Top Things to do in Crater Lake National Park
What to do and see in Crater Lake National Park, Crater Lake National Park: The Best Things to do Adventurous
Created by a volcanic eruption approximately 7,700 years ago, Crater Lake National Park is one of the largest lakes in the world.
1. Crater Lake National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,026 reviews
Beautiful lake which is the centerpiece of Crater Lake National Park.
Reviewed By mgschmidt2019 - Dorsten, Germany
Blue, blue pure and intense colour allover with Wizard Island on one side! The deepest lake in the US, rised by a volcanic eruption, is a visitor´s resp. photographer´s dream. Surrounded by the Cascade Mountain Range it offers unbelievable and beautiful views along the various trails and alongside the West and East Rim drive with more than 30 pullouts to inhale the dramatic scenery. Take your sandwiches, fruit and coffee with you to enjoy a great picnic near the Rim Village. The park´s entrance feeis $25 per vehicle, good for 7 days.
2. Crater Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 551 reviews
Reviewed By RhondaA646 - South Portland, United States
We stayed near Crater Lake (see review Aspen Inn) and spent 2 days exploring the area. I had read it’s a one day stop but we could have spent more time. The hikes in the area are spectacular. The lake itself is stunningly beautiful- pictures don’t do it justice to how blue the water. 1st day we did the rim road. We arrived at 12 and the mirroring off the lake was truly remarkable. We also did two easy hikes - Plaikni Falls and Pinnacles. Pinnacles is very short and shows off the interesting formations. The Plaikni Falls is quite beautiful and again an easy walk. Do not forget your bug spray! The walks are mostly forested and the mosquitoes love it. I wouldn’t say they would ruin your hike but any means but the spray will make your walk more pleasant. 2nd day- Cleetwood Cove - walking sticks were my best friend both down and back. If you have any issues with knees, joints etc, I recommend. At 60 it was a challenge but doable. Make sure you get there no later than 8:30 am. The hoards came down on our way back. The reward was jumping from the rock at the end about 15 feet into the spectacular blue water. Is it cold - yes - was it scary - yes - worth it - yes. You can enter around some rocks but the cold water may make you pause - just jump - very deep and you don’t have to jump out far! We did 3 more hikes after that - all easy. Sun Notch - spectacular views of the Phantom Ship. The next 2 hikes showcased the amazing wildflowers found in the month of July. Castle Crest Wildflower Garden Trail stunning with rock walkway around the garden. Annie Creek Canyon Trail. We were not sure about this one as it backs up to the camp ground. It ended up being our favorite. Do the upper rim first and then it descends down to the creek ( not too bad). In July with the wildflowers- it is beyond gorgeous. We hardly saw a soul. We did not do any of the large hikes beyond Cleetwood Cove. I was with my son and I thought he might be disappointed I couldn’t do them but he loved every trail and how unique each trail. I didn’t know what to expect, but Crater Lake went far beyond expectations. It was respite from all the bad news and a place I found solace. It would be wonderful any time but July with the wildflowers was fabulous. Sorry for the long post but I found it difficult to find a post that helped plan our days. Hope this helps!
3. Garfield Peak
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By 267wendys - Portland, United States
I've hiked in the Alps and climbed Mt Fuji and this hike up to Garfield Point rivals those other awesome hikes! Beautiful vistas all around. Two hours round trip with several stops for pics. It was a gorgeous blue sky day and we loved the hike.
4. Rim Drive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 602 reviews
Scenic 33-mile drive which must be taken in a clockwise direction since areas of it are one-way.
Reviewed By csarchibald - San Marcos, United States
A must do for visitors to Crater Lake. Many people simply drive up to the Rim Village and go no further. They are missing so much. The drive around the Rim Drive allows you to see the lake from different perspectives and the light hitting the lake at different angles gives variations in the color. Don't miss it.
5. Cleetwood Cove Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 217 reviews
Reviewed By 319kendram - Vancouver, United States
Be prepared for an arduous hike back up, but Cleetwood is not to be missed! There are swimming spots as well as a rock for diving off of - Absolute Total Fun! Cleetwood is also the place to catch a tour boat of the lake or a shuttle out to Wizard Island, a must do for any visitor! They advertise food and drink down at Cleetwood, but bring your own. There are bathrooms, outhouse style. If you take the shuttle out to Wizard Island and hike all day, the hike back up Cleetwood at the end of the day will make you wish you had a cooler filled with cold drinks waiting for you in the car in the parking lot!
6. Crater Lake - Volcano Boat Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 102 reviews
