Top Things to do in Crater Lake National Park
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What to do and see in Crater Lake National Park, Crater Lake National Park: The Best Nature & Parks
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. Crater Lake National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,026 reviews
Beautiful lake which is the centerpiece of Crater Lake National Park.
Reviewed By mgschmidt2019 - Dorsten, Germany
Blue, blue pure and intense colour allover with Wizard Island on one side! The deepest lake in the US, rised by a volcanic eruption, is a visitor´s resp. photographer´s dream. Surrounded by the Cascade Mountain Range it offers unbelievable and beautiful views along the various trails and alongside the West and East Rim drive with more than 30 pullouts to inhale the dramatic scenery. Take your sandwiches, fruit and coffee with you to enjoy a great picnic near the Rim Village. The park´s entrance feeis $25 per vehicle, good for 7 days.
3. Boundary Springs
4. 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.
5. Crater Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 551 reviews
Reviewed By RhondaA646 - South Portland, United States
We stayed near Crater Lake (see review Aspen Inn) and spent 2 days exploring the area. I had read it’s a one day stop but we could have spent more time. The hikes in the area are spectacular. The lake itself is stunningly beautiful- pictures don’t do it justice to how blue the water. 1st day we did the rim road. We arrived at 12 and the mirroring off the lake was truly remarkable. We also did two easy hikes - Plaikni Falls and Pinnacles. Pinnacles is very short and shows off the interesting formations. The Plaikni Falls is quite beautiful and again an easy walk. Do not forget your bug spray! The walks are mostly forested and the mosquitoes love it. I wouldn’t say they would ruin your hike but any means but the spray will make your walk more pleasant. 2nd day- Cleetwood Cove - walking sticks were my best friend both down and back. If you have any issues with knees, joints etc, I recommend. At 60 it was a challenge but doable. Make sure you get there no later than 8:30 am. The hoards came down on our way back. The reward was jumping from the rock at the end about 15 feet into the spectacular blue water. Is it cold - yes - was it scary - yes - worth it - yes. You can enter around some rocks but the cold water may make you pause - just jump - very deep and you don’t have to jump out far! We did 3 more hikes after that - all easy. Sun Notch - spectacular views of the Phantom Ship. The next 2 hikes showcased the amazing wildflowers found in the month of July. Castle Crest Wildflower Garden Trail stunning with rock walkway around the garden. Annie Creek Canyon Trail. We were not sure about this one as it backs up to the camp ground. It ended up being our favorite. Do the upper rim first and then it descends down to the creek ( not too bad). In July with the wildflowers- it is beyond gorgeous. We hardly saw a soul. We did not do any of the large hikes beyond Cleetwood Cove. I was with my son and I thought he might be disappointed I couldn’t do them but he loved every trail and how unique each trail. I didn’t know what to expect, but Crater Lake went far beyond expectations. It was respite from all the bad news and a place I found solace. It would be wonderful any time but July with the wildflowers was fabulous. Sorry for the long post but I found it difficult to find a post that helped plan our days. Hope this helps!
6. 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.
7. Wizard Island Summit Trail
8. 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.
9. Wizard Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 159 reviews
Island in Crater Lake.
Reviewed By L6192OLmichelleb
A Magical place Best viewed from Watchmnan point Looks like a painting, we visited on a crystal clear day
10. Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By jamesvE3240GI - Goodyear, United States
We have been coming here for years. Even in the fall this is a beautiful campground. The y’all pine trees give you a feeling of being in the woods while the open grassy areas allow for children to run and play while parents (and grandparents) relax in their chairs outdoors. There are biking trails and a kids playground that are safe and visible from most areas. Oh, and there is a most beautiful lake if you like to fish or water ski!
