From volcanic destruction, one of the most beautiful lakes in North America was born. Known for its surreal blue water and clarity, Crater Lake is best visited from late June through the end of summer when the roads are cleared of snow. Located in the southwest corner of Oregon, the top sights at Crater Lake are its Rim Drive and the Crater Lake Lodge. Hiking and taking the scenic cruise are a must for a summertime visit.
Top Things to Do in Crater Lake
Learn about Crater Lake
Stop by the Visitor Center
Take a Scenic Drive
Explore the Rim Village Historic District
Take a Guided Tolley Tour
Spot Wizard Island
Hike in the Park
Spot Wildlife at Crater Lake
Attend a Ranger Program
Picnic in the Park
Stargaze in the Park
Spend the Night
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How was Crater Lake formed?
Over 7,700 years ago, a volcanic eruption triggered the collapse of Mount Manzama, creating a crater. In the years that followed, rain and snow melt-off filled in the crater.
It is the deepest lake in the Western Hemisphere, at 1,949 feet (594 meters). Crater Lake is also one of the cleanest lakes on Earth.
In 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt created Crater Lake National Park. The Crater Lake Lodge was built in 1915.
Crater Lake’s Visitor Center
Visitor centers are the place to grab maps or Junior Ranger booklets. Most offer interpretive areas to learn more about the area.
This is the place to ask questions and learn about park ranger programming, too. Restrooms and water bottle fillers are usually located in the area.
Steel Information Center
This is the first visitor center if you are driving via the Annie Spring Entrance Station. The Steel Visitor Center offers maps, Junior Ranger booklets, and this location offers an interpretive film.
Located at the park headquarters, 4 miles north of Highway 62 and 3 miles south of Rim Village on Munson Valley Road (also known as Volcanic Scenic Byway). Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the summer season and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from early November through late April/early May.
Rim Village Visitor Center
In the historic Kiser Studio in Rim Village, the Rim Village Visitor Center is along Crater Lake’s paved path overlooking the lake.
The Rim Village Visitor Center is open seasonally from late May or early June to late September from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Scenic Drives at Crater Lake National Park
For the top scenic drive at Crater Lake, take Rim Drive, a 33-mile road that encircles the lake. It features scenic overlooks, such as Discovery Point, Waterman Overlook, Phantom Ship Overlook, or Pinnacles Overlook, for unbeatable views of the lake.
The Sinnott Memorial Overlook offers the best views of Crater Lake and information on the eruption that created it. If time allows, arrange for narrated trolley tours departing from Rim Village.
Rim Village Historic District
Located on the southwest rim of Crater Lake, the Rim Village Historic District features the Rim Village Visitor Center, the Crater Lake Lodge and three scenic overlooks. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.
The Rim Village Promenade is a parapet wall made of native stone and continues for a third of a mile and is dog-friendly in the village.
There is a self-guided walking trail that begins at Kiser Studio, now the visitor center, built in 1921. Along the trail, Sinnot Memorial Overlook opened in 1931 and features interpretive signs.
Another site to visit is the Mather Observation Bay, dedicated to Stephen Mather, the first Director of the National Park Service.
Crater Lake Trolley
During the summer, visitors can book the Crater Lake Trolley to travel the historic 33-mile Rim Drive. This narrated tour stops at five or seven overlooks and takes two hours.
The Crater Lake Trolley departs from the Community Building on the Rim. Advance reservations are a must. Adult admission is $25, $22 for seniors, and $15 for children ages 5 to 13, with those 4 and younger entering for free.
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What is Wizard Island?
The island close to the southern edge of Crater Lake is called Wizard Island. It is a 755-foot-high volcanic cinder cone, formed about 4,800 years ago.
It is accessible via a boat cruise, and at the top is a 300-foot deep crater known as the Witch’s Cauldron. The Wizard Island Summit Trail is a 1-mile, steep one-way hike to the top. The Fumarole Bay Trail travels to the western side of the island.
Wizard Island Boat Cruises
The Cleetwood Cove Trail and the marina at the bottom of the trail will be inaccessible for a multi-year rehabilitation project from summer 2026 through 2029.
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Easy Crater Lake Hikes
Hiking is one of the best ways to explore a National Park. In Crater Lake National Park, hikers can find trails with a lake view and those through the forest or a meadow.
Castle Crest-A 0.5-mile, 0.8 km trail with 100 feet, or 30 m of elevation gain, the trail loops around a spring-fed meadow which hosts over 200 wildflower species in the summer. Located on East Rim Drive, 0.25 mile east of park headquarters.
Lady of the Woods-A 0.7-mile, or 1.1 km trail with 120 feet, or 37 m of elevation gain and includes sculptures and is pet-friendly. Located behind the Steel Visitor Center.
Sun Notch-A 0.8-mile or 1.3-km easy trail with 150 feet or 46 meters of elevation gain, it offers views of the Phantom Ship. Located off East Rim Drive, 4.4 miles (7.1 km) from park headquarters.
The Pinnacles—A 0.8-mile, or 1.3 km level trail that’s accessible for all-terrain wheels through the forest above a canyon filled with volcanic spires.
Plaikni Falls-A 2.0 mile, or 3.2 km, trail with 100 ft, or 30 m of elevation gain through a forest to a waterfall. Located off East Rim Drive, then turn on Pinnacles Road and drive 1.2 miles (1.9 km).
