Discover the best things to do in Crater Lake National Park, including its top viewpoints, scenic drives, and hiking trails. One day is enough to see the highlights, but more time allows you to hike another trail or two.
Home to the deepest lake in the United States, Crater Lake amazes visitors every year with its vibrant blue water, steep volcanic cliffs, and breathtaking viewpoints. Scenic drives along the rim of the crater, hiking to incredible overlooks, and taking a dip in the bold blue waters are some of the top activities in Crater Lake National Park.
Crater Lake was formed 7,700 years ago from the volcanic collapse of Mount Mazama. With a surface area of over 20 square miles (53 km2), this massive caldera is filled entirely by rain and snowmelt, which gives it its remarkable color and clarity. The water is so pure that you could take a swig straight from the lakeshore (although the National Park Service asks visitors not to).
We spent two days in September exploring Crater Lake. We drove along Rim Drive, snapped photos at the viewpoints along the way, hiked to incredible overlooks, and ventured out to Wizard Island. Crater Lake became an underrated yet unforgettable experience we’re excited to share with you.
This guide covers the 16 wonderful things to do in Crater Lake National Park, along with helpful tips to help you plan your trip. Let’s dive in.
The Essentials
WHERE | Oregon
DON’T MISS | Rim Drive, Garfield Peak, Watchman Peak, boat tour of Crater Lake
HIDDEN GEM | Visit Wizard Island
HOW MUCH TIME | 1 to 2 days
WHEN | July through September
STAY | Crater Lake Lodge is the most convenient place to stay, to minimize driving
Best Things to Do in Crater Lake
1. Drive Crater Lake’s Rim Drive
The Rim Drive is a 33-mile loop that circles the caldera rim of Crater Lake National Park.
There are thirty viewpoints along this road, as well as trailheads for some of the top hikes in the park. As you journey through Crater Lake, keep your eyes peeled for scenic views out over the lake.
Some of the must-see viewpoints are:
- Discovery Point
- Merriam Point
- Phantom Ship Overlook
- Cloudcap Overlook
- The view from the Sinnott Memorial
Cloudcap Overlook (photo taken in the afternoon)
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE: It takes 2 to 3 hours to drive the full length of Rim Drive. Allow half a day or longer, to add in stops at the overlooks and to hike a trail or two.
WHEN IS IT OPEN: The full length of Rim Drive typically opens between mid-June and mid-July, depending on snowfall. It closes sometime between mid-October and November 1. You can see opening and closing dates here.
2. Enjoy the Panoramic Views from Garfield Peak
DISTANCE: 3.3 miles (5.4 km) out-and-back | DIFFICULTY: Moderate to strenuous | TOTAL ASCENT: 1,100 feet (335 meters) | TIME: 1.5 to 3 hours
For one of the best views of Crater Lake, put this short, somewhat challenging hike at the top of your to-do list. This is our second favorite view of Crater Lake (our favorite is from the top of Wizard Island).
This 3.3-mile round-trip hike climbs steadily along Crater Lake’s south rim, rewarding hikers with panoramic views over the lake’s brilliant blue waters. At an elevation of 7,976 feet (2,431 meters), the top of Garfield Peak offers one of the most impressive vantage points within the national park.
The view from Garfield Peak
The Garfield Peak Trail is easy to reach, as it starts near Crater Lake Lodge. It’s a good hike for beginner hikers and suitable for all ages. Due to this, it’s one of the best hikes in Crater Lake National Park.
This hike was our intro to Crater Lake, as we did it on our first morning in the park. And what a great way to start our day.
Morning is the best time of day to hike to Garfield Peak, as the sun will be to your back and the lake will be illuminated by the rising sun.
Nearby, hikers will find the Crater Lake Lodge, the Rim Village Visitor Center, the Discovery Point Trail, and plenty of scenic overlooks. This central region along Crater Lake’s south rim is well worth a visit.
3. Grab a Bite (or Spend a Night or Two) at Crater Lake Lodge
Built in 1915 and renovated in the 1990s, Crater Lake Lodge is located on the southern edge of the caldera within Rim Village. The lodge offers a restaurant, guest rooms, and a back patio that provides a fantastic viewpoint. With its rustic charm, convenient location, and lake views, it’s a great spot to enjoy a quick meal.
