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Best trails in Crater Lake National Park

Best trails in Crater Lake National Park

4.5(20,815 reviews)

·

United States
#29 of 60 national parks

Want to find the best trails in Crater Lake National Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 30 great trails for hiking, snowshoeing, and backpacking and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Explore one of 8 easy hiking trails in Crater Lake National Park that are great for the whole family. Looking for a more strenuous hike? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 42 to 10,439 feet in elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Crater Lake National Park.

Top trails

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Visitor info

Hours & contact
Passes & fees
Starting at $15
Accessibility
Crater Lake National Park
Every day • Open 24 hours
West Entrance
Every day • Open 24 hours
South Entrance
Every day • Open 24 hours
North Entrance
Every day • Open 24 hours
Exceptions
Crater Lake National Park • Christmas (Closed)
Dec 25, 2025 • Closed
North Entrance • Winter Closure of North Entrance
Nov 1, 2024–Jun 15, 2025 • Closed
Phone
(541) 594-3000
Entrance pass
Motorcycle (May 22–Oct 31)

Admits one or two passengers on a private, non-commercial motorcycle. Good for 7 days. Summer rate from mid-May to October 31st.

$25
Motorcycle (Nov 1–May 21)

Admits one or two passengers on a private, non-commercial motorcycle. Good for 7 days. Winter rate from 11/1 through mid-May.

$15
Per Person

Admits one individual with no motor vehicle (bicyclist, hiker, pedestrian). Youth 15 and under are admitted free of charge. Good for 7 days.

$15
Purchase pass
Private Vehicle (May 22–Oct 31)

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.

$30
Purchase pass
Private Vehicle (Nov 1–May 21)

This is the winter entrance fee. Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15-passenger capacity or less) and all occupants. Good for 7 days.

$20
Purchase pass
Snowmobile (Nov 1–Jun 15)

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.

$15
Purchase pass
Annual pass
Park

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).

$55
Purchase pass
All U.S. national parks

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.

$80
Purchase pass
2025 Fee-free days

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

Overview

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.

Facilities

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.

Camping

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

Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.

Trail reviews for Crater Lake National Park

22,562 trailgoers Busiest in July
Sep 22, 2024Hiking
Not crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

Not dog friendly. In fact, most all of Crater Lake National Park is not dog friendly when it comes to hiking. I was a bit disappointed with that. Otherwise, a great way to start or end a day at the park. Short hike, stunning views.

Difficulty: Easy
The Watchman Peak Trail
May 17, 2025Walking
Not crowdedDog-friendly

Came to crater lake on May 17, 2025. It’s actively snowing with huge snow banks. Today it’s so cloudy that you can not see the lake. We rented snowshoes and poles at Rim Village which is open 9-8. If you’re adventurous, come out and play.

Discovery Point Trail
Nov 17, 2024
Not crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

Short but awesome walk along rock formations for a different view at Crater Lake Park!

Pinnacles Valley Trail
Oct 15, 2024Hiking

Quick hike! Fantastic views! This review is for Mount Scott at Crater Lake. Not sure how it got filed under the Sawtooth Mount June Lowell Oregon?

Mount Scott Trail
Oct 19, 2024Hiking
Great conditionsGreat views

Hike down to Crater Lake where you can put your feet in the ice cold water. Definitely do this if you’re looking for a memorable experience.

Conditions: Great!
Cleetwood Cove Trail
Oct 19, 2024Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedDog-friendlyGreat conditionsGreat views

Definitely must do hike. Stunning views of crater lake from the top and the surrounding mountains. On a clear day one can see Diamond Peak and Mound Shasta.

Difficulty: Moderate
Garfield Peak Trail
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Crater Lake National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Crater Lake National Park is Garfield Peak Trail, which has a 4.8 star rating from 4,597 reviews. This trail is 3.5 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,076 ft.

What is the longest trail in Crater Lake National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Crater Lake National Park is PCT: Crater Lake to Willamette Trailhead. This trail is estimated to be 80.7 mi long.

How many trails are in Crater Lake National Park?

There are 30 trails in Crater Lake National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 20,815 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Crater Lake National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Crater Lake National Park has you covered. PCT: Crater Lake to Willamette Trailhead boasts the most elevation gain with 10,439 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is PCT: OR Section C - Highway 140 to Highway 138 (Cascade Crest), which will get you 8,914 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Crater Lake National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 4 camping trails in Crater Lake National Park and the most popular is Annie Creek Canyon Trail with an average 4.6 star rating from 425 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Crater Lake National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 21 running trails in Crater Lake National Park and the most popular is Garfield Peak Trail with an average 4.8 star rating from 4,597 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Crater Lake National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 biking trail in Crater Lake National Park which is Pinnacles Valley Trail with an average 4.4 star rating from 540 community reviews.

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