The Best Things to Do in Crater Lake National Park

Visiting Southern Oregon? Here are the best things to do in Crater Lake National Park.

Crater Lake National Park, located in southern Oregon, is one of the most breathtaking natural destinations in the United States. Known for its intensely blue waters and dramatic volcanic landscape, Crater Lake was formed nearly 8,000 years ago from a powerful eruption, creating the deepest lake in the country.

When we visited, we were captivated by the lake’s clarity and stunning hues, set against towering cliffs and pristine forests. This serene park offers a wealth of experiences, from scenic rim drives and island cruises to invigorating hikes and tranquil stargazing.

Each season brings a unique way to explore Crater Lake, whether you’re watching the sunrise, snowshoeing through a winter wonderland, or admiring the stars above the caldera.

For those planning a visit, this guide covers the top things to do in Crater Lake National Park Oregon, helping you make the most of your time at one of the United States’ most extraordinary natural wonders.

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Best Time to Visit Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park is a destination that offers distinct experiences in each of its four seasons, transforming in ways that cater to both the adventurous and the serene-seeking traveler. However, the ideal time to visit depends largely on what you’re hoping to see and experience.

Spring (April to June): Spring is a transformative time at Crater Lake, as melting snow begins to reveal the park’s lush greenery. The lake is typically still partially frozen in early spring, and higher-elevation roads, including the scenic Rim Drive, may remain closed due to snow- make sure to check in advance of your trip.

This is an excellent time for solitude, with fewer visitors and the landscape just beginning to awaken. However, access to some areas may be limited until late spring.

Summer (July to September): For those seeking the best weather and full access to the park’s amenities, summer is the best season to visit Crater Lake. The skies are typically clear, allowing for unobstructed views of Crater Lake’s brilliant blue waters.

The famous Rim Drive, a 33-mile loop around the lake, is open, offering spectacular vistas and easy access to trails. While summer draws the largest crowds, it is also the season for boating tours on the lake, swimming, and hiking with trails fully accessible.

To avoid the peak crowds, consider visiting in early July or September.

Autumn (October to November): Early autumn is a hidden gem at Crater Lake, with the crispness of fall and fewer visitors, offering a serene experience of the park. Late September through October is especially enchanting, as the autumn hues contrast beautifully with the lake’s intense blue.

While Rim Drive typically remains open through mid-October, snow can begin to fall as early as November. Late autumn visitors will experience a quieter, more intimate atmosphere, perfect for luxury travelers seeking tranquility.

Winter (December to March): Winter at Crater Lake National Park is nothing short of a winter wonderland. With heavy snowfall transforming the park into a pristine snowscape, it becomes an ideal setting for winter sports enthusiasts.

Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular activities, and the park offers ranger-led snowshoe tours. While some park roads close (including Rim Drive and the Northern Entrance), the deep snow provides a magical atmosphere and a sense of remoteness that few other national parks offer.

Be prepared for the park’s wintery extremes, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing.

For a balanced experience with mild weather and fewer crowds, early summer (late June) and late autumn (September through early October) are ideal. But if you’re chasing sunshine and accessibility to the lake’s many activities, summer is the best season to visit Crater Lake National Park- just make sure to plan for the crowds.

How Long Do You Need to Visit Crater Lake

A day trip to Crater Lake National Park is certainly possible, especially given its proximity to major Oregon cities—just a two-hour drive from Bend and around three hours from Eugene.

For those pressed for time, a day trip allows for a glimpse of the lake’s placid beauty and a quick scenic drive along Rim Drive, making it an achievable and rewarding excursion.

However, to truly appreciate what to do in Crater Lake National Park, I recommend an overnight trip. With two full days and a night in the park, you’ll be able to enjoy a relaxed pace to explore, with time for activities like hiking, a boat tour of the lake, and perhaps a sunset or stargazing session over the pristine waters.

Staying overnight also allows for early morning or late afternoon visits to the lake’s viewpoints, offering quieter, more private moments when the light is at its most photogenic and the crowds have thinned.

For those looking to take on all the things to do in Crater Lake National Park on this list, three days is superb but not essential.  

Know Before You Go

Crater Lake National Park is open year-round though some areas, like the scenic Rim Drive, are only accessible from late June through October due to heavy snowfall. The park’s visitor centers, trails, and campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from late spring through early fall.

During winter months, some sections close to vehicle traffic, but they remain open for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and other winter activities.

Entrance Fees

The park charges an entrance fee, which is $30 per vehicle during the summer months (May through October) and $20 per vehicle in winter (November through April). The fee provides access for seven consecutive days, allowing ample time to explore the lake and surrounding trails. 

If you plan to visit multiple national parks or return throughout the year, consider purchasing an America the Beautiful pass, which provides access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the United States for an annual fee of $80. It’s well worth the spend.

10 Best Things to Do in Crater Lake National Park

1. Take a Drive around Rim Drive

Rim Drive is Crater Lake’s most scenic route, a 33-mile journey that offers sweeping views of the lake from over 30 overlooks along the caldera’s edge.

