Best trails in Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park is located %{60_miles} north of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Reaching a depth of %{1943_feet}, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and one of the cleanest lakes in the world. The beautiful blue color is created from snowmelt and rain, and there are many picturesque viewpoints of the lake along the rim. Geologic history of the lake dates back to about 7,700 years ago when a massive volcano, named Mount Mazama, collapsed and formed a deep crater.
There are many different hikes and other recreational activities to choose from, so we recommend spending at least 2 days exploring the park. It's worth taking a day to drive along the %{33-mile} Rim Drive that travels the entire rim. There are many scenic pull-offs where you can hop out and take a hike or simply admire the view. You can also spend a full day catching a boat tour to explore Wizard Island, the volcanic cinder cone that rises out of the lake's surface.
The park is open year-round, but summer is the best time to visit to avoid hiking through snow. Heavy snowfall closes the northern entrance of the park from October through May.
Crater Lake charges an entrance fee that differs depending on the season. You can purchase a pass online in advance or in person at an entrance station.
Top trails
- (5869)•Moderate•3.5 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrThis is the one of the most popular hiking trails in Crater Lake National Park with close proximity to the Rim Village, Crater Lake Lodge, and Applegate Peak. There are spectacular panoramic views of the entire lake and other high Cascade Range Landmarks to the north and to the south the Klamath Basin and southern Cascade Landmarks. This short steep hike leaves the parking lot of Crater Lake Lodge and immediately heads uphill. Stick with it for a half mile or so and you will be rewarded with...
- (6504)•Moderate•2.1 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrThis hike is a steep descent from Rim Road to the shoreline and takes you to the only boat dock in the park, offering spectacular views of the lake and surrounding rim. To get to the water you'll have to scramble down some rocks. Cleetwood Cove trail offers the only lake shore access in Crater Lake National Park. The boat dock provides boat tours of the lake or to Wizard Island; tickets can be purchased at the parking lot at the top of the trail. This is a great spot to cool off on a hot...
- (3668)•Moderate•1.7 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThe Watchman Peak Trail offers an experience that connects you to the sky, the history, and the unique nature of Crater Lake. The high elevation and dark skies make it a prime location for stargazing, and the park often offers ranger-led night hikes to explore the cosmos. The trail itself is a journey through the past, ascending the remnant of Mount Mazama, the massive volcano that collapsed to form the lake. As you walk, you'll be surrounded by a fragile subalpine ecosystem. Look for hardy...
- (2295)•Easy•2.1 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrBeginning from Rim Village, this trail follows along the rim of Crater Lake to Discovery Point. If you want to experience the view without the hike, you can drive W Rim Drive to Discovery Point. Enjoy breathtaking views of Crater Lake from the overlook, as well as along the way. This is also a popular snowshoeing and cross-country skiing route. Remember that Rim Drive is not plowed in the winter, which will add more mileage to this trek.
- (1447)•Easy•0.8 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThis is a quick loop off of Rim Road to a terrific viewpoint over Crater Lake down to the Phantom Ship Island below. You'll have great views of the towering walls of the rim as you hike across a nice meadow to the edge of the rim. The Phantom Ship Island is 16 stories tall and is made of erosion-resistant lava, which is the oldest exposed rock in the caldera. This is a great loop for the entire family. This trail is also a popular winter snowshoe and cross-country ski destination. East Rim...
- (1692)•Moderate•4.3 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrThis trail is a challenging ascent of Mt. Scott, the highest point in Crater Lake National Park. You'll have amazing views of the lake below and the surrounding landscape along the way. From the top, you are rewarded with breathtaking, panoramic views. The trail is fairly exposed, so bring plenty of water and sun protection.
- (1259)•Easy•2.0 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThe trail begins with old-growth fir and hemlock forest all around which provide a nice bit of shade. It travels through the trees and along rocky bluffs until reaching Sand Creek where it opens up to wildflowers and lush vegetation at the base of Plaikni Falls. Plaikni Falls trail is a pleasant hike and relatively easy at about a mile to the waterfall. Because it's so short, it can be difficult to get away from other people if you're looking for a bit of solitude. Accessibility: Visitors...
