.

May and June are the slow progressions to summer. Lingering snow can prevent the entire rim road from being open.

With all of this being said the best time to visit the park is when you can get there and have time to explore.

Even if the entire Crater Rim Road isn't open you will still have amazing opportunities to view the lake. 

Crater Lake National Park Weather and Seasons

Crater Lake receives on average 43 feet of snow at the park headquarters. In 2017 they experienced over 48 feet of snow. Crater Lake receives so much snow because of its position at the crest of the Cascade Mountains.

For the most up-to-date weather report check out the National Weather Service .

Spring in Crater Lake is still winter. The park will still be covered in snow and many trails will be closed.

In May the average daily high is 50 degrees. The snow is slowly melting. On average the park still gets 20 inches of new snow in May. 

There is normally at least 6+ feet of snow at the park headquarters. 

By June the daily average temperature rises to 58 degrees. The snow continues but is down to 4 inches on average during the month.

It is worth noting that the lake is completely invisible about 20% of the time in May and 10% in June.

Autumn/Fall

Crater Rim Drive is usually open into October depending on the weather.

The lodges and campgrounds within the park will close by mid-October. 

The National Park Service closes much of Crater Lake down during the winter, but the parts that remain open are ideal for snowshoe hiking, cross country skiing, and a variety of other winter sports.

During periods of fair weather, trails and viewing points are accessible to the public. The NPS does monitor for heavy snowfall and will shut the park down if the accumulations reach dangerous levels.

It's estimated that over 530 inches of snowfall in a year's time at Crater Lake. That is an annual average of 43 feet of snow!

This makes it one of the heaviest hit areas of the country when it comes to winter precipitation. Even though much of the park is closed during the winter months, the park still offers many opportunities for education.

Crater Lake National Park is one of the most popular scenic vistas in the country. Almost 500,000 people visit the park each year. A fifth of those, almost 100,000 people, do so in the offseason.

The winter months offer some of the most beautiful vistas in the country.

The national forest surrounding the lake itself is full of hiking and skiing trails that lead to scenic viewpoints. 

Visiting during the winter months provides a scenic view that reminds one of a picturesque winter wonderland.

Best Things to do in Crater Lake National Park

There are so many amazing things to see and do while visiting Crater Lake NP! 

From the Rim Road drive to taking a great boat tour you can see the lake in a few different ways. 

Crater Rim Drive

The historic Crater Rim Drive includes 33 miles of epic views! There are more than 30 scenic pullouts on the drive around Rim Road. 

The Rim Drive mostly circles the edge of the caldera, affording spectacular views of the lake that lies over a thousand feet below.

Partway around the drive, a parking lot allows people to stop and walk down Cleetwood Cove trail to the lake itself.

The speed limit is 35 mph but you will want to plan a few hours to complete the drive. 

The full loop of Rim Drive (East and West) is typically open from July through October. 

During the summer, there are regular boat tours around the lake and to Wizard Island. On those tours, Park Rangers explain the history of the lake.

A person can get a boat schedule from the Rangers at Rim Village or from the information center.

Visitors should allow themselves plenty of time to walk down to the water, and much more to walk back up.

To reach the dock for boarding the boats, visitors must be capable of descending and ascending the Cleetwood Cove Trail. It is a one-mile trail that drops 700 feet (213 meters) to the lakeshore. The steep, dusty trail is challenging.

Trolley Tours

Crater Lake Trolley, a concessioner for the park, offers daily trolley tours.

Tours typically begin in July and run through mid-September.

The trolley tours travel the 33-mile Rim Drive making five to seven stops at main overlooks during the tour.

A Park Ranger provides information on the lake, history, and fun.

Trolleys are wheelchair accessible and seat 25 passengers. The tours are 2 hours and there are no bathroom stops.

What birds can I see while visiting Crater Lake?

The most common birds seen within the park include Raven, Clark's Nutcracker, Gray Jay, Steller's Jay, Dark-Eyed Junco, and Mountain Chickadee.

What animals/wildlife can I see while visiting Crater Lake?

The most common wildlife seen within the park includes Roosevelt Elk, Mule Deer, Black Bear, Coyote, Bobcat, Porcupine, Yellow-bellied Marmot, Pine Marten, Snowshoe Hare, Pika, Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel, and Townsend Chipmunk.