This iconic drive provides access to must-see viewpoints like Discovery Point, where Crater Lake was first spotted by prospectors, and Cloudcap Overlook, the drive’s highest point with panoramic vistas.

With its winding route, Rim Drive is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, allowing for plenty of stops to take photos of the lake’s stunningly blue waters and geological features like Wizard Island and Phantom Ship.

Open only from late June through October due to heavy snowfall, Rim Drive is perfect for summer visitors. To experience the route with fewer crowds, try starting early in the morning or catching the sunset light on the lake’s surface. 

For cyclists, the annual “Ride the Rim” event in September closes the road to cars, offering a peaceful, car-free ride. Before you set out make sure to check the NPS Crater Lake website for all details of events, weather, and road closures.

​2. Catch a Sunrise

Sunrise is easily my favorite time of the day. There’s just something about the stillness and silence out in nature at that time, something about being awake while the world is still sleeping.

I know many wouldn’t agree but sunrise at Crate Lake is worth setting an early alarm for. Watching the sunrise over Crater Lake is a magical experience that reveals the lake’s beauty in a softer, more ethereal light.

As dawn breaks, the sky shifts from deep purples to brilliant pinks and oranges, casting a warm glow on the lake’s deep blue waters.

One of the best spots to catch the sunrise is Rim Village, where several overlooks provide uninterrupted views across the lake to Wizard Island and the surrounding cliffs. Another excellent location is Watchman Overlook, where the high vantage point enhances the view, allowing you to witness the first rays of light gently illuminating the caldera’s walls. 

Arriving early for sunrise is a commitment but one well worth making. The sight of Crater Lake waking up under the first light of day is unforgettable, with each sunrise offering a unique palette of colors depending on the season and weather.

3. Take a Cruise to Wizard Island

A boat cruise to Wizard Island is one of the most unique and adventurous ways to experience Crater Lake. This volcanic cinder cone rises dramatically from the lake’s pristine waters, offering a rare opportunity to explore within the caldera itself.

Cruises to Wizard Island run seasonally, typically from late June through early September, with boats departing from the Cleetwood Cove Trailhead, accessible by a steep, mile-long descent to the lake’s edge.

Once on the island, visitors have several hours to hike, explore, and soak in the extraordinary views. A popular choice is the Wizard Summit Trail, a short but steep trek to the top of the cinder cone. At the summit, panoramic views stretch across Crater Lake, providing a unique perspective of the caldera’s rugged cliffs and deep blue waters.

There’s also the Fumarole Bay Trail, which leads to a quiet spot perfect for swimming or fishing in the island’s crystal-clear, serene waters.

The cruise itself is a scenic experience, with park rangers on board who share fascinating insights into the lake’s geology, history, and ecology. As you glide across the deepest lake in the U.S., you’ll see the vibrant blue hues that make Crater Lake so famous, with opportunities to spot underwater features and cliffs rising directly from the water. 

4. Go on a Hike

Hiking in Crater Lake National Park is one of the best ways to fully appreciate its dramatic landscapes, pristine forests, and unique volcanic features. With trails ranging from easy lakeside strolls to challenging summit hikes, there’s something for every level of hiker.

Each trail offers its own perspective on the park’s stunning blue lake, ancient geology, and surrounding wilderness, giving visitors an up-close experience of this natural wonder. 

Here are some of the most popular and rewarding hikes in Crater Lake National Park:

• Cleetwood Cove Trail – The only trail that provides access to the lake’s shoreline, this steep, 1.1-mile descent (and climb back up) is where you can swim or catch a boat tour to Wizard Island.
• Watchman Peak Trail – A 1.6-mile round-trip hike that offers panoramic views of Crater Lake and Wizard Island, especially beautiful at sunset.
• Garfield Peak Trail – A challenging 3.4-mile round trip to the summit of Garfield Peak, this trail rewards, with some of the most spectacular views of Crater Lake and the surrounding Cascade Range.
• Mount Scott Trail – The highest point in the park, this 4.4-mile round-trip trail leads to a fire lookout with breathtaking 360-degree views over the lake and beyond.
• Discovery Point Trail – A relatively easy 2.4-mile round-trip hike along the rim, this trail offers beautiful lake views and is perfect for families and casual hikers.
• The Pinnacles Trail – An easy 1-mile trail that takes you through the park’s southeast corner to see the eerie volcanic spires, known as The Pinnacles.
• Plaikni Falls Trail – This gentle, 2-mile round-trip trail leads through a quiet, old-growth forest to a picturesque waterfall—a great choice for a quieter, nature-filled walk.
• Annie Creek Canyon Trail- A 1.7-mile loop trail through a lush canyon carved by Annie Creek, featuring wildflowers, forested areas, and steep canyon walls

5. Go Stargazing

Crater Lake National Park, with its high elevation and minimal light pollution, is one of the best places for stargazing in the Pacific Northwest. On a clear night, the skies above the lake reveal a brilliant canvas of stars, constellations, and even the Milky Way stretching across the horizon.