The Crater Lake Lodge serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, perfect for those looking to fuel up for a long day of sightseeing.
We ate breakfast here twice and had a great experience (I recommend the Crater Lake Shortstack 🙂). On our second morning, rain and fog clouded in the lake, so we spent several hours in the warm, cozy lodge, keeping our fingers crossed that weather conditions would improve. They did, and we spent the afternoon on Wizard Island, one of our favorite experiences in the park.
Visitors to Crater Lake can also spend the night within the Crater Lake Lodge. To learn more, visit the official website here.
4. Sinnott Memorial
This stone overlook, built 50 feet below Crater Lake’s rim, offers one of the best viewpoints of the national park. Built in 1931, Sinnott Memorial seamlessly blends in with the surrounding walls of the caldera. Along with a dramatic view, there’s also a handful of exhibits that detail Crater Lake’s topography and formation.
Sinnott Memorial is very easy to reach, located within Rim Village. You can walk down to this overlook via the Rim Village Promenade, a stone walkway along the south rim that provides overlooks over Crater Lake. This short half-mile path is worth walking while at Rim Village.
Did You Know?
The Crater Lake caldera was formed from the collapse of Mount Mazama during a gargantuan eruption 7,700 years ago. Once standing over 12,000 feet tall (3,700 meters), the mountain collapsed in on itself as it expelled over 50 cubic kilometers of magma. Mount Mazama is now considered dormant, although smaller eruptions have formed smaller volcanoes within the caldera. These include Wizard Island, along with a handful that lie below the water.
5. Discovery Point & the Discovery Point Trail
Discovery Point is one of the best viewpoints along the Rim Drive. Here, you’ll look northeast over Crater Lake and Wizard Island. There’s a large pullout along the West Rim Drive where visitors can stop and enjoy the view.
The best time for photography is from late morning to evening. Our photo was taken at 10:45 am.
With more time, hike the Discovery Point Trail. This 2.1-mile round-trip hike follows a narrow, forested path along the southern rim of Crater Lake. This hike allows you to enjoy a little more of the rim than what’s visible from the road. The Discovery Point Trail runs from the Rim Village Promenade to Discovery Point.
6. Watchman Peak
DISTANCE: 1.7 miles (2.7 km) out-and-back | DIFFICULTY: Easy to moderate | TOTAL ASCENT: 410 feet (125 meters) | TIME: 45 to 90 minutes
This is another fantastic viewpoint and one of the best places to take panoramic photos of Crater Lake. It is also one of the best spots in the park to watch the sunset.
This is another of our favorite viewpoints. It’s one of the best places to get a somewhat close-up view of Wizard Island.
Wizard Island
Hikers can walk the trail to Watchman Peak for elevated views over the park. For those short on time or who prefer to skip the trails, there is a great viewpoint located right on Rim Drive, no hiking required.
The view from Watchman Overlook (no hiking required)
The Watchman overlook and trail are located on the west side of Crater Lake. Park at the lot along Rim Drive. Here you’ll find the trailhead, bathrooms, as well as the overlook. From this point, you get a great view over Crater Lake and Wizard Island.
For the best view, hike to the summit of Watchman Peak. A short trail leads up to a historic fire tower and from here, enjoy 360-degree views over the national park.
The view from Watchman Tower
BEST TIME OF DAY: The Watchman Peak Trail is best done in the afternoon or evening when the sun is to the west. From the fire tower, you’ll look east toward Crater Lake and have clear, well-lit views for photos. However, expect more hikers at this time.
7. Merriam Point
Located just a short drive from Watchman Peak, this is another great viewpoint over Crater Lake.
To the north you’ll spot Llao Rock, a giant monolith that towers over the caldera rim. To the south lies Wizard Island.
Merriam Point is easy to reach with plenty of parking and is a five-minute drive north of Watchman Overlook.
8. Go Swimming at Cleetwood Cove
Are you interested in standing at the shoreline of Crater Lake? What about a chance to swim within the lake’s deep blue waters? The Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only trail in the national park that provides shore access to Crater Lake.
Expect a steep trail that descends into the caldera, starting along Rim Drive. It’s easy to go down, but a tough climb back up. Make sure you’re confident in your ability to hike back up before heading down!