Crater Lake is also home to a huge number of animal species.

Black bears, deer, and elk frequent the park and it is hard to find a place inside the park boundary where there aren't golden-mantled ground squirrels and chipmunks, at least in warmer weather.

Ravens, hawks, owls, and eagles tend to be plentiful. If a person is exceptionally lucky, they might even glimpse a cougar, though these shy but majestic animals rarely stick around long enough to be photographed.

Steller's Jays, Clark's nutcrackers, and ravens are common.

Small and inconspicuous animals are also abundant, though sometimes not noticed: Hummingbirds, mice, chickadees, pine martins, lemmings, voles, and pikas.

Note: Though many of these animals appear tame and many are not concerned about people, they are still wild animals and should be treated with respect and caution.

Junior Ranger Program 

You can earn both a Junior Ranger Badge and Junior Ranger Patch at Crater Lake.

The Junior Ranger Patch is available for kids ages 6 - 12 who join a ranger-led activity. These ranger-led activities normally take about 20 minutes and happen several times during the day.

Ask at the Rim Village Visitor Center for a current schedule of activities. They are normally held from Late June to September 4th. Patches are not available outside of this date range.

Junior Ranger Badges can be earned by kids ages 6 - 12 who complete at least 7 pages of the park's Junior Ranger activity book.

The Junior Ranger books are free and can be picked up at the visitor center.

Rim Village

At the Rim Village, a visitor can purchase mementos or dine at the café, which offers a breathtaking view of the lake.

Other attractions

There are also other sites worth seeing when a person visits this park. These include Castle Crest wildflower trail, an eighth-mile nature walk near the bottom of Rim Drive that includes many of the wildflowers found in the park.

Lady of the Woods, a statuette of a sitting woman carved out of the solid volcanic rock by a lonely and love-struck worker, many decades ago.

There are also numerous streams and waterfalls to be seen within the park. Among the most beautiful are Munson Creek, Goodbye Creek, Castle Creek, and Anne Creek.

The park is home to an enormous number of wildflowers, trees, and bushes.

Mountain hemlock, ponderosa pines, towering firs, huckleberries, wild onions and chives, honeysuckle, wild columbine, and pussy willows are only a few of the many plant species living here.

An area was even set up, by transplanting some of these plants, to let visitors view some of these species. It is called Castle Crest Flower Gardens and consists of a looped trail of about one-eighth mile.

Trees at the park include enormous Ponderosa pines, sugar pines, hemlocks, noble, Shasta, Douglas, and white firs, cedars, lodgepole pines, and spruces.

The wildflowers and plants include columbine, bleeding hearts, wild chives, huckleberry, mountain cranberry, alpine lupine, Oregon grape, bearberry, trillium, and honeysuckle.

According to the park service, all of the fish in the lake itself was planted. These were fingerlings that were carried, arduously, down to the lake in collapsible canvas buckets, before a trail was created down to the lake.

The effort was discontinued after only a few years, but there appear to be breeding populations of both rainbow trout and kokanee in the lake now, and they occasionally grow to great sizes.

Hiking in Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake has 90 miles of hiking trails to explore and has everything from easy to strenuous. You can find a short half-mile trail to the Pacific Crest Trail that spans 2,650 miles one way!  Always carry the 10 essentials for outdoor survival when exploring. 

Top 10 Crater Lake Hiking Trails: 

Sun notch trail.

Trail Length: 0.8-mile loop trail

Trail Difficulty: Easy

Starting Point: 4.4 miles east of Park Headquarters along East Rim Drive

This is a short uphill hike through a meadow to the rim of Crater Lake. You will have incredible views of the lake and the Phantom Ship.

The Pinnacles Trail

Trail Length: 0.8 miles out and back trail

Starting Point: End of the Pinnacles Road

This hike gives you incredible views of the Pinnacles which are actually ash that was formed when the hot ash cooled.

Plaikni Falls Trail

Trail Length: 2 miles

Starting Point: located on Pinnacles Road 1.2 miles southeast of the Phantom Ship Overlook.

