Top Things to do in Crater Lake National Park
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Things to do in Crater Lake National Park, Crater Lake National Park: The Best Outdoor Activities
Created by a volcanic eruption approximately 7,700 years ago, Crater Lake National Park is one of the largest lakes in the world.
1. Annie Creek Canyon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
A challenging hiking trail where wildlife and wildflowers can be seen.
Reviewed By RhondaA646 - South Portland, United States
I’m not sure how long the wildflowers are found on this trail but in July it is spectacular. This trail seems ho hum at first glance due to the upper rim walk is side by side the campground. Do the upper rim section first so you get to enjoy the sensational creek with beautiful wildflowers for the 2nd half. We almost skipped this trail. Instead it ended being our favorite of many truly wonderful trails (Cleetwood Cove, Sun Notch, Castle Creek Wildflower Garden, Plaikni Falls and Pinnacles). I’m older so we didn’t do the strenuous hikes except for Cleetwood. Of the trails we walked this was the 2nd toughest but definitely moderate. Bring your bug spray! We saw perhaps 7 people in total during our hike. I think many skip this one. It starts behind the Manzama Campground. There are toilets next to the village shops and the only gas station in the park. Great last hike out of Crater for yet another reason. Enjoy!
2. Garfield Peak
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By 267wendys - Portland, United States
I've hiked in the Alps and climbed Mt Fuji and this hike up to Garfield Point rivals those other awesome hikes! Beautiful vistas all around. Two hours round trip with several stops for pics. It was a gorgeous blue sky day and we loved the hike.
3. Sun Notch Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By WmnAud - Thermopolis, United States
Finding a great spot to rest, take pics and meet others, this is it! Made this stop on shuttle and also in our own car tour - we always wanted to see this little spot and the Phantom ship component of the caldera is very interesting as well.
4. Wizard Island Summit Trail
5. Castle Crest Wildflower Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
An easy one-mile walking trail with an array of wildflowers to view.
Reviewed By iamhere555
Great stop on the east rim of crater lake. We were there in July and the wildflowers were in full bloom. So many varieties and colors along a short .5 mile loop trail along a stream. Portions of the trail have water running over them; so, be careful. We saw a couple deer and a spotted fawn grazing and they did not seem too concerned about people. There are mosquitoes on the trail; so, be prepared. Great spot for photography. Worth the stop.
6. Rim Drive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 602 reviews
Scenic 33-mile drive which must be taken in a clockwise direction since areas of it are one-way.
Reviewed By csarchibald - San Marcos, United States
A must do for visitors to Crater Lake. Many people simply drive up to the Rim Village and go no further. They are missing so much. The drive around the Rim Drive allows you to see the lake from different perspectives and the light hitting the lake at different angles gives variations in the color. Don't miss it.
7. Cleetwood Cove Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 217 reviews
Reviewed By 319kendram - Vancouver, United States
Be prepared for an arduous hike back up, but Cleetwood is not to be missed! There are swimming spots as well as a rock for diving off of - Absolute Total Fun! Cleetwood is also the place to catch a tour boat of the lake or a shuttle out to Wizard Island, a must do for any visitor! They advertise food and drink down at Cleetwood, but bring your own. There are bathrooms, outhouse style. If you take the shuttle out to Wizard Island and hike all day, the hike back up Cleetwood at the end of the day will make you wish you had a cooler filled with cold drinks waiting for you in the car in the parking lot!
8. Pinnacles Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By PamelaKOO - North Canton, United States
The Pinnacles are an incredibly cool sight! They are a little ways away from the Rim Drive and other Crater Lake sights, but definitely worth the short detour. The hike is super easy with great views and photo opportunities.
9. Crater Peak Trail
10. Mount Scott
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By Helia_linne - Bratislava, Slovakia
Be ready to hike little bit more uphill on this trail. But it is not really steep and it is rate as medium difficulty. From the top you will have an awesome scenic view on the Crater Lake.