Godfrey Glen-A accessible 1.1-mile, or 1.8 km, trail with a 50 feet, or 15 m, elevation gain through an old-growth forest above a canyon with pinnacles. Located 2 miles (3.2 km) north of Mazama Campground and the entrance station on Munson Valley Road.
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Wildlife in Crater Lake
Wildlife spotting is one of the top activities on any national park adventure. Larger wildlife is usually shy in the busier portions of the park. However, smaller mammals are ever-present, such as squirrels and chipmunks.
Visitors can spot animals while hiking, especially near water sources and at dusk and dawn. Park rangers are also helpful with the latest wildlife sightings.
Black bear
Black-tailed deer
Mountain lion
Mule deer
Pika
12 species of bats
Park rangers recommend visitors to stay at least 25 feet away from larger mammals, like deer and elk and 75 feet away from bears.
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Kids and Pets in Crater Lake National Park
Traveling with your kids or pets is part of the fun. Crater Lake National Park makes a great trip with lots of activities and things to see. As for pets, they are welcome at the park’s picnic area, campground, in the parking lots and on the paved roads.
Junior Ranger Program
The Junior Ranger Program is the go-to program for families to learn more about Pinnacles National Park. It’s free and takes about two hours to complete.
My kids love the badges park rangers present them after they complete their booklets. Occasionally, a national park might host special programming for kids.
BARK Program
Crater Lake National Park welcomes pets as long as they follow the BARK program’s principles. Pets are allowed on several of the trails in the park as long as the trail is free of significant snow.
Lady of the Woods
Godfrey Glen
Annie Spur Trail—It connects PCT hikers to Mazama Village
Grayback Drive-Accessible when East Rim Drive is open
Pacific Crest Trail-the official PCT, not the “alternate” PCT along the rim of the lake.
For more information, visit the park’s page for visiting with pets.
B–Bag waste and dispose of it in the trash
A–Always leash your dog for their safety and others
R–Respect wildlife
K–Know where you can go
Picnicking in Crater Lake
Plan ahead and bring your favorite foods for a picnic in the park. The most popular is Picnic Hill in the Rim Village.
Rim Drive
Steel Bay/Grouse Hill Picnic Area
Vidae Falls Picnic Area
Along Highway 62
Ponderosa Picnic Area
Annie Falls Picnic Area
Lodgepole Picnic Area
Along Munsen Valley Road
Goodbye Picnic Area
Stargazing in the Park
Crater Lake National Park benefits from extremely dark skies, with limited development in the area. It is in the process of becoming an International Dark Sky Park.
Rim Village: Easily accessible with panoramic, high-elevation views (7,000 ft).
Sinnott Memorial Overlook: Offers dramatic, open views over the lake.
Watchman Overlook: Snap a pic of the Milky Way over Wizard Island.
North Junction & Rim Drive Pullouts: Fewer crowds, offering secluded, dark locations
Where to Stay in Crater Lake
Crater Lake National Park features two lodges, one along the rim and the other without a rim view. During my stay at Crater Lake, I was unable to get a room at Crater Lake Lodge. I did reserve a room at Manzama Village Cabins.
As with all lodging inside National Parks, reservations are key. If rooms aren’t available during your dates, you can check for cancellations daily. I have done this on several occasions.
Crater Lake Lodge
Overlooking Crater Lake and surrounded by mountains, Crater Lake Lodge is a rustic property dating back to 1915. Completely restored and upgraded in 1995, it features 71 rooms, including six accessible rooms.
Visitors will find a grand native stone fireplace in the lobby and whole logs used as columns. The dining room serves regional cuisine.
If you are not staying the night, order a drink at the coffee bar. Then head to the rocking chairs overlooking the lake on the lodge’s back patio.
Located at 570 Rim Village Dr., inside the park. It is open from mid-May through early October.
Manzama Village Cabins
Nestled in an old-growth lodgepole pine forest, Manzama Village Cabins offers comfortable rooms with attached bathrooms and electricity. Typically of National Park lodges, the rooms don’t offer TVs, a/c or phones.
In the area, there’s Annie’s Creek Restaurant. A sundry store sells groceries, camping supplies and more.
Located at 569 Mazama Village Dr., via Hwy 62 from the West or South Entrance, or located 7 miles south of Rim Village. It is open from late May through September.
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Camping in Crater Lake
The campground in the Crater Lake area is seasonal and includes a picnic table, bear storage container and fire ring. As a popular national park destination, make reservations as early as possible.
While eating and sleeping in the park, the NPS offers guidelines:
Never feed wild animals.
Store food in hard-sided containers or in your vehicle.
Clean up all trash and leftovers, including small crumbs.
Manzama Campground
Seasonal from June to late September, depending on snow
Reservation Required
214 sites, 75 RV only, 121 tent only, with 18 Electric sites
Flush toilets and Pay Showers
Dump Station
Amphitheater
Lost Creek Campground
Seasonal from June to mid-October
No Reservation Accepter
16 tent-only sites
Portable Toilets, No water
Where’s Crater Lake National Park
Located about 230 miles from Portland, Oregon, and 60 miles from Klamath Falls. It is open year-round and 24 hours a day. Admission is $30 per car for a 7-day pass from May 22 to October 31 and $20 from November 1 to May 21. Or you can use an annual pass.
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