This is a nice hike taking you through an old-growth forest and leading you to an Oregon waterfall . You can also find many flowers along the way around July! 

Wizard Island Trail

Trail Length: 2.3 miles out and back trail that loops around the summit.

Trail Difficulty: Moderate

Starting Point: Take the boat shuttle to Wizard Island

This is a hike to get the blood pumping with a little scrambling and a 700-foot climb to the top. It is more than worth the hike for the incredible panoramic views of Crater Lake from the close to lake level! 

Discovery Point Trail

Trail Length: 2 miles roundtrip

Starting Point: West end of Rim Village where the paved walk becomes a dirt path. 

You can walk to the point where the first white man, a gold prospector named John Wesley Hillman,  placed eyes on this incredible lake in 1853. This trail takes you along the rim of the lake with incredible views as you hike through white bark Pines and Mountain Hemlocks. 

Watchman Peak Trail

Trail Length: 1.6 miles roundtrip

Starting Point: Watchman Overlook

Hike your way up to a historic fire lookout that is still used today! Warning, Incredible views, and spectacular sunsets await you here.

Amie Creek Trail

Trail Length: 1.7-mile loop trail

Starting Point: Mazama Campground behind the Amphitheater between camp loops D and E. 

This hike takes you through a deep canyon with rushing water, wildflowers, and wildlife.

Cleetwood Cove Trail

Trail Length: 2.2 miles roundtrip

Trail Difficulty: Strenuous

Starting Point: North side of the Lake. 11 miles from rim village if traveling clockwise on rim road.

The Cleetwood Cove Trail is a steep trail descending 700 feet to the lake itself. This is the only way to the lake and to catch the boat tours.

It is a very steep trail and will be treacherous for those with bad knees, especially going down. The way back up will give you a good workout as well, especially since the trail is mostly exposed.

The great news is there are several benches along the way back up. 

Garfield Peak Trail

Trail Length: 3.6 miles roundtrip

Starting Point: East end of Rim Village. Follow the paved Promenade behind Crater Lake Lodge

A nice but rocky climb to Garfield Peak. The trail climbs 1,000 feet and may not be clear of snow until July.

It is a great place to see yellow-bellied marmots and American Pikas, these small rodents are easily identified because of their stout bodies,  big ears, and no visible tails.

They are normally found in boulder fields above the tree line in the western US and are widely regarded as an indicator species that has had a dramatic decline in population in recent years due to a loss of habitat due to climate change. 

Mount Scott Trail

Trail Length: 4.4 miles roundtrip

Starting Point: East Rim Drive, 14 miles east of park headquarters.

Here you can climb to the park's highest peak at 8,929 feet in elevation. 

How to beat the crowds in Crater Lake?

The majority of park visitors go to Crater Lake in the summer months of June, July, and August. I feel that September is an excellent time to visit. Typically most schools are back in, and the weather is perfect while fall is creeping in. Winter is fantastic for those who enjoy winter recreation. 

Where to stay when visiting Crater Lake National Park

There are a couple of National Park Lodges located within Crater Lake NP.

Crater Lake Lodge

Crater Lake Lodge is perfectly placed at the lake's edge giving visitors sweeping views of the deep blue water of Crater Lake surrounded by tall cliffs that become covered in snow for several months each year.

This is one of the Historic Hotels of America, a title given to only six hotels in Oregon. The combination of the National Park Rustic design, also known as Parkitecture, and jaw-dropping views of Crater Lake alone will leave you wanting to come back again and again.

Crater Lake Lodge is open from May to October 15th. Opening dates depend on weather and conditions. Reservations are highly recommended. 

The lodge has 71 rooms including six which are accessible.

The Cabins at Mazama Village

There are also 40 cabins at Mazama Village that are 7 miles south of the Rim Village.

The cabins are available from May through October 1st.

There are no lodges or campgrounds open in the park between mid-October and late May.

The closest towns with lodging include Fort Klamath, Union Creek, Diamond Lake, Prospect, Chiloquin, Chemult, Shady Cove, Klamath Falls, and farther out.