Swimming and cliff jumping are both very popular things to do once you’ve reached the lake, and the main reason why so many people love this trail. Expect frigid water temperatures around 59°F (15°C) during the summer. Although chilly, we still saw a fair number of people swimming when we hiked here in September.
IMPORTANT!!: The Cleetwood Clove Trail will be closed for improvements from 2026 through 2028. During this time, visitors will not be able to hike this trail to the swimming spot or take a boat tour of the lake. Get updates on the National Park Service website.
9. Take a Boat Tour of Crater Lake
One of the best things to do in Crater Lake is to take a boat tour. These tours provide views that you simply can’t see from the rim, including the tall volcanic cliffs towering hundreds of feet overhead, the deep-blue water from eye level, and an up-close view of Wizard Island.
CLEETWOOD COVE TRAIL RENOVATION: Boat tours start at Cleetwood Cove. Since this trail will be under renovation from 2026 through 2028, boat tours will not be offered until 2028, at the very earliest. Get updates on the National Park Service website.
WHEN TO GO: Boat tours run from early July through mid-September. Reservations are highly recommended, as tours frequently sell out, sometimes within minutes of opening.
Boat Tour Options & What to Expect
There are two boat tour options: a two-hour scenic tour of Crater Lake (the most popular option) or a shuttle to Wizard Island. They are both operated by Explore Crater Lake.
Most visitors opt for the 2-hour scenic tour, since these tours run frequently, are relatively short, and can easily be worked into a one-day itinerary. During this time, visitors cruise around the lake and get to see Wizard Island, Phantom Ship, and other notable viewpoints. This is just a cruise; it does not stop at Wizard Island.
We opted to do the shuttle to Wizard Island, since we wanted to hike to the top of the island, plus get lake views from the short shuttle ride. I’ll discuss this in more detail next.
Wizard Island boat dock
We learned a lot about the lake during the ride back to Cleetwood Cove. The captain shared interesting facts about Crater Lake as we cruised back to the dock, making a boat tour of the lake perfect for those who enjoy learning fun tidbits and facts.
Tips & What to Bring
It’s important to know that you will have to hike the Cleetwood Cove Trail, as it is the only way to get to the dock. This is a strenuous trail on the return hike (about 1 mile with 600 feet of elevation gain that takes 30 to 45 minutes), so you also have to fit enough to do this hike.
Bring extra layers, sturdy footwear for the Cleetwood Cove Trail, sun protection, water, and snacks. When we did this in September, it was a very chilly ride on the boat and we got splashed a few times, so we also recommend bringing a rain jacket.
There are bathrooms at the Cleetwood Cove parking lot, but no bathrooms on the boat.
TICKETS: Tickets sell out in advance, almost as soon as they become available. If you know your dates of travel, make your reservation as soon as possible. Tickets are sold by Explore Crater Lake.
10. Spend a Few Hours on Wizard Island
Wizard Island is the small cinder cone volcano that sits within Crater Lake. Visiting this island was our favorite thing to do in Crater Lake National Park.
Standing on top of this island and getting 360° views of the lake, as well as gazing into the Witches Cauldron, were highlights for us. Swimming and fishing are also things to do on Wizard Island.
With just a handful of visitors per day, this is a great way to leave the crowds behind.
The view from Wizard Island
Fumarole Bay
WHAT TO EXPECT: This experience starts with a hike to Cleetwood Cove and then a 15-minute shuttle ride to Wizard Island. Visitors spend 3 hours on Wizard Island, to go hiking, swimming, and fishing. The visit ends with another 15-minute boat ride followed by the steep hike up the Cleetwood Cove Trail. The entire experience takes 5 hours.
NOTE: It will not be possible to visit Wizard Island while the Cleetwood Cove Trail is under renovation.
To do this, shuttle tickets need to be booked in advance. There are just two tours per day, one in the morning and one midday. This timing could change once tours resume. We cover exactly how to do this, plus many more photos, in our guide How to Visit Wizard Island ↓
11. Take a Trolley Tour
Embark on a guided tour around the full length of the caldera aboard a historic trolley. A park ranger leads the way, offering narration and guiding you along the Rim Drive. Trolleys make five to seven stops at some of the park’s best overlooks, giving guests time to snap a few pictures.
