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
Note: Garfield Peak Trail may be closed due to snow and unsafe conditions. Please check with the park page for more information. 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.
Travel Oregon, 670 Hawthorne St, Suite 240 , Salem, OR, 97301, Phone: 800-547-7842
Bring water for the summer, it's REALLY hot and dusty up there. Trail covered in snow from October to early July. The top portion of the trail may be covered in snow until late-July.
Trailhead location: East end of Rim Village. Walk behind Crater Lake Lodge along the paved promenade and continue upwards to a dirt trail. East of the Crater Lake Lodge, along the caldera rim. Directions from Annie Spring Entrance Station: Drive northward into the park 4 miles to Rim Drive. Turn left on to West Rim Drive and travel 2 miles to Rim Village Road. Turn right and drive a short distance to the trailhead.
Mon Jul 13 2020What an incredible trail! We parked at Rim Village first thing in the morning , had no issues finding a spot and what can we say there are incredible views at every turn all the way up to the top. I would agree with the moderate rating, It gets a little challenging with the long climb but at no point is it too steep as the trail is very well-maintained. We had a really clear sunny day with no wind so we had great visibility. We could see the ‘Phantom Ship’ clearly from the top. After we came down we stopped for gifts and lunch at the café and found a nice spot outside to picnic overlooking Wizard Island. Would highly recommend this trail.
Mon Jul 13 2020Beautiful trail. Starts behind the Lodge, follow the path close to the crater rim and it will get you to the start of the trail. Because of its elevation, it starts at about 7000ft and climbs to about 8000ft, it seems a little harder than it “should be”, especially when you live at sea level and are not used to higher altitude. That said, it is gorgeous and worth the effort. The wind was blowing fiercely yesterday and had to hold on to our caps on occasion. Some people were wearing masks but the majority was not. Not an issue for me, especially being outside with winds blasting, but if it is for you.. be forewarned. It gets crowded. We started at 1100 am and on the way back down around 1:30pm it was becoming packed with people. There was still a barricade yesterday but after reading reviews here, we decided to go around it and found the trail totally clear of snow. Just a bit muddy on the top. I would want to do it in sandals. All in all, great hike!!
Sun Jul 12 2020Omg! The views of all crater lake are so beautiful. The top of the trail was closed until the ranger opened it on our way up! So we got to go to the top! So worth it!
Sat Jul 11 2020It’s all uphill but not very steep until the closure part. I like this hike a lot. It was fun and pretty.
Sat Jul 11 2020Solid hike with great views of Crater Lake. If you’re staying at the lodge, it’s accessible right out the back door. When we went the last part of the hike was closed due to snow and blocked trail further ahead. Still a great hike and well worth it if you’re looking for a moderate, steep one.
Sat Jul 11 2020The last part of the trail is closed due to snow and hazardous conditions, so if anyone is reading this before hand, respect all signs and closures - they’re in place for a reason even if it doesn’t look bad. I’m seeing a lot of reviewers say they just went around it, but it’s not worth putting yourself or others in danger! There are plenty of breathtaking views to go around. Happy hiking!
Sat Jul 11 2020Amazing amazing amazing! A must do
Fri Jul 10 2020I like it!
Wed Jul 08 2020Wed Jul 08 2020Not going to lie, this hike was one of my favorites. I will never forget it. It does have barriers up for the last 1/3rd due to snow. That being said we went to the top, was absolutely amazing. Been on a lot of trials and this one is in my top 5. Beautiful place
Tue Jul 07 2020Great views of the lake throughout the hike. We could also see the phantom ship. A lot of good view points that make it completely worth the time. I’d suggest taking it slow and enjoying the views and not rush to the top. Parts of the hike still had some snow but those could be crossed with some caution. Hiking poles would be very useful if you’re planning to cross those snow patches.
Sun Jul 05 2020Sat Jul 04 2020Amazing views. A little bit of snow at the end but easily hikeable
Fri Jul 03 2020Hiked this trail 7/2. Last 1/3 closed due to snow, however easy to bypass and moderately difficult to reach the end of the trail if you’re willing to scramble up some snowy patches. Overall enjoyable hike with amazing fees throughout!
Thu Jul 02 2020Beautiful views. Trail is closed at the top did to snow 7/2/20
Thu Jul 02 2020Great trail, especially before the break of dawn to catch the beautiful sunrise. Enjoy!
Thu Jul 02 2020Hiked on July 2nd. Stunning! While a third of the trail is closed at the top, this is still a must do. Very small amount of snow on the trail. The narrow trail could prove a problem for some too.
Wed Jul 01 2020Was Contemplating on if I should do it it was kind a late in the day... so glad I did! It is stunning. The weather is insane sunny then covered in clouds then sunny. Creepy place. I want to see the old man or wise man whatever that floating log is called but the lake is sooo big!
Mon Jun 29 2020Went on 6/28/20; it was super cloudy and windy. Technically it is still closed but it was an easy thing to pass. It’s actually not bad snow wise, we got up in regular tennis shoes without any real falls. Definitely incline getting there. Good thing about the weather part is that no one else was up there, we saw one other couple coming up on our way down! Got to the top (actually I think we went further from the top, there is no real signs or anything to tell you when you were there, we followed footsteps) and had 0 visibility!!! So disappointed, we ended up trying to wait for some clouds to part (we were completely surrounded), but it got so cold we had to head back down. Would have been beautiful I think!
