13+ Absolute Best Things to Do in Crater Lake National Park (+Map & Tips)

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Planning a trip to Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, USA, and wondering what not to miss? In this guide, we cover the absolute best things to do in Crater Lake, from must-see viewpoints and scenic drives to hikes, boat tours, and practical tips to help you plan your visit.

Crater Lake is one of the most unique and lesser-known national parks in the U.S., home to the country’s deepest lake, formed inside the collapsed caldera of a massive volcano. The park is quite small, but it offers a nice mix of spectacular viewpoints, short and longer hikes, and memorable experiences both on and around the water.

Good to know: Crater Lake National Park is relatively small, and you can see all the main highlights mentioned in this guide in just one day. If you’d like to visit Wizard Island and include a few longer hikes, plan for two days. With 3-4 days, you’d have plenty of time to explore pretty much every place of interest and cover all the hiking trails in the park, though most visitors don’t stay that long.

To help get oriented, here’s a map showing all the top places in Crater Lake National Park mentioned in this guide.

 

Here are the top things to see and do in Crater Lake National Park:

1. Rim Drive

The 33-mile (53 km) Rim Drive circles the entire Crater Lake and is one of the most scenic drives in the world. It has more than 30 pullouts and viewpoints, each showing a different angle of the lake and the surrounding landscape.

Driving the entire loop is the single best thing to do in Crater Lake National Park. Most of the top viewpoints and activities mentioned in this guide are located along this road. Below is a quick overview of the must-see stops on the Rim Drive. You’ll find more details about each of them further down in this article.

• Discovery Point – the first major viewpoint when driving clockwise from Rim Village.
• Watchman Overlook – stunning views of Wizard Island.
• Cloudcap Overlook – the highest point you can reach by car.
• Phantom Ship Overlook – best spot to see the Phantom Ship rock formation.
• Vidae Falls – a quick stop at a beautiful roadside waterfall.
• Pinnacles Overlook – a short detour to see unusual volcanic spires.

Good to know: The Rim Drive is usually fully open from early July to mid-October, depending on snow. When we visited in the second half of July, there was still snow along the roadside, and some hiking trails were still closed.

Timing: Even without stops, the full loop takes about 1–1.5 hours to drive. Plan for at least 2–3 hours to enjoy the main highlights and short photo stops along the way.

TIP: Start early to avoid parking issues – the most popular stops fill up fast. Alternatively, plan to visit the busiest viewpoints later in the afternoon, once most day visitors have left.

2. Crater Lake Lodge & Sinnott Memorial Overlook

Rim Village is the main hub of Crater Lake National Park and the best place to start your visit. Here, you’ll find a visitor center, restrooms, a café, and the historic Crater Lake Lodge.

Built in 1915, the Crater Lake Lodge is a piece of national park history and a wonderful place to relax. Even if you’re not staying overnight, it’s worth a visit. Grab a drink or meal and enjoy the views from the back patio.

Don’t miss the Sinnott Memorial Overlook, where you can get your first close-up view of Crater Lake, Wizard Island, and the steep caldera walls. It’s also a great spot to get oriented and learn about the park through interpretive displays.

TIP: Stop at the visitor center to check current trail conditions, Rim Drive openings, and boat tour availability (more about this later). If you want to dine at the lodge restaurant, reserve well in advance.

Timing: 20-30 minutes, more if you plan to get some coffee or snacks.

3. Watchman Overlook & Watchman Peak Trail

Watchman Overlook is one of the most popular viewpoints in Crater Lake. It offers some of the best views of Wizard Island and the intense blue waters of the lake.

From here, you can also take the Watchman Peak Trail, a short but moderately steep climb to a historic fire lookout. The views from the top are absolutely worth the effort, especially around sunset. The hike is just 1.6 miles (2.6 km) round trip, but with an elevation gain of 420 feet (128 meters), it does feel like a bit of a workout.

Good to know: Watchman Peak is one of the best sunset spots in the park, but parking is limited. Arrive at least an hour before sunset to secure a space.

Timing: 15 minutes for the overlook. 1 hour for the hike.

4. Discovery Point

Discovery Point is one of the classic viewpoints at Crater Lake and a must on any visit. This scenic overlook is where gold prospector John Hillman first saw the lake in 1853, calling it the “Deep Blue Lake.”

This viewpoint offers a wide, open view of the lake and the rim, perfect for photos. There’s also a section of the Rim Trail here if you want to stretch your legs with a short, easy walk.

Timing: 10–15 minutes, or slightly longer if you walk part of the Rim Trail.

5. Cleetwood Cove Trail & Swimming in Crater Lake

Important: Due to major rehabilitation work, the Cleetwood Cove Trail will be closed for the entire 2026 and 2027 seasons. Since this trail is the only access point to the boat dock, boat tours will not be running during this time either. Please see the official website for current conditions.

If you are looking for something fun and unique to do in Crater Lake National Park in the summer, consider hiking the Cleetwood Cove Trail for a swim in the lake.

