Tour stop
Crater Lake National Park Tour
About The Tour
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.”
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Explore Rim Village for stunning panoramic views of Crater Lake, along with visitor amenities, historic buildings, and interpretive exhibits.
• Ascend the Watchman Trail for unparalleled vistas of Crater Lake and Wizard Island from the historic fire lookout at Watchman Overlook.
• Enjoy sweeping, unobstructed views of the deep blue Crater Lake and surrounding caldera from Merriam Point Overlook.
• Hike the Cleetwood Cove Trail to reach the only legal access point to the shores of Crater Lake, perfect for swimming, fishing, and boat tours.
• Wander through lush forests on the Plaikni Falls Trail to discover the serene and picturesque Plaikni Falls, a hidden gem within Crater Lake National Park.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Explore Rim Village for stunning panoramic views of Crater Lake, along with visitor amenities, historic buildings, and interpretive exhibits.
• Ascend the Watchman Trail for unparalleled vistas of Crater Lake and Wizard Island from the historic fire lookout at Watchman Overlook.
• Enjoy sweeping, unobstructed views of the deep blue Crater Lake and surrounding caldera from Merriam Point Overlook.
• Hike the Cleetwood Cove Trail to reach the only legal access point to the shores of Crater Lake, perfect for swimming, fishing, and boat tours.
• Wander through lush forests on the Plaikni Falls Trail to discover the serene and picturesque Plaikni Falls, a hidden gem within Crater Lake National Park.
About the tour
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.”
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Explore Rim Village for stunning panoramic views of Crater Lake, along with visitor amenities, historic buildings, and interpretive exhibits.
• Ascend the Watchman Trail for unparalleled vistas of Crater Lake and Wizard Island from the historic fire lookout at Watchman Overlook.
• Enjoy sweeping, unobstructed views of the deep blue Crater Lake and surrounding caldera from Merriam Point Overlook.
• Hike the Cleetwood Cove Trail to reach the only legal access point to the shores of Crater Lake, perfect for swimming, fishing, and boat tours.
• Wander through lush forests on the Plaikni Falls Trail to discover the serene and picturesque Plaikni Falls, a hidden gem within Crater Lake National Park.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Explore Rim Village for stunning panoramic views of Crater Lake, along with visitor amenities, historic buildings, and interpretive exhibits.
• Ascend the Watchman Trail for unparalleled vistas of Crater Lake and Wizard Island from the historic fire lookout at Watchman Overlook.
• Enjoy sweeping, unobstructed views of the deep blue Crater Lake and surrounding caldera from Merriam Point Overlook.
• Hike the Cleetwood Cove Trail to reach the only legal access point to the shores of Crater Lake, perfect for swimming, fishing, and boat tours.
• Wander through lush forests on the Plaikni Falls Trail to discover the serene and picturesque Plaikni Falls, a hidden gem within Crater Lake National Park.
STARTING POINTS
-North Diamond Lake
-Chemult, OR
-north of Fort Klamath, OR
- junction between OR 230 and Highway 62
RECOMMENDED START TIME: 8:00 a.m.
OUR SHAKA PROMISE
• Reliable customer support
• Tours crafted by real people
• Satisfaction guaranteed
• Tours never expire
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1. Welcome to the Crater Lake National Park Tour Preview
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2. Press to Play: Lucky Dog
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3. The Old Man of the Lake
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4. Secret Underwater Garden
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Crater Lake National Park Tour Map
Explore Tour Map
Crater Lake National Park Tour Stops
Things to do on the Tour Include:
Tour stop
Steel Information Center
Tour stop
Rim Village Cafe and Gift Shop
Tour stop
Rim Visitor Center
Tour stop
Sinnott Memorial Overlook
Tour stop
Watchman Overlook & Trail
Tour stop
Merriam Point Overlook
Tour stop
Cleetwood Cove Trail
Meet the Creators
Phil Schoen
Narrator
I’ll be your guide on this tour. Press play to hear a sneak peek of the stories waiting for you as you browse.
Creators behind the Crater Lake National Park Tour
Phil Schoen
Narrator
I’ll be your guide on this tour. Press play to hear a sneak peek of the stories waiting for you as you browse.
Rita Fowers
Writer/Editor
Favorite Quote:
"What man actually needs is not a tensionless state but rather the striving and struggling for some goal worthy of him." - Viktor Frankl
Matt Caracciolo
Writer & Editor
Favorite Quote:
"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." --J.R.R. Tolkien
Robin Montgomery
Writer
Favorite Quote:
“The mountains are calling, and I must go.” - John Muir.
Andrew Shults
Producer & Data Team Manager
Favorite Quote:
“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.” - Douglas Adams
Purchase Options
1.
Crater Lake National Park Tour
$ 18.99
Gift A Tour!
Gift the joy of travel! During checkout, select "Gift this Purchase" to schedule your delivery and write your personalized message.
Don't worry - they'll get a gift receipt, not the bill. No pricing information included.
