The Watchman Peak Trail is a 1.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Crater Lake, Oregon that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from June until October.
Crater Lake National Park charges a fee to enter. Fees are $30 per vehicle (Winter Rate: $25) or $25 per motorcycle (Winter Rate: $15). Winter rates apply between Nov 1 - May 21. If you are entering on foot or bike the fee is $15 per person. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $55. The Watchman Peak Trail in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, is a moderately steep out and back climb to a 360 degree view on the west side above Crater Lake from a historic fire lookout. Starting from the Watchman Overlook pullout, 3.7 miles north and west of Rim Village on West Rim Drive overlooking Wizard Island, the Watchman Peak Trail starts from the south end of a paved parking area and gradually switchbacks up to The Watchman fire tower overlooking Crater Lake and panoramic views over the entire surrounding area. This key vantage point offers spectacular views of the lake and Wizard Island, especially in the afternoon. Also night hikes with a ranger are available for some awesome star gazing. Given the altitude and snow conditions in winter, this trail closes seasonally. Check with the park before attempting during winter.
Picnic tables, restroom facilities and ample paved parking are available at the Watchman Overlook Trailhead.
Crater Lake National Park P.O. Box 7 Crater Lake, Oregon 97604 Phone: (541) 594-3000 http://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm
Trailhead: Watchman Overlook, 3.7 miles north and west of Rim Village on West Rim Drive overlooking Wizard Island. Directions to Crater Lake National Park: Roads inside and close to the park are typical mountain roads with many curves and a number of drop-offs. Weather can change suddenly, with snowstorms even in August. Drive cautiously especially if you're not used to mountain driving. From the South (Year Round): From Medford - Route 62 north and east to the park's west entrance. From Klamath Falls - Route 97 north to Route 62 north and west to the park's south entrance. From the North (Summer): The park's north entrance is closed in the winter and spring. Dates can vary, but typically the north entrance is closed from early November to June. Please call park dispatch for the latest road status (541) 594-3000. From Roseburg - Route 138 east to the park's north entrance. From Bend - Route 97 south to Route 138 west to the park's north entrance. From the North (Winter): From Roseburg - Route 138 east to Route 230 south to Route 62 east to the park's west entrance. From Bend - Route 97 south to Route 62 north and west to the park's south entrance. Please be aware that areas in and close to the park have little to no cell phone coverage. In planning your trip, also know that from November to May, there is no gasoline for sale in the park. The nearest gas stations are 35 miles away in the towns of Chiloquin and Prospect. For GPS: The park has no physical address. The Steel Visitor Center (open year round) is at 42 53' 48.91"N 122 08' 03.08"W or you can enter "Crater Lake" as a town or waypoint. Reference: http://www.nps.gov/crla/planyourvisit/directions.htm
October 31, 2020
October 31, 2020Short, somewhat steep climb to one of the best viewpoints in the park. It gives you a great view of Wizard Island and the entire lake. Get there early to enjoy the views as the space at the top can get crowded.
October 30, 2020Beautiful views of Crater Lake and the surrounding mountains. Able to see Shasta on a clear day. A bit of climb but a short distance. Well worth the effort
October 22, 2020October 21, 2020October 19, 2020
October 18, 2020Short and steep. Way too crowded. Some people need to learn to share the view and not hog the place as though it’s theirs. Wear your masks!
October 17, 2020Great hike was awesome views at the top! The top was pretty small and only 50% of people were wearing masks so that was the only drawback
October 16, 2020October 16, 2020Beautiful view of the lake from the top. Moderate climb but short distance.
October 16, 2020October 16, 2020Short hike with an amazing view, best spot for a full view of the lake and rim.
October 16, 2020October 14, 2020If you have the gumption to do so, hiking up here super early and catching the sunrise over Mount Scott and Wizard Island is absolutely breathtaking.
October 10, 2020Worth the short hike up for the views.
October 9, 2020October 7, 2020October 6, 2020October 5, 2020Short and to the point.
October 3, 2020October 1, 2020September 24, 2020it was worth every step there to see the deep blue!
September 20, 2020September 20, 2020September 12, 2020Very nice short hike.
September 8, 2020Go early and you may have the watchtower to yourself!
September 7, 2020September 7, 2020Beautiful views. Easy hike. Recommend going early! We went early and there was just one other party at the top. Drive by later in the afternoon and it was so packed.
September 7, 2020Beautiful views. I docked a star because the lookout up top is relatively small and it was packed with inconsiderate people. Please don’t do a full photo shoot at the best view point. Just take a picture or two and let other people enjoy the space as well. Also mask usage was 50/50. Wear a mask, especially up at the top where other people are close by.
