Introduction

Explore the spectacular beauty of Oregon’s Crater Lake! On Shaka Guide’s Crater Lake National Park Tour, we’ll guide you around the rim of this breathtaking sapphire gem and point out the best views and trails in the park.

As you drive, we'll tell you the fascinating history of this region, regale you with mysterious tales and legends, and share about the unique plants and animals that call this place home.

Let us show you why Crater Lake is “like no place on Earth.”

Best Crater Lake Trails

One of the best ways to experience the wonder and beauty of this park is to get out of the car and explore it on foot!

Whether you are looking for an accessible stroll through the forest or a challenging climb up to an incredible viewpoint, you’ll find a trail to suit your interests and ability at Crater Lake National Park. 

On Shaka Guide’s Crater Lake National Park Tour, we’ll point out these popular trails in the park: 

1. Godfrey Glen Trail

• Distance: 1.1 mi loop
• Elevation: 50 ft
• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: 30 mins
• Restrooms: No
• Accessible: Yes - Fully accessible with no grade higher than 9%.
• Dogs: Yes

Godfrey Glen is one of the few accessible and pet-friendly trails in the park. The shady path winds through an old-growth forest along the edge of a steep canyon and offers views of strange needle-like towers called pinnacles. Learn more about these strange volcanic formations on our Shaka Guide tour!

2. Discovery Point Trail

Image from Flickr by Ray Bouknight

• Distance: 2.0 mi RT
• Elevation: 100 ft
• Difficulty: Moderately Easy
• Time: 1 hr
• Restrooms: Yes (in Rim Village)
• Accessibility: No
• Dogs: No (Leashed dogs are welcome in the parking area but not on the trail.)

This scenic trail along the rim of the caldera offers amazing views of the lake and Wizard Island. The trail begins at Rim Village and ends at Discovery Point.

Discovery Point is the place where John Hillman claimed to discover the lake back in 1853. 

Note: Use caution near cliff edges.

3. Garfield Peak Trail

Image from Flickr by David Fulmer

• Distance: 3.6 mi RT
• Elevation: Over 1000 ft
• Difficulty: Moderately challenging
• Time: 2-3 hrs
• Restrooms: Yes (in Crater Lake Lodge)
• Accessible: No
• Dogs: No

The Garfield Peak Trail begins behind Crater Lake Lodge and climbs along the ridge to the summit of Garfield Peak.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy summer wildflowers, a spectacular view of the lake, and panoramic views of the surrounding areas. 

NOTE: Use caution near cliff edges.

4. Watchman Peak Trail

Shutterstock Image

• Distance: 1.6 mi RT
• Elevation: 420 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time: 1 hr
• Restrooms: Yes (Vault Toilets)
• Accessible: No
• Dogs: No 

Located next to Watchman Overlook, the Watchman Peak Trail climbs up to a historic fire lookout that sits over 8,000 feet above sea level.

There, you'll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding volcanic landscape.

The fire lookout was built in 1932 and is still used by rangers today.

5. Cleetwood Cove Trail

Shutterstock Image

• Distance: 2.2 mi RT
• Elevation: 700 ft
• Difficulty: Moderately challenging
• Time: 1.5 hrs
• Restrooms: Yes (Vault Toilets)
• Accessible: No
• Dogs: No

The Cleetwood Cove Trail is the park’s only legal access to the waters of Crater Lake. From the edge of the caldera, the trail climbs down to the lake through a series of steep switchbacks.

At the lake, you can swim or fish–but be prepared for icy water! Check the visitor guide for swimming rules and fishing regulations.

If you need to change clothes, there are restrooms in the parking area just across the road from the trailhead. 

Seasonal boat tours on the lake also depart from Cleetwood Cove. Advance reservations are highly recommended and can be made here.

Some tickets are available for same-day bookings and can be purchased up to 2 hours before departure at:

• the Mazama Village Cabin/Campground Registration Desk,
• Crater Lake Lodge Front Desk and
• the Cleetwood Cove Kiosk

6. Mount Scott Trail

• Distance: 4.4 mi RT 
• Elevation: 1250 ft
• Difficulty: Moderately challenging
• Time: 3 hrs
• Restrooms: No 
• Accessible: No
• Dogs: No

If you want to hike to the highest point in the park, then add Mount Scott to your hiking bucket list!

From the nearly 9,000-foot summit, you’ll enjoy sweeping panoramic views of Crater Lake and the surrounding volcanic landscape. 

7. Plaikni Falls Trail

Image from Flickr by Mike

• Distance: 2 mi RT
• Elevation: 100 ft
• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: 1 hr
• Restrooms: No
• Accessible: Partially. The first ¾ mile is accessible to all-terrain wheelchair users with assistance. 
• Dogs: No

A short detour from Rim Drive will take you to the trailhead for Plaikni Falls. This moderately easy hike will take you through an old-growth forest and along a stream bank bursting with summer wildflowers.

At the end, you'll be rewarded with a view of the picturesque Plaikni Falls. 