Crater Lake National Park Tour FAQS
Information
Conditions can change fast. Please check these links for closures, alerts, and local conditions before your trip. Stay informed so you can ensure a smooth ride.
Important Update!
Hi Shaka Guiders!
Crater Lake’s rim viewpoints make a beautiful 4–6-hour drive when the full circuit is open. In winter, a shorter 1–3-hour visit around park headquarters and Rim Village can offer snowy scenery and lake views when the road and visibility cooperate.
Rim Drive and the North Entrance close November 1, or earlier with significant snow. Use a southern approach via Highway 62; the road up to Rim Village can also close after storms. Cleetwood Cove remains closed, so lake-level activities aren’t available.
Check current roads and alerts and winter access guidance while planning and before departure. Choose the season that fits your lake wish list!
Matt & Andrew
Crater Lake tour writer & producer
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- More than a map and directions — your tour, fully guided
- Audio storytelling that plays as you drive
- Music and immersive sound to upgrade your drive
- Human-created, professionally narrated tours
- Pre-planned route with turn-by-turn directions
- Itinerary mapped out with must-see stops
- Expert travel tips
- Offline access – works without data or wifi
- Flexible, self-paced experience
- One purchase per vehicle (not per person)
- Lifetime access (tours never expire)
- Reliable customer support
Exclusions:
- Private transportation (use your own or rental vehicle)
- Meals
- Attraction admission or park entrance fees
- Parking fees
- Live tour guide or in-person services
- Trip planning or booking services
- Fully customizable navigation like Google or Apple Maps
- On-demand route planning or custom directions
- Open-ended navigation tools
Tour FAQs
1. Where does the Crater Lake National Park Tour go?
This tour has 12 stops. Check out the itinerary here for a complete list of stops and if you’re looking for more information to help plan your trip, here’s what you need to Know Before You Go!
2. What should I pack for the Crater Lake National Park Tour?
National Park Pass
Cell phone (with tour downloaded!)
Car charger
Phone mount for car
Flashlight - 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
Cell phone (with tour downloaded!)
Car charger
Phone mount for car
Flashlight - 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
3. What should I budget for the Crater Lake National Park Tour?
What you spend depends on the activities you do, but here’s a list of entry fees on the tour:
Entrance to the park is $30 per vehicle.
Entrance to the park is $30 per vehicle.
4. What are the park hours for the Crater Lake National Park Tour?
Although the park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the park’s facilities' hours of operation vary based on the season. The park also experiences seasonal road closures. We highly recommend you visit the park’s website before you go.
Mazama Village Camper StoreMid-May to mid-Jun: 9 am - 9 pm
Mid-Jun to mid-Sep: 7 am - 9 pm
Mazama Gas PumpsSame as store hours
After mid-Sep: 10 am - 6 pm
Steel Information CenterDaily from 10 am - 5 pm
Rim Village Cafe and Gift ShopOpen seasonally May - October from 9 am - 8 pm
Rim Visitor CenterOpen seasonally June - September 9:30 am - 5 pm
Mazama Village Camper StoreMid-May to mid-Jun: 9 am - 9 pm
Mid-Jun to mid-Sep: 7 am - 9 pm
Mazama Gas PumpsSame as store hours
After mid-Sep: 10 am - 6 pm
Steel Information CenterDaily from 10 am - 5 pm
Rim Village Cafe and Gift ShopOpen seasonally May - October from 9 am - 8 pm
Rim Visitor CenterOpen seasonally June - September 9:30 am - 5 pm
5. Can I join the Crater Lake National Park Tour along the tour route?
Yes! The tour has four starting points: North Diamond Lake, OR; Chemult, OR; north of Fort Klamath, OR; and the junction between OR 230 and Highway 62. Just make sure that you follow the numbers in chronological order from where you are starting.
If you don’t begin at one of the tour starting points you’ll miss a few stories, but you’ll still have a great experience.
If you don’t begin at one of the tour starting points you’ll miss a few stories, but you’ll still have a great experience.
6. Can I take the Crater Lake National Park Tour in the opposite direction?
Travelers can begin the tour at any park entrance and have the option of driving clockwise or counterclockwise around Crater Lake. (We recommend driving around the lake counterclockwise for the easiest access to the overlooks.)
7. How is Shaka Guide Different from Other Navigation Apps?
Shaka Guide isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s like having a local tour guide in your pocket.
As you walk, the app shares stories, history, local insights, and directions based on where you are. We’ve planned the route for you, but you can still explore at your own pace, pause the tour, skip stops, or spend more time wherever you like.
It’s not just about getting there—it’s about discovering the stories behind the places you’re visiting.
As you walk, the app shares stories, history, local insights, and directions based on where you are. We’ve planned the route for you, but you can still explore at your own pace, pause the tour, skip stops, or spend more time wherever you like.
It’s not just about getting there—it’s about discovering the stories behind the places you’re visiting.
8. Other Questions? Contact us!
Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.
What is an Audio Tour Guide?
Think of us as your personal tour guide in an app. Our tours provide everything a guided tour does, but with the freedom to explore on your terms. Here’s how it works:
GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.
GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.