The most popular spot to stargaze is Rim Village, where the lake’s glassy surface reflects the starlight, enhancing the experience. 

During summer months, the park occasionally hosts ranger-led astronomy programs, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the night sky and the unique conditions that make Crater Lake such a remarkable stargazing location.

6. See the Pinnacles

The Pinnacles, located in the southeast corner of Crater Lake National Park, are a fascinating and often overlooked natural wonder. These towering spires of pumice and ash were formed by volcanic steam vents thousands of years ago, leaving behind striking, needle-like formations that seem almost otherworldly. 

The short, easy Pinnacles Trail takes you right alongside these unique formations, offering close-up views and great photo opportunities.

Visiting the Pinnacles is a chance to explore Crater Lake’s geological history beyond the lake itself, adding another dimension to your park experience.

7. Go on a Bike Ride

Biking around Crater Lake offers a fantastic way to experience the park’s stunning landscapes up close and get your day’s exercise in. The 33-mile Rim Drive is a popular route for cyclists, winding around the caldera with breathtaking lake views at nearly every turn.

Though challenging with its steep climbs and high altitude, the ride rewards with scenic overlooks and quiet moments to appreciate the lake’s beauty. 

For a truly special experience, consider visiting during the annual Ride the Rim event in September, when parts of the road are closed to car traffic, allowing cyclists to enjoy the route in peaceful solitude. 

8. Go Swimming at Cleetwood Cove

Cleetwood Cove is the only place in Crater Lake National Park where swimming is allowed, offering visitors a rare chance to take a dip in the pure, crystal-clear waters of Crater Lake. Reaching the cove requires a steep, mile-long hike down the Cleetwood Cove Trail, which can be challenging, but the reward is worth it. 

Once at the lake’s edge, you’ll be greeted by the deepest, bluest waters imaginable. The water, fed by snowmelt and rain, is pristine and incredibly refreshing, especially on a warm summer day. Brave swimmers will find the water quite chilly even in summer, but the invigorating plunge is an unforgettable experience, especially after a sweaty hike.

Cleetwood Cove is also the starting point for boat tours to Wizard Island, making it an ideal spot to linger and enjoy the beauty of Crater Lake up close.

9. Snowshoe or Cross-Country Ski in Winter

Winter transforms Crater Lake National Park into a stunning snowy landscape, making it an ideal destination for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. With over 40 feet of snowfall each year, the park’s trails and scenic viewpoints become accessible only by winter sports, offering a serene, crowd-free experience.

The Rim Village area provides a great starting point, where you can take in breathtaking views of the snow-covered caldera and frozen lake below. 

For beginners, the park offers ranger-led snowshoe tours on weekends, where you can learn about the winter ecology and history of the park while safely exploring the snow-laden trails. More advanced skiers and snowshoers can venture farther into the park, gliding through powdery forests and open spaces for an unparalleled wilderness adventure. It’s one of the best things to do in Crater Lake in winter.

Winter at Crater Lake is both tranquil and invigorating, offering a completely different perspective of this natural wonder – we sure loved our time here in the winter months. 

10. Visit the Steel Visitor Center

The Steel Visitor Center is the perfect starting point for your Crater Lake adventure, offering exhibits on the park’s history, geology, and unique ecosystem. Here, you can watch an informative film about Crater Lake, speak with knowledgeable rangers, and gather maps, trail information, and tips for exploring the park. 

The center is also a cozy retreat during winter months, providing a warm spot to plan your visit and pick up any essentials before heading out.

Where to Stay in Crate Lake

For travelers seeking an immersive Crater Lake experience, Crater Lake Lodge is the premier choice in the National Park. This historic lodge, perched on the rim of the caldera, offers unparalleled views of the lake, making it one of the most sought-after accommodations in the area.

Built in 1915 and tastefully restored, the lodge’s charm lies in its rustic elegance and the spectacular vistas available right from the property. 

Guests can enjoy a cozy fireplace in the great room, fine dining with a view, and a comfortable, welcoming ambiance that mirrors the natural beauty outside. Due to its popularity, however, booking well in advance—ideally several months ahead—is essential.

For a more intimate setting, The Cabins at Mazama Village are a fantastic alternative. Located about seven miles south of the lake, these cabins offer a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the park. The cabins at Mazama Village have a cozy, natural charm and provide easy access to park trails and services.

For those who enjoy the outdoors and are traveling with camping gear, Mazama Campground is the best camping option within the park itself. Open seasonally, typically from June to September, Mazama Campground offers tent and RV sites amidst a forested setting, making it a favorite for those wanting a true back-to-nature experience.

Camping here will let you enjoy Crater Lake’s wilderness, from early morning hikes to quiet nights under a blanket of stars, all just a short drive from the lake itself.

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