Lodging near Crater Lake NP

 Eagle Crater Lake Inn - Eagle Crater Lake Inn provides amenities like a garden and a business center. Guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Dawson House Lodge - Dawson House Lodge provides a fireplace in the lobby and more. Active travelers can enjoy amenities like ecotours and rowing/canoeing at this hotel. Guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Crater Lake Resort - This smoke-free cabin features a snack bar/deli, conference space, and laundry facilities. Free Wi-Fi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, a library, wedding services, and a convenience store are onsite. All 15 individually furnished cabins feature free Wi-Fi and private yards. Other amenities that guests will find include furnished balconies or patios and sitting areas.

Edgewater Inn Shady Cove - At Edgewater Inn Shady Cove, you can look forward to laundry facilities, a gym, and a hot tub. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.

Best Western Crater Lake Highway White City/Medford - Dry cleaning/laundry services, a fireplace in the lobby, and a gym are just a few of the amenities provided at Best Western Crater Lake Highway White City/Medford. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Stay connected with free WiFi in public areas, and guests can find other amenities such as a business center.

Comfort Inn & Suites Klamath Falls - Consider a stay at Comfort Inn & Suites Klamath Falls and take advantage of a free breakfast buffet, a terrace, and laundry facilities. In addition to a gym and conference space, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Klamath Falls -  free breakfast buffet, a grocery/convenience store, and a firepit at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Klamath Falls. In addition to dry cleaning/laundry services and a gym, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Crater Lake National Park Camping

There are 2 campgrounds in Crater Lake National Park;  Mazama Village Campground  and  Lost Creek Campground . 

Both campgrounds are open seasonally as both campgrounds are located at 6000 feet in elevation. 

  Mazama Village Campground  is considered the main campground at Crater Lake National Park with 214 campsites and has most of the amenities that you would expect while camping in the front country (car camping).

The  Lost Creek Campground  has only 16 tent-only campsites that are available first-come, first-served basis.

Camping Games - Check out all of the great games you can bring camping 

A backcountry camping permit is required year-round for all overnight trips in the park. Permits must be obtained in person, during business hours, from the Ranger Station at Park Headquarters. 

For a fun adventure check out Escape Campervans . These campervans have built in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss! 

Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago, New York, and Orlando

Crater Lake National Park Travel Tips

Check for park road status before heading to Crater Lake. When we visited in late summer only 2/3 of the road was open due to snow. The road may also be closed due to fires and other weather conditions.

There is little to no cell phone reception in the park. We were able to get cell phone reception on the deck of the Crater Lake Lodge and in one of the first pull-outs as you head around the lake. Outside of those two places we did not have any service on our phones.

Make sure you have a full tank of gas. Seasonally gas is available at the Mazama Village Store but the rest of the year the closest gas is about 33 miles outside the park.

For More information on Crater Lake, visit my Things To Do Crater Lake article

Reader tips

We asked the members of the Park Ranger John Facebook group for their best tips for visiting Crater Lake. Here are some of the answers to help you plan a great visit!

We stayed at crater lake RV park - it was awesome - quick access to the park and town. Nice place to chill and enjoy a lazy river behind the campsite.~ Dave F.

I regret not planning ahead and reserving a boat trip to the island. ~ Stephen B.

Be prepared for an unforgettable experience!!! ~ Russ V.

Be sure and allow a lot of time. ~ Lona B.

We really enjoyed hiking down and taking a dip in the lake. It’s an unforgettable experience, but the water is really cold, even in the summer. ~ Chrissie R.

Go late in July. We were there in June and roads were not open due to snow. Said probably not open until around July 4. ~ Pam W.

Try to stay at the lodge . Sunset and sunrise are so amazing. ~ Anne

Wear good shoes. It is awesome to see all the lava, etc. ~ Carol 

Drive the entire rim. Be careful near the edge. Be sure to see the Pinnacles. Don't forget the viewpoint up by the Rim which pretty much overhangs the lake. ~ Joe

Get there early for parking! Take lots of pics. The last time I went we weren't able to drive the entire rim due to roads being cleared of debris. Do the trolley tour. ~ Cindy

If you can swing it spend at least one night at the lodge preferably two and do the trip down to the water's edge in the boat ride to Wizard Island. ~ Eric W

How Deep is Crater Lake?

With a depth of  1,943  feet (594 m), Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States.

Crater Lake is the ninth deepest lake in the world!