Swimming in Crater Lake is a one-of-a-kind experience. The water is incredibly clear and pure, but also freezing cold! Even in mid-summer, the temperature rarely rises above 55°F (13°C), though it can feel a bit warmer right at the surface. Most people just dip their toes or take a quick plunge, but we did see a few brave swimmers stay in a bit longer.

Good to know: Cleetwood Cove is one of only two places where you’re legally allowed to access the water and swim in Crater Lake. The other is Wizard Island, which is only reachable by boat (more on that later). The swimming area is located at the bottom of the Cleetwood Cove Trail, which also serves as the starting point for the park’s boat tours.

The Cleetwood Cove Trail is 1 mile (1.6 km) each way with about 700 feet (213 meters) of elevation change. It took us around 25 minutes to hike down and 35 minutes to hike back up. While it’s a moderate trail, the climb back up can be challenging and will definitely get your heart rate up. We saw plenty of families and older visitors making the hike, but also several people who seemed to underestimate it, including some wearing flip-flops, which is really not a good idea!

Timing: 1.5–2 hours, including hiking time but not the boat tour (more on that below).

6. Crater Lake Boat Tour

Most of the top spots in Crater Lake offer high-angle views from the rim, but to truly experience the park, consider taking a boat tour. Seeing the lake from the water is a completely different perspective and gives you a real sense of its size and depth.

The tours take you past Wizard Island, Phantom Ship, and the dramatic caldera cliffs while a ranger shares fascinating stories about the park’s geology and history. It’s one of the best ways to appreciate just how unique this place really is.

TIP: Bring a reusable water bottle – the tour guide will fill it with cold, fresh lake water, and it’s surprisingly good. In the summer, bring sun protection as there is no shade on the boat. On cooler days, you may also want to bring a sweater or a light jacket.

Good to know: Boat tours are only available in summer, typically from early July to mid-September. Part of the tickets are released well in advance, so if you know your travel dates, book as early as possible (check the availability here). If tours are sold out, don’t worry – the remaining tickets are released 24 hours before each departure. We saved the booking link and checked a few times a day. Tickets for each tour are released exactly 24 hours before that specific tour, so if you miss one, try again an hour later.

Important! To reach the dock, you’ll need to hike down the steep Cleetwood Cove Trail and back up again afterward – more info below.

Timing: The standard boat tour takes 2 hours, but allow 3.5–4 hours total, including hiking time.

7. Garfield Peak Trail

If you are looking for a nice, rewarding hike at Crater Lake National Park, the Garfield Peak Trail is one of the best options. Starting right near Crater Lake Lodge, the trail offers spectacular lake views almost the entire way.

It’s a bit of a climb, but not too bad, and even if you don’t get to the Garfield Peak itself, it’s still worth hiking to the viewpoint from which you can see the entire lake.

Good to know: The Garfield Peak Trail is a moderate hike with an elevation gain of 1,010 feet (308 meters). It’s 3.6 miles (5.8 km) round trip. Snow permitting, the hike is accessible in late summer – early fall. We visited mid-July, and the top part of the trail was still covered in deep snow (so we stopped earlier – and it was still totally worth it).

TIP: Come early in the morning for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, or late in the afternoon for fewer crowds. We hiked here early in the evening and met more deer than people on the trail.

Timing: 2-3 hours.

8. Crater Lake Trolley Tour

The Crater Lake Trolley Tour is a fantastic way to explore the main sights of Crater Lake National Park without the stress of driving or finding parking.

These tours take you around the entire 33-mile Rim Drive, making five to seven stops at key viewpoints, giving you time to take photos and enjoy the views. A park ranger on board provides engaging narration, trivia, and fun facts about Crater Lake’s history, geology, and wildlife.

Good to know: Tours run from early July through mid-September and last about 2 hours. Trolleys are enclosed and wheelchair accessible, but there are no bathroom stops, so plan ahead before you depart.

TIP: Book early, especially for July and August, to secure your preferred date and time. If there is availability, tickets can also be purchased from the trolley ticket office in Rim Village on the day itself. More info here.

9. Phantom Ship Overlook

Phantom Ship is a small island in the southern part of Crater Lake, formed from 400,000-year-old lava. Its jagged shape resembles a ghostly sailing ship, making it one of the most unique and recognizable landmarks in the park.

The best way to see Phantom Ship is from the water on a boat tour, but the Phantom Ship Overlook is also worth a stop for a clear, close-up view of this fascinating rock formation.

Good to know: Phantom Ship may look small from above, but it’s actually as tall as a 16-story building!

Timing: 10 minutes.

10. Cloudcap Overlook

Cloudcap Overlook is the highest viewpoint accessible by car in Crater Lake National Park and the highest paved road in Oregon. It provides sweeping, 360-degree views of the lake, nearby forests, and on clear days, distant peaks like Mount Shasta.

This overlook is located on the far eastern side of the park, slightly off the main loop road, so it’s often quieter than other stops.

Good to know: Cloudcap Overlook faces west and offers unobstructed views of the lake, making it a great place to watch the sunset without having to hike up to Watchman Peak.

Timing: 15 minutes.

11. Vidae Falls

Vidae Falls is a lovely roadside waterfall located right along the main loop road. It’s perfect for a quick photo stop or a short break between viewpoints, especially on a warm summer day.

