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
birding
hiking
nature trips
snowshoeing
walking
forest
lake
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.
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. And have lunch at the lodge after, while you wait for your table have 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.
Made it to the peak early Tuesday morning. Amazing view. Absolutely breathtaking. Marvelous breakfast for a swamp of hungry mosquitoes.
Awesome hike! The crowd was very minimal compared to other national parks I've visited!
Didn’t make it to the top, but 3/4 of the way up was able to catch a GREAT view.
This trail was awesome! There were amazing views of Crater Lake the entire time. It is a must do trail!!
I did this hike on 6-19-18. There is a danger sign because of snow. There is only one tricky part at the very end where its pretty steep and you have to climb up snow. Bring trekking poles or use a stick like I did. Otherwise most of the snow is gone. Absolutely beautiful!!!!
I did this trail on Jun 16. Most of the trail ~90% was clear of snow. The remaining portion with patches of snow was also very easy to walk through. The view was absolutely worth it at the top.
We did this one yesterday. As previously mentioned, there is a trail closed sign about 1/4 way up, but everybody continued passed it. About 3/4 way up, there is a 100 yard snowfield but the path is easily seen and crossed. Just short of the top, there is a more challenging snowfield perhaps 50 yards long. It’s easier going up then down. That being said, my 12 year old daughter, an avid hiker, had no issues. The short remaining trail to the top is no problem.
Just hiked this trail today- June 7 2018. The trail was closed off about a third of the way up, but we ignored it with caution and kept hiking. Made it less than a quarter mile from the peak before the snow actually got too deep to hike without crampons or snowshoes. As we were headed back down, a couple more groups were just making their way past the warning signs. The seclusion and views at the top were definitely worth taking the trail as far as we could go.
CATHLEEN L.
There was a sign blocking the trail saying it was closed due to dangerous conditions. Like everyone else, we ignored it and it was worth it. The hike up wasn't bad and the views were amazing.
Could only do the very first part because of the snow and steep ramps but the views were amazing. You'll dig into the snow (about a foot) so it's pretty strenuous, but you'll probably be all alone.
Maria V.
Good but hard
Really fun! We didn't get the whole view because go the smoke from the forest fire, but it was still pretty.
Did this one in August 2016. It’s a short and sweet little hike. Moderately steep. I definitely had to take a few short breaks because of the elevation. It’s about 8000 ft. at the peak. But overall very scenic and wonderful views!
Short and sweet, amazing view
Very scenic, moderately steep trail with panoramic views of the area.
Great sunrise hike. Wonderful views. Wide trail.
A nice little Trail with beautiful views!