How much water is in Crater Lake?

4.486 cubic miles

4.6 trillion gallons of water in the lake

Can you swim in Crater Lake?

There is only one place in the park where you can swim in Crater Lake. The Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only access to the lake and shoreline where you can swim.

The trail is 1.1 miles long and drops nearly 700 feet down to the lakeshore. 

The average temperature (below 300 feet deep) is 38°. In the summer, the surface can warm up to 55° or 60°

How was Crater Lake Formed?

Crater Lake was formed by the collapse of a volcano causing a caldera.

It is worth noting that a crater or moon rocks did not cause the crater to form. I have read a lot of people believe it the lake was formed by a giant meteor but this is not true.

Are there fish in Crater Lake?

The lake did not originally have fish but was stocked with six types of fish from 1888 to 1941.

Currently, there are two fish species that thrive in the lake, Kokanee Salmon and Rainbow Trout.

Can you go fishing in Crater Lake National Park?

No fishing license is required within park boundaries.

There are no size restrictions or catch and possession limits for rainbow trout or kokanee salmon from the lake, or brook trout and brown trout from streams.

Crater Lake National Park Facts

Crater Lake National Park was established in 1902

The park averages 44 feet of snow a year

Crater Lake is 1,943 feet deep, the deepest in the USA and one of the 10 deepest in the world

Parks near Crater Lake National Park

Oregon Caves National Monument 

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area  

Tule Lake National Monument  

Check out all of the  National Parks in Oregon  along with neighboring  Washington National Parks ,  National Parks in California, and Idaho National Parks

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Best Hikes in Oregon’s National Park and National Monuments

Oregon guidebook author matt wastradowski explores the best hiking and backpacking in oregon’s national parks and national monuments..

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

Oregon is home to a rich variety of scenic ecosystems. This diversity is showcased in the state’s sole national park and a handful of national monuments. Crater Lake National Park, for instance, showcases the brilliant blue hues of the deepest lake in North America. The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument takes hikers through alien hillsides covered in colorful clays and into the heart of ancient rock formations.

Each of these outposts has hiking trails that offer up-close glimpses of the scenery and sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes. Here’s a guide to some of the best hikes in Oregon’s national parks and monuments, as well as ideas for camping nearby.

Best Hikes in Crater Lake National Park

Roughly 7,700 years ago, Mount Mazama erupted in modern-day southern Oregon, eventually collapsing in on itself and filling with rainwater and snowmelt. Today, that pristine lake is the heart of Crater Lake National Park —Oregon’s only national park.

Perhaps the park’s best-known hike is the descent to Cleetwood Cove. Visitors can take a boat tour to Wizard Island near the lake’s western shore, disembark, and hike to the craggy summit (known as the Witches Cauldron). Doing so gives hikers 360-degree views of Crater Lake and showcases the many peaks beyond its shore. The two-part hike totals about five miles (round-trip) and 1,200 feet of elevation gain.

Backpackers, meanwhile, can choose among several outings (including some that follow a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail) and stay at one of a few backcountry campsites . One iconic excursion: The 33-mile, three-day circumnavigation of Crater Lake .

If you’re looking to pitch a tent, Mazama Campground hosts more than 200 tent and RV sites just inside the park’s southern boundary.

Best Hikes in the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

Three disparate units comprise the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in eastern Oregon.

The Painted Hills Unit is the monument’s most popular destination; there, hikers can choose among five footpaths that collectively total just less than three miles (round-trip). The 1.7-mile (round-trip) Carroll Rim Trail gains about 260 feet while offering top-down views of the surrounding hillsides—many of which are covered in vibrant red, yellow, black, and golden clays. Refrain from walking on the Painted Hills since your footprints may remain for several years before eroding.

For more hikes in the monument, check out the 3.25-mile (round-trip) Blue Basin Overlook Trail and the 1.3-mile (round-trip) Island in Time Trail in the Sheep Rock Unit ; both paths offer views of a rugged canyon whose rocks have a greenish blue hue.

Staying the night? The Ochoco Divide Campground , open mid-May to mid-October, sits 30 minutes from the Painted Hills Unit and one hour from the Sheep Rock Unit; its 25 sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Best Hikes at the Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve

In southern Oregon’s Siskiyou Mountains sits the Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve . The heart of the monument is its network of underground passages that offer impressive views of stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations.