- (605)•Moderate•4.5 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrThis is a gorgeous trail that undulates along the rim of Crater Lake. The views are unbeatable, and several side trails lead to the shore. This route starts in the north at the Lightning Spring Trail and leads south until Discovery Point, a famous viewpoint. Continue south on what is now the Discovery Point Trail until it ends in Rim Village.
- (487)•Moderate•2.4 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrIn order to get to Wizard Island, you have to get to the boat dock on the lakeshore via Cleetwood Cove Trail. It is a steep walk down, and you will need to walk back up on the way back- this part will be the most challenging part of the day. Shuttle boats will take you to this trailhead. The boat will then pick you up later that same day- you cannot camp out on the island. You'll need to reserve a spot on the Wizard Island shuttle to do this. For more information, visit:...
- (632)•Moderate•2.2 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrThis loop begins near the Mazama Village Store and is a great option if you are looking for a morning walk or after-dinner hike while camping at the campground. The trail starts off relatively flat before descending into the canyon and following along the creek. After a while, you will climb out of the canyon and loop back to the trailhead. There are lovely forested views along the way. Keep an eye out for wildflowers in July.
Visitor info
Admits one or two passengers on a private, non-commercial motorcycle. Good for 7 days. Summer rate from mid-May to October 31st.
Admits one or two passengers on a private, non-commercial motorcycle. Good for 7 days. Winter rate from 11/1 through mid-May.
Admits one individual with no motor vehicle (bicyclist, hiker, pedestrian). Youth 15 and under are admitted free of charge. Good for 7 days.
This is the summer entrance fee and is charged from mid-May through the end of October. Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15-passenger capacity or less) and all occupants. Good for 7 days.
This is the winter entrance fee. Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15-passenger capacity or less) and all occupants. Good for 7 days.
Admits one individual on a snowmobile for travel on snow covered North Entrance Road closed to regular vehicle traffic. Youth 15 and under are admitted free of charge. Good for 7 days.
If you visit twice in 12 months purchasing the park's annual pass will save you money. It is valid at Crater Lake National Park as well as Lava Beds National Monument, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. This annual pass costs $55 and admits the pass owner and all accompanying passengers in a single, private, noncommercial vehicle (or the pass owner plus up to three people when entry is by other means).
Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
No entrance pass required on these days:
Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day
The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.
The Kiser Studio Visitor Center is accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and has wheelchair accessible restrooms. Orientation films include closed captioning.
Audio descriptions, Braille, and large print materials are available.
Additional information about accessibility at Crater Lake National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/crla/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
The Kiser Studio Visitor Center is accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and has wheelchair accessible restrooms. Orientation films include closed captioning.
The Rim Village Lodge has wheelchair accessible rooms. The Rim Café/Gift Shop is also wheelchair accessible.
The Mazama Village has a wheelchair accessible camp store, designated camping sites, restrooms, a shower, an amphitheater, and a restaurant.
The Picnic Hill at Rim Village and Vidae Falls Picnic Area are wheelchair accessible with packed, level paths and surfaces.
The Mazama Village has the following wheelchair accessible features: camp store, campsites, restrooms, and showers. The amphitheater and restaurant are also wheelchair accessible.
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.
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Frequently asked questions
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Attractions
- Hard trails in Crater Lake National Park
- Easy trails in Crater Lake National Park
- Forest trails in Crater Lake National Park
- Lake trails in Crater Lake National Park
- Long trails in Crater Lake National Park
- Moderate trails in Crater Lake National Park
- No dogs trails in Crater Lake National Park
- River trails in Crater Lake National Park
- Short trails in Crater Lake National Park
- Scenic viewpoint trails in Crater Lake National Park
- Wildflowers trails in Crater Lake National Park
- Wildlife trails in Crater Lake National Park