This is a great way to experience Crater Lake if you’re looking for a guided tour and an easy way to see the top sites.
All tours depart from Rim Village and last about two hours. Tickets are best purchased in advance, though same-day sales may be available at the Rim Village ticket office. Tours run through the summer season of July through mid-September.
12. Ride the Rim
Ride the Rim is an epic cycling event held annually in Crater Lake on the first two Saturdays of September. Cycle the perimeter of the lake, covering roughly 25 miles with over 3,500 feet of total ascent, and plenty of great views along the way.
During Ride the Rim, the East Rim Drive is closed to vehicles, allowing cyclists to freely roam a large portion of the Rim Drive. The West Rim Drive remains open, with cyclists sharing the road with automobiles.
This is a great way to experience Crater Lake if you’re a cyclist. However, if you don’t plan to explore Crater Lake by bike, we recommend avoiding these dates for your visit.
Our visit to Crater Lake coincided with one of the days when the Ride to Rim was taking place. It’s a fantastic idea (we’re triathletes, and the thought of riding the rim sounds like an incredible experience), but if you’re in the park and don’t plan to get around by bike, expect road closures, delays while driving through the park, and the possibility that you might not find parking at overlooks and trailheads.
When planning your itinerary, note the dates for Ride the Rim (you can get them here). If you don’t plan to take part in this event, we recommend shifting your dates to avoid visiting the park on a Ride the Rim day. Here’s why:
- Boat tours do not run on Ride the Rim days.
- Half of the rim road was closed to motorized vehicles (the entire rim road was open to cyclists), so we did not have access to anything on the east side of the park.
- The roads that are open to vehicles are also filled with cyclists, making driving the rim very slow.
- Parking is extremely challenging. There are designated parking lots reserved for cyclists to keep the overlook and trailhead lots open for visitors in cars, SUVs, RVs, and motorcycles. However, this rule was not enforced. Many cyclists parked in these smaller lots, making parking nearly impossible.
Registration for Ride the Rim fills up fast. You can visit the official page here.
13. Hike to the Summit of Mount Scott
DISTANCE: 4.4 miles (7.1 km) | DIFFICULTY: Strenuous | TOTAL ASCENT: 1250 feet (381 meters) | TIME: 2 to 4 hours
Stand atop the highest point in Crater Lake National Park and enjoy sweeping views over the park and the lake.
This is a hike that was high on our to-do list, but it did not work out for us on this trip. On our first day in the park, we could not access the trailhead, as the road to the trailhead was closed for the Ride the Rim event. On our second day, which was rainy and foggy, Mount Scott was tucked away in the clouds, so there was no point to summit a mountain in those weather conditions.
However, the views we have seen in photos are amazing, as you get panoramic views of the park. It’s well worth it for avid hikers.
14. Go Stargazing
Thanks to its remote location, Crater Lake is an ideal place for stargazing. On clear, moonless nights, look up to see satellites, planets, and thousands of stars. Crater Lake is open 24/7, allowing visitors to freely enter and exit the park at night.
15. Photograph Vidae Falls
This small waterfall is located on East Rim Drive, just a short drive from Rim Village. There’s a small pullout where you can park, snap a few photos, and enjoy the cool mist coming off the falls.
Worth It? It’s nice to see, but I don’t think it is worth going out of your way to get here.
16. Pinnacles Overlook
Pinnacles Overlook is one of the most unique places to visit in Crater Lake National Park. Located on the east side of the park, this viewpoint overlooks a canyon filled with tall, needle-like volcanic spires that rise up from the valley floor like stone chimneys.
These formations were created when volcanic ash from Mount Mazama’s eruption hardened around steam vents. Over thousands of years, erosion stripped away the softer material, leaving behind these towering, ghost-like columns.
This overlook is located at the end of a short spur road off the East Rim Drive. The spur road intersects East Rim Drive next to the Phantom Ship Overlook. It is 6 miles (30-minutes) one-way, so the entire visit will take over an hour.
An Alternative to the Overlook
We could not visit Pinnacles Overlook because there was road construction on East Rim Drive, so we could not drive to the spur road. Even if the road had been open, we questioned whether it would be worth the time to visit this overlook.
A park ranger let us know of an easier, faster place to see pinnacles.