Ranger-led cave tours are available between late spring and early fall, but not all the fun is underground. The Big Tree Loop Hike is a 3.7-mile (round-trip) trek that gains about 1,400 feet of elevation. The short outing affords views of the nearby Illinois River Valley, showcases one of Oregon’s largest Douglas-fir trees, and passes meadows that are covered with wildflowers in late spring and early summer.

Cave Creek Campground hosts 17 sites—each suitable for tents and small RVs—just four miles from the entrance to the Oregon Caves. The campground is open between Memorial Day Weekend and early fall, and each site is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Best Hikes in Newberry National Volcanic Monument

Just south of Bend, three disparate units cover the expansive Newberry National Volcanic Monument . In all, nearly two dozen trails offer easy access to the monument’s scenic viewpoints and volcanic features. One of the most popular is the Big Obsidian Flow Loop Hike , a 0.8-mile (round-trip) trail that gains about 200 feet while heading into a massive lava flow covered in glassy obsidian and bubbly pumice rocks.

In all, six campgrounds reside within the Newberry Caldera. One of the most popular, Paulina Lake Campground , sits on the shore of its namesake reservoir, hosts 68 tent and RV sites, and is typically open between mid-June and late September.

Best Hikes in Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument

Oregon’s newest national monument, Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, was designated in 2000 and sits where three mountain ranges come together. This unique location means the monument is home to a wide range of plant life, wildlife, and natural features.

Get a feel for it all along the 6.4-mile (round-trip) Soda Mountain Loop Hike . The trail gains up to 1,100 feet while heading through a high desert meadow and forests of fir and pine. The trail ends at the base of a fire lookout tower on the summit of Soda Mountain—where wide-open views of nearby peaks and the broader Klamath River basin await.

Less than 30 minutes away, the Hyatt Lake Recreation Area hosts 56 campsites across two campgrounds near the shore of Hyatt Lake.

Best Hikes in the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park

In 1805-1806, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led the Corps of Discovery on a cross-continent trek to document the Louisiana Purchase and the Pacific Northwest. On that journey, they wintered at Fort Clatsop near the mouth of the Columbia River and the modern-day community of Astoria. Today, a replica fort is part of the broader Lewis and Clark National Historic Park .

Perhaps the park’s most beloved trail is the 13-mile (round-trip) Fort to Sea Trail . This enchanting path heads through mud bogs, quiet forests, and open meadows between Fort Clatsop and the Pacific Ocean.

If you’d like to camp nearby, Fort Stevens State Park  hosts 482 tent and RV sites, 15 yurts, 11 cabins, and nine hike-in sites—along with flush toilets and hot showers—near where the Columbia River empties into the Pacific Ocean.

More of the Best Hikes in Oregon on Backpacker

For more hikes in Oregon beyond the national park and national monuments, read our Best Mountain to Sea Hikes in Oregon or explore the quiet, classic long trail, The Oregon Coast Trail . 

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Crater Lake Hospitality has completed a transfer of its operations at Crater Lake National Park to concessioner ExplorUS. At this time, there is a temporary pause on new reservations, cancelations, or modifications. ExplorUS is in the process of uploading existing reservations to their system. Once that is complete, the ExplorUS reservations office will be reachable at the current Crater Lake National Park phone number, 541.314.9777 , and website, travelcraterlake.com.

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Explore the deepest lake in the u.s..

Crater Lake National Park continues to inspire visitors from all around the world. 7,700 years ago, a violent eruption collapsed an ancient volcano forming what we know as of today; Crater Lake. Today, visitors marvel at the panoramic views and natural formations of Wizard Island and Phantom Ship. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, want to immerse yourself in nature, or simply relax and take in the views, Crater Lake awaits you. 

Stay in Crater Lake National Park to get the most of your trip! Spend your days hiking, biking, or cruising around the lake.

Dining at Crater Lake National Park offers sustainable foods sourced regionally and prepared by our chefs with your enjoyment in mind. From quick bites to a nice sit-down dinner, the menus at Crater Lake National Park will not disappoint.

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