The waterfall cascades down about 100 feet (30 meters) over a rocky slope surrounded by lush greenery, creating a beautiful contrast with the dry landscape higher up along the rim.

Good to know: The waterfall is just a few steps from the parking area, so you can enjoy the view without any hiking. It’s also a good stop for families with young kids.

Timing: 5 minutes.

12. Pinnacles Overlook

The Pinnacles are tall, colorful spires that have been slowly eroded from the canyon walls over thousands of years. This fascinating geological area was formed after the massive eruption that created Crater Lake and offers one of the most unusual landscapes in the park – completely different from the iconic lake views.

The Pinnacles Overlook is located about 6 miles (10 km) southeast of the main Rim Drive, tucked away from the park’s most visited areas. If you have extra time and want to explore beyond the classic viewpoints, this short detour is well worth it.

Timing: 30-45 minutes, including the detour and a short walk.

13. Wizard Island

Wizard Island is a volcanic cone in the center of Crater Lake, like a smaller volcano inside the massive crater of a larger one. It’s one of the most striking and unique features of the park, visible from many viewpoints along the rim.

To get a closer look, you can take a boat tour around the lake or even book a tour that includes time on the island itself. Visiting Wizard Island is a truly special experience and one that not many visitors have the chance to do. Once there, you can hike to the summit, walk around the rim, swim, or simply enjoy the peaceful, remote setting.

Good to know: The only way to visit Wizard Island is by boat, and the dock is reached via the earlier-mentioned Cleetwood Cove Trail. Standard boat tours don’t stop on the island, only pass by. To visit the island itself, you can choose a shuttle option that drops you off and picks you up three hours later, or a combination tour that includes a 2-hour boat ride around the lake followed by 3 hours on the island. Tickets sell out quickly, so book well ahead of time or check back exactly 24 hours before departure for last-minute availability.

TIP: Bring water, snacks, swimwear, and sunscreen – there are no facilities on the island.

Timing: 5–6 hours total, including the boat ride, time on the island, and the hike to and from the boat dock.

+ Snow Fun

If you’re visiting Crater Lake in early summer, don’t be surprised to find plenty of snow still on the ground, even in late June or mid-July. The park gets an average of 43 feet (13 meters) of snow each year, and it melts very slowly at this high elevation. We were in Crater Lake National Park in the second half of July and there was still plenty of snow around.

Playing in the snow is a fun and unique experience, especially if you’re visiting from a warmer climate. Kids (and adults!) love sliding down small hills, making snowmen, or just enjoying the novelty of snow in summer.

Just be cautious around the rim, as snow can hide steep drop-offs and make the edges unstable. Luckily, there are plenty of safe places to enjoy the snow at Crater Lake National Park.

Good to know: Snow can also block some hiking trails, so always check conditions at the visitor center before setting out on longer hikes.

Timing: 10–20 minutes for a quick play stop.

Info & Tips for Visiting Crater Lake

Planning a visit to Crater Lake National Park takes a bit of preparation. The park has a short summer season, limited facilities, and unpredictable weather. Here are some essential things to know before you go:

• Season: Crater Lake National Park is open year-round, but most facilities, trails, and roads are only accessible during the summer months. The Rim Drive usually opens fully in early July and closes again by mid-October, depending on snow conditions. Outside of this period, expect partial closures and limited services.

• Check conditions: Even in early summer, snow often lingers in the park, keeping some roads and hiking trails closed. On top of that, every year the park does maintenance and repair work during the short summer season, which can also lead to temporary closures of roads, trails, or facilities. Always check current conditions on the official park website or at the visitor center when you arrive.

• Book ahead: With such a short season, availability for everything inside the park is very limited. Boat tours, trolley tickets, and rooms at Crater Lake Lodge all sell out months in advance. If you know your travel dates, book as early as possible. If boat tours are sold out, check back 24 hours before departure – any remaining tickets are released at that time. We planned our trip half a year ahead, and Crater Lodge was fully booked. We stayed at the Aspen Inn in Fort Klamath, 17 miles away.

• Arrive early or stay late: During the day, parking lots fill up quickly, especially near Rim Village and popular viewpoints and trailheads like Cleetwood Cove.

• Bring layers: Temperatures can vary a lot throughout the day. Mornings and evenings are often chilly, even in July and August, and it can also feel chilly on a boat tour. Dress in layers so you can adjust as conditions change.

• Pack snacks and water: Food options inside the park are very limited and can be expensive. Bring some snacks, lunch, and a reusable water bottle.

• Download maps: Cell service is very limited in the park. Download offline maps in advance or use the paper maps (available at the park entrance and visitor center) to help navigate between stops.

• Fill your gas tank before you arrive: There are no gas stations inside Crater Lake National Park, and the closest fuel station at Mazama Village (just outside the south entrance) isn’t always reliable.

• Bring a wide-angle camera lens: Crater Lake is massive, and from many viewpoints, you’ll want to capture the entire lake in a single shot. A wide-angle lens makes it much easier to photograph the sweeping scenery without cutting off parts of the crater rim.

So, this is our guide to the very best things to do in Crater Lake National Park. I hope it