Top Things to Do in Crater Lake National Park
Things to Do in Crater Lake National Park
Popular things to do
Top Attractions in Crater Lake National Park
Waterfalls
Mountains • Hiking Trails
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts
What travellers are saying
- BritKansasLeavenworth, KS282 contributionsThis was my first time visiting this National Park, and it was absolutely stunning. There are several areas to stop and take pictures, and the views are absolutely wonderful.Written 7 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- redhead_roamingSeattle, WA2 350 contributionsBefore traveling, while looking online, I was really confused as to what direction you're supposed to travel as I felt like I was reading vague posts about only being able to drive certain directions in some sections. Ignore that - you can drive both ways the entire way around.
I think the Rim Drive is the main thing to do and the most bang for your buck, while in the park. They say to estimate about 2 hours to do the entire thing with stops & breaks and such, and I would say that's about accurate, though with babies in the car, we didn't do as many stopping/looking and got done much sooner.
There are some areas you lose cell coverage but it's momentarily and it's not like you'll get lost while driving.
We did a drive in crummy conditions with limited visibility and a drive with beautiful clear skies and both times, the drive was easy to do.Written 6 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Cynthia KWestville, IN2 926 contributionsThis was the highlight of our vacation! Enjoyed the lake views. There's many overlooks & we stopped at all the ones with a view. My favorites were Sun Notch & The Watchman. You get a great view at Rim Village as well. Sinnott Memorial is outstanding!Written 24 August 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Steve H331 contributionsExcellent trail. It's a fairly steady descent down switchbacks. The climb back up is tough but doable without significant effort (I'm 64). At the bottom, the shoreline is quite rocky but right before the old dock is a very small beach with some "sand" that consists of small rocks. The water wasn't near as cold as I expected but then I only went in up to my shins. The water is amazingly clear. I consider this a must do!Written 12 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Cynthia KWestville, IN2 926 contributionsGood signage from Hwy 138. When the road forks, go left. Another immediate left after you cross a bridge. VERY small parking area considering how popular this hike is. You do get a free car wash thanks to the leaking aquaduct in the lot!
.9 miles & it's moderately strenuous IMO. Lots of roots, rocks & stairs. The trail is on a constant incline to the observation deck. There's benches there & along the way.
This is a gorgeous waterfall!! Fine flow in August. No good trail to get to the falls, just a view from a distance. My favorite of the four waterfalls we saw that morning.Written 28 August 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Cynthia KWestville, IN2 926 contributionsI heard about the boat tour that drops you off on the island to hike. I was bitterly disappointed that the boat tours weren't running while we were there. So, we had to look at the Wizard from numerous overlooks. I took lots of pictures! ;)Written 24 August 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Cynthia KWestville, IN2 926 contributionsWe did the East Rim Drive & when you drive the road clockwise, Pinnacles Road isn't marked. We took a guess. The road is gravel & not in good shape. Drive slowly. When we got here about 9am, there was only one other car. Parking is only fair.
The hike is very nice. Crushed gravel, flat & well groomed. .8 miles there & back. You can get some other views of the pinnacles. I was glad I went.Written 24 August 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Sonia2021Levittown, NY15 contributionsThe rim Village is a main landmark of Crater lake national park; tourists come here to get the amazing view of crater lake with plenty of parking area along with a gift shop cum restaurant and washroom; Also the Crater Lake Lodge is just walking distance from here and few small trails with amazing view of Crater Lake.Written 18 August 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Geri MPhoenix, AZ246 contributionsEvaluation ordered at Lassen volcanic National Park (Lake Manzanita area) in CA. Park closed. Traveled NW and found this Park on route 62 south of Crater lake headed to interstate 5. Friendly helpful staff and beautiful park area. They found me an Electric site for Friday- Thursday. Had not planned on staying a Joseph H Stewart State Park, but I’m glad we found each other.Written 6 August 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Steve H331 contributionsMostly level trail till right before the falls, then a quick ascent to the viewing area. In the fall, this cascades over many shelfs and is very picturesque.Written 12 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- redhead_roamingSeattle, WA2 350 contributionsI'm not in the best of shape (post-twins pregnancy) or health (sciatica - thanks again babies) and we still loaded 15lb babies+their packs onto our backs and climbed to the top, in the fresh snow. It's hard but it's doable.
We were at Crater Lake for only 2 days and the first day, it was crummy and overcast but thankfully, on the second day, we had beautiful clear blue skies. Since we had done the Rim Drive and all the good scenic spots the day before, we came here first and were able to find a parking spot easily (but when we left, cars were circling). With the snow and little bit of rocky steps, we wished we had walking poles but it's certainly not impossible without them.
I forget how long it took us to hike to the top - 45 minutes? An hour? Either way, I was glad to be up there and we took our time enjoying the view & taking pictures. We did not take our babies out of the backpacks though as I didn't trust something not to happen. Hiking back down was much much easier (though a little harder on the knees and ankles).Written 7 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - 2rollonCalifornia491 contributionsFriend and I took this hike early first thing in the morning. Hike up to some time, friend walks slow. Once on top the views are magical. We found resting spot and just sat before heading down. Walk down much faster that up. Ha ha.
We recommend taking this hike for the great views.Written 29 July 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Alilu007Menlo Park, CA299 contributionsWould definitely agree with a review that was written about 3 year ago--While it was satisfying to reach the highest point in the park, the views of the lake weren't as great at the top.
Because we had the time, I am glad we were able to do this hike, but if I were to chose only one or two hikes at Crater Lake, I would recommend Garfield Peak or Watchman Peak.
Also, head to the restrooms in the Rim Village or somewhere else nearby, as there are no restrooms a the trail head. (The puddles at the bottom next to the cars are what you think they are...)Written 13 September 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - sarah rGeneva, IL471 contributionsLoved the movie, later in the day attended a ranger talk at the lodge- it was great as well. Unfortunately the overlook wasn’t open due to the snowWritten 3 October 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Steve H331 contributionsGreat views of the Phantom Ship. If you hike the loop counter clockwise, the ascent is a little gentler.Written 12 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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