Follow Crater Lake Highway to East Rim Drive and follow the Rim as it loops around Crater Lake. It is recommended to drive clockwise, as it provides easier access to many of the viewpoints. There are many trailheads along the way if you want to stop and stretch your legs on a short hike.
Check out this 50.1-mile loop trail near Diamond Lake, Oregon. Generally considered a challenging route. This is a very popular area for scenic driving, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.
Crater Rim Drive from Uekahuna to the Devastation Trailhead parking lot is about 5.6 miles (9.0 km) one-way, taking about 20 minutes to drive without any stops. Chain of Craters Road from Devastation Trailhead to to Holei Sea Arch is about 18.7 miles (30 km) one-way, taking about 30 minutes to drive without any stops.
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.
The route begins from the northern entrance to the park. Follow Crater Lake Highway to East Rim Drive and follow the Rim as it loops around Crater Lake. It is recommended to drive clockwise, as it provides easier access to many of the viewpoints.
The park has more than 90 miles of hiking trails, but in May and June they are typically covered by deep snow. When snow-covered, most trails are either too difficult to follow, or too dangerous.
Although an entrance fee or NPS pass is required to enter Crater Lake National Park, vehicle reservations are not needed. You are encouraged to pay the entrance fee or purchase an NPS pass before arriving to save time, but you may also purchase passes at any entrance station upon arrival.
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.
This is the famous Halema'uma'u Crater. Massive changes have occurred here since the 2018 eruption. The road beyond this point is closed to vehicular traffic due to ongoing eruption hazards.
NOTE: There is no hiking trail that encircles Crater Lake in the summer. In the winter, you can ski or snowshoe out and back along West Rim Drive or East Rim Drive, or all the way around the lake.