Garfield Peak Trail is a 3.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Crater Lake, Oregon that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.
kid friendly
hiking
nature trips
snowshoeing
walking
bird watching
forest
lake
partially paved
views
wild flowers
wildlife
bugs
snow
no dogs
This is the one of the most popular hiking trails in Crater Lake with close proximity to the Rim Village and Crater Lake Lodge. There are spectacular panoramic views of the entire lake and other high cascades features to the north and to the south the Klamath Basin and southern Cascade features. 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 views of the lake - and they only get better as you climb! The trail leads eastward contouring the ridge above Crater Lake. The track turns northward one half mile from the trailhead and begins to climb. It ascends the northwestern ridge of Garfield Peak then turns eastward. Gaining the northern ridge crest the route continues to climb to the 8,060-foot summit. Views from this lofty peak south of Crater Lake include the lake, Phantom Ship and terrain south. There is a good path to the top, but, be prepared for a difficult climb along this trail.
Great views of the lake
Great hike. Did it in mid October on a weekday, so there were very few people there. Yes, it is all uphill all the way to the top, but take your time and enjoy the views from every angle. It's a fairly steady climb and there is no scrambling. Well worth your time.
Breathtaking views!! Pretty strenuous if unused to the altitude.
Great view of the lake and wildlife
The view from the top is excellent
simply spectacular. we totally scored with the weather. we were here last year same time and smoke from wildfires made visibility = zero, yesterday visibility was infinity. this is a must see must do hike.
Very enjoyable hike! The parking lot is relatively small, some street parking nearby.
The trail curves towards the back of the mountain surrounded by large pines and firs. The elevation is slow and steady, trail is very well maintained.
The view away from the lake is just as impressive as the lake itself - old growth forests as far as the eye can see!
Great, well defined trail. Spectacular views of Crater Lake. It was challenging due to the elevation but there were plenty of view points to stop and rest. We did this in September and the weather was clear and cool. Highly recommend this trail!
Absolutely STUNNING views of Crater Lake and the surrounding mountains. Moderately challenging and the payoff is well worth it.
Amazing views of the lake all the way up.
The perfect hike. So many beautiful views and the trail was fun. We went in mid September and the weather was amazing. It took us about 2 hours, which included lots of stops for photos and taking in the scenery.
This is a very popular trail. And for good reason.
Difficult for me; easy for my 25 year old son who is much fitter than I. Great view at the top but lots of bees.
hiked this before dawn and caught sunrise at the top which was cool to see but it was a bit smoky and couldn't see all of the lake or crater clearly.
1069ft elev in 3.5miles.. Hike is worth.. and the view from top is amazing..
Must do trail
Challenging but worth the views
1.5 hrs (1 hr up and 30 mins down) with 11 and 15 yr olds. Great views of the lake. Crowded but 4 stars due to smoke from wild fires. We got the views and we could see all the way across but not the deep blue color! Keep an eye on the crater webcam if you are not staying at the lodge. Dry and steep going up and starts at 7k ft so take water. We had lunch at the lodge after. While we waited for our table, had a drink in a rocking chair on the patio overlooking the lake.
Love this hike, gives great views of the basin, crater lake, wizard island & phantom ship. It is short but it is all uphill. I went to watch the sunset on Garfield & I passed only two people who were headed down while I was going up
awesome hike, best to do in the early am. we started at 630, no one was on the trail. far busier after 8.
Did this trail early this morning (8/3) with spectacular weather and minimal crowds until the descent. I had the peak to myself for upwards of 45 minutes. I must stress the extreme crowds toward early afternoon-mid day. The hike is entirely uphill until you reach the peak, but nothing a moderately in shape person couldn’t do. Go early and enjoy!
Nice short hike with great views of the Lake as well as Wizard Island. Some snow left but the top of the hike is accessible. High traffic.
Excellent hike with fantastic views. My favorite so far.
This doesn’t need another review but I had such a good time I simply must. Every second of this trail is breathtaking. Don’t be fooled by the short distance, this hike is not easy, but it’s a killer work out if you move at a good pace. I think this was a fluke incident but a few falling rocks came down from the peak as I descended and could have ended badly for me if I wasn’t paying attention, make sure to be cautious of your steps and surroundings as the trail is narrow. If you only have time for one hike here, do this hike! You won’t regret it.
Good for all ages! The views were awesome! The other hikers were friendly and that made the day that much better!
Nice quick hike to an overlook of the lake. Definitely worth the time. Roughly 1.5 hr round trip plus photo and snack time. High traffic
Gorgeous panoramic views of crater lake at the top, and amazing views the whole way. Very steep in the beginning- would consider it more strenuous. Great spots along the way to take in the views and enjoy lunch.
Went on this hike today and it was beautiful! There is still a little bit of snow along the trail but it's off to the sides and the whole trail is open. A little steep on the way up in some parts but really not too bad. Recommend hiking shoes as it is pretty rocky.
Very glad we did this. The high peak offers a nice view down into the lake. At the top turn around and see an alpine meadow you did not expect. There are a lot of people doing the trail but significantly less than the shoulder to shoulder people on the rim. Chance to get away
Probably the best hike if you could only choose one. Some sleep parts but the views are well worth it and you can grab some food at the lodge upon completing the hike, Great to be away from people in parking lots as they take photos of the lake, feels more special from up above.