NOTE: The name Plaikni is a Klamath word that means "from the high country." It's a fitting name for these lovely 20-foot falls whose waters originate nearly 7,000 feet above sea level.

8. Pinnacles Trail

Image from Flickr by FunnyFence

• Distance: 0.8 mi RT
• Elevation: 10 ft
• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: 30 mins
• Restrooms: No
• Accessible: Yes to all-terrain wheelchair users with assistance
• Dogs: No

This easy forested trail follows the rim of Pinnacle Valley, offering stunning views of fairytale towers called pinnacles.

These fantastic fossil fumaroles formed when hot ash cooled after Mount Mazama’s big eruption.

Learn more about these unusual volcanic formations in our Shaka Guide Tour!

9. Sun Notch Trail

Shutterstock Image

• Distance: 0.8 mi loop
• Elevation: 150 ft
• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: 30 mins
• Restrooms: No
• Accessible: Yes to all-terrain wheelchair users with assistance
• Dogs: No 

The Sun Notch Trail winds uphill through a wildflower meadow to the rim of the lake.

From this vantage point, you'll get a different view of Phantom Ship Island. You can begin the loop in either direction. 

NOTE: Use caution near the cliff edges.

10. Castle Crest Wildflower Trail

Shutterstock Image

• Distance: 0.5 mi RT
• Elevation: 100 ft
• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: 20 mins
• Restrooms: No
• Accessible: No
• Dogs: No

If the summer wildflowers are in bloom, you'll definitely want to check out Castle Crest Wildflower Trail.

This short yet lovely walk meanders up to an enchanting meadow teaming with colorful wildflowers and butterflies.

But if you're short on time, or if the wildflowers are not at their peak, you can probably skip this one.

Best Time To Hike Crater Lake

Shutterstock Image

If you are interested in hiking, the best time to visit is July to September. That’s when the park is mostly or completely snow-free and all the roads and trails are typically open.

If you want to beat the summer crowds, consider hitting the trails on a weekday or arriving early in the morning or later in the evening on a weekend.

Summer is also peak wildfire season in the Cascade Mountains, so make sure to check the park’s current conditions before you arrive.

During the winter months, parts of the park and road are closed due to snow. However, the road up to Rim Village stays open throughout the winter, depending on the weather.

The lake is absolutely stunning when the surrounding landscape is covered under a blanket of snow. You can enjoy free ranger-led snowshoe tours during the winter.

How To Get to Crater Lake

Shutterstock Image

Arriving by Air:

Crater Lake National Park is located in the Cascade Mountain Range in southern Oregon. The nearest major airport is Portland, Oregon (PDX), just over four hours’ drive from the park. The closest regional airport is Medford, OR (MFR), about 75 miles from the park. 

Arriving by Car:

From the north (Portland) - From Portland, take Interstate 5 south. Just south of Eugene, take Highway 58 to Highway 97. To enter through the North Entrance Station, turn west on Highway 138. If the North Entrance is closed, continue south on Highway 97 towards Chiloquin and take Highway 62 to enter the park through the South Entrance.

From the north (Bend) - From Bend, take Highway 97 south to Highway 138 to enter the park through the North Entrance Station. If the North Entrance is closed, continue south on Highway 97 towards Chiloquin and take Highway 62 to enter the park through the South Entrance.

From the south (Klamath Falls) - From Klamath Falls, take Highway 97 to Highway 62 and enter the park through the South Entrance via Annie Springs Entrance Station (open year-round). 

From the west (Medford) - From Medford, take Highway 62 northeast and enter the park via the Annie Springs Entrance Station (open year-round). 

Crater Lake Packing List

• National Park Pass 
• Cell phone (with Shaka Guide tour downloaded!)
• Car charger
• Phone mount for car
• Flashlight (optional for sunrise or sunset hikes) 
• Binoculars (optional)
• Trekking poles (recommended if hiking to Mount Scott, Watchman Peak or Garfield Peak)
• Hiking shoes
• Sunscreen & sunglasses 
• Hat
• Water 
• Snacks and/or picnic food (Remember to pack up leftovers/don’t leave crumbs) *The only places to get food in the park are at Rim Village and Mazama Village.
• First aid kit/medications
• Emergency roadside assistance kit
• Swimsuit and towel if interested in swimming in Crater Lake

Explore Crater Lake with Shaka Guide

So, are you ready to explore Oregon's wilderness gem and discover some of its hidden mysteries? Shaka Guide has you covered!

With guided turn-by-turn narration, you’ll explore Crater Lake at your own pace while learning about the fascinating history and volcanic wonders of the region.

We’ll point out the popular hikes in the park and leave it up to you to choose what trails you want to tackle.

There’s no schedule to keep or crowd to follow. Whether you are here for a few days or just a few hours, let Shaka Guide help make the most of your Crater Lake experience. 

Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Crater Lake National Park Tour!

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Crater Lake National Park Itinerary and Know Before You Go.

Like this article? Share it on Pinterest!