Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 35 scenic trails in the Crater Lake area.
People Also Ask
Is 1 day enough for Crater Lake? Yes! I spent 1 day in Crater Lake and I feel like it was a good amount of time to spend in the park. The park isn't too large like other national parks so it is very doable to drive around and do a few activities and enjoy your time at the lake.
Although not the largest National Park, what makes Crater Lake special, and worth checking out, is just how unique it really is. There aren't many other places where you can go for a swim in a lake in the top of an ancient volcano!
Of course, with so many hiking trails and blue beauty views that'll never bore you there's no punishment in staying a bit longer than 2 days. In fact, you could even hike some miles of that famous Pacific Crest Trail if that's something you've always wanted to do. The PCT leads in the valley right next to the crater.
The Rim Drive is one of the great things at Crater Lake as it allows you see the lake from so many angles without your needing to walk very much. There are overlooks all around the lake with plenty of parking and only short walks to the edge.
Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only legal access to the shore of Crater Lake. Depending on snow conditions, the trail is usually open from mid-June to late October. Swimming, wading and fishing are permitted in the lake.
Mount ScottWhile it is the hardest of all the ones listed, it is by far the hike with the most incredible views. The 4.4 miles (7.1 km) round trip hike leads to the highest point in the park at 8,929 feet (2,721 m) providing awe-inspiring views of the entire landscape around Crater Lake.
The Pinnacles Valley Trail is the easiest trail in Crater Lake at only 0.8 miles out and back and is an almost flat trail. The trail offers great views of the volcanic spires or Pinnacles and provides information about the history of these rock formations.
Widely known for its rich blue color and extreme clarity, which averages 102 ft (31m) deep, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States. It is one of the top ten deepest in the world.
A seven-day pass for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, or members of non-commercial organized groups is currently $5.00. Children under 16 years old are entitled to free entry. The Crater Lake annual pass, valid for entry to the park for one full year from the date of purchase, is $20.
Lodging and CampingThe lodge is typically open mid-May through early-October and is managed by Crater Lake Hospitality. Learn how to reserve a room. The Cabins at Mazama Village are typically open mid-May to late September, & are managed by Crater Lake Hospitality.
What part of Crater Lake can you swim in? There are only two places you can swim in Crater Lake National Park. The first is Cleetwood Cove, accessible only by hiking down the Cleetwood Cove trail. The other area to swim is off of Wizard Island, a small island in the middle of Crater Lake.
Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only legal access to the shore of Crater Lake. Depending on snow conditions, the trail is usually open from mid-June to late October. Swimming, wading and fishing are permitted in the lake.
Last year, Crater Lake National Park was the quietest it's been in a decade. A total of 527,259 people visited the park in 2022, according to National Park Service data, a 19% decrease from 2021 and a 30% decrease from 2016, when a record 756,344 people visited the beautiful blue-hued lake in southern Oregon.