On Crater Lake Highway, just a short drive south of Mazama Village Campground, is an overlook called “Faux Pinnacles View” on Google Maps. From here, you can see pinnacles that are just like those at the Pinnacles Overlook.
It may not be as dramatic, but there’s a very good chance you’ll drive this road at some point, so why not take a minute or two to enjoy the view?
Top 5 Things to Do in Crater Lake
We just listed a lot of things to do in Crater Lake. However, you won’t be able to do everything we list in just one day, even if you move quickly. To help narrow things down, here are our top 5 things to do in Crater Lake National Park.
- Drive Crater Lake’s Rim Drive
- Garfield Peak Hike
- Watchman Peak Trail
- Take a boat tour
- Wizard Island
Map of Crater Lake National Park
Here is a map of Crater Lake National Park, highlighting the top places to visit, trailheads of the best hikes, plus restaurants and parking.
How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. To take this map with you, click the star next to the title of the map which adds it to your Google account. Next, within your Google Maps app, select ‘Saved’ and then select ‘Maps’. This map title will now appear in your list.
How Many Days Do You Need in Crater Lake National Park?
One day will give you plenty of time to see the top sites within Crater Lake National Park.
With one day in Crater Lake, we recommend:
- Drive Rim Drive and take photos from the viewpoints
- Hike to the summit of Garfield Peak
- Hike the Watchman Peak Trail or enjoy the view from the overlook
- Take a boat tour of the lake (2028 or later)
Start your morning with a hike up Garfield Peak and then grab a late breakfast at the Crater Lake Lodge. Later, drive the full length of the Rim Drive, stopping at viewpoints along the way. You’ll even have time for another hike or two. Watchman Peak is our #1 recommendation and best done in the afternoon.
If you have two days in the park, we recommend hiking Mount Scott or exploring off-the-beaten-path trails in Crater Lake. Once boat tours resume, a visit to Wizard Island is not to be missed.
What We Did: 2 Days in Crater Lake
We spent two days in Crater Lake in September.
Our first day was a brilliantly sunny day that coincided with the Ride the Rim event. We were limited to the south and east park of the park, as the remainder of the roads were either closed for construction or the cycling event. We hiked Garfield Peak, Watchman Peak, and visited the viewpoints along the west side of the park, and hiked some shorter trails near Mazama Campground.
Day two started off rainy and foggy. We spent the morning in the Crater Lake Lodge, waiting for the rain to end. Our plan was to hike Mount Scott in the morning and visit Wizard Island midday. Fortunately, conditions did improve, so we were able to visit Wizard and in the afternoon, drive to the viewpoints along East Rim Drive.
When is the Best Time to Visit Crater Lake?
The best time to visit Crater Lake is from mid-July through September. During this narrow window, the park’s roads and hiking trails will be cleared of snow and boat tours will be running (once the Cleetwood Cove Trail is renovated).
Crater Lake Road Opening Dates: Crater Lake typically gets 30 to 50 feet of snow each winter. The North Entrance and West Rim Drive typically opens mid-May to mid-June (although in 2023 it opened June 30). East Rim Drive typically opens mid-June to mid-July.
Crater Lake Road Closure Dates: The North Entrance, West Rim Drive, and East Rim Drive typically close sometime between mid-October and November 1. You can see opening and closing dates here.
Crater Lake South Entrance and Rim Village: This very small portion of the park is open all year, except in cases of very heavy snowfall, so it is possible to visit Crater Lake even in the winter (you will just be very limited in what you can do).
Crater Lake Boat Tours: Taking a boat tour of Crater Lake is one of the top experiences in the park. Boat tours run from mid-July through mid-September. Important: Due to construction on the Cleetwood Cove Trail, boat tours aren’t being offered; these could resume in 2028 or later.
Crater Lake Ride the Rim: Two Saturdays in September, a portion of Rim Drive closes for the Ride the Rim event. Thousands of cyclists ride around the rim. We were here on one of these Saturdays and the park is a zoo. I recommend avoiding these dates, as you won’t have full access to the park and finding parking spots is a nightmare. Get dates here.
How to Get to Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park is located in southwestern Oregon. Here are the driving times from nearby towns to Rim Village:
- Klamath Falls: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Medford: 90 minutes
- Bend: 90 minutes
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Crater Lake?
Entrance Fees: It costs $30 per vehicle to enter Crater Lake National Park from May 22 to Oct 31. Fares are slightly cheaper in the off-season, costing $20 from Nov 1 to May 21. Both are valid for 7 days.
You can also purchase an annual Crater Lake park pass for $55, which gives access to Lassen Volcanic National Park.
For $80 you can purchase an annual National Parks pass (called the America the Beautiful Pass). For non-US residents, the America the Beautiful Pass costs $250. With this pass, you can visit over 2,000 federal recreation sites. This is worth it if you plan to visit other US National Parks this year. Crater Lake National Park does not accept cash.
Our Top Tips for Visiting Crater Lake
Webcam. The lake is often hidden by clouds, especially late fall into winter. Check the webcam before you go, to avoid any unfortunate surprises.
There are three restaurants in the park. Two are located in Rim Village, and the third (Annie Creek Restaurant & Gift Shop) is near the park’s southern entrance. These are great places to fuel up and rehydrate on your visit. These are also the only places in the park to refuel on water.
Cellular Service. We had spotty cellular service throughout Crater Lake. We found it works best within Rim Village to the south, although I wouldn’t depend on using your phone to text, check emails, or send photos. You can get on Wi-Fi at the Crater Lake Lodge if necessary.
As you plan your trip and just before you go, get updates about park conditions and road and trail closures on the National Park Service website.
Where is the Best Place to Stay in Crater Lake?
Inside of the Park
Crater Lake Lodge
Crater Lake Lodge has the most convenient location. It sits on the south rim of Crater Lake, and from here it’s easy to walk to some of the top sites (Garfield Peak, Discovery Trail, Sinnott Overlook).
However, the lodge is over 100 years old and showing its age. Prior visitors complain that the rooms are dated and dingy. WiFi and cellular service are very limited. We can attest to that, since we spend a morning here trying to access the WiFi for weather reports and the signal was very weak.
Get dates of opening and make your reservation on the Explore Crater Lake website.
Mazama Village Cabins and Campground
Located 7 miles south of Rim Village, the Mazama Village is another very convenient location. The cabins have 40 standard queen or king rooms that can accommodate 2 to 4 people. There are also 214 campsites for tents and RVs.
Outside of Crater Lake
Aspen Inn is a 40-minute drive to Rim Village. It is a small, basic hotel that gets solid review scores.
We spent two nights at the Sleep Inn and Suites Chiloquin-Crater Lake Junction. It was a 50-minute drive to Rim Village. Rooms were clean, relatively quiet, and the WiFi was decent.
Klamath Falls is an hour and 15-minute drive to Rim Village. The Running Y Ranch Golf & Spa Resort, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Klamath Falls, WorldMark Running Y, and Golden West Motel all get good review scores.
We also spent one night at the wonderful Eagle Point Golf Club Lodging. This property is located west of Crater Lake, about an hour and 35 minutes from the park. We stayed in a spacious, comfortable one-bedroom suite with a view of the golf course. We stayed here the day we left Crater Lake, which set us up nicely to visit the Oregon Coast the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1 day enough for Crater Lake National Park?
With one day, you can see the highlights of Crater Lake National Park. Start your morning with a hike up to Garfield Peak, grab an early lunch at the Crater Lake Lodge, and travel the Rim Drive while stopping at viewpoints along the way. In the afternoon, hike up to Watchman Peak to end your day.
Can you visit Crater Lake in the winter?
Yes, although you can only visit a limited region of Crater Lake in the winter. The national park is open year-round, but most of the park’s roads and trails are generally snow-covered from December into June. However, the west and south entrances of Crater Lake are often plowed daily, providing partial access to Crater Lake. Winter is a popular time for snowshoeing and nordic skiing.
Can you swim in Crater Lake?
You can swim in Crater Lake, but only at select times of the year. Swimming is permitted from mid-June to October, when water temperatures are warmest and the Cleetwood Cove Trail is cleared of snow. This trail, located on the northern end of the lake, is the only legal access down to Crater Lake’s shore. In the summer, expect cold water temperatures around 59°F (15°C).
If you have any questions about the best things to do in Crater Lake National Park, let us know in the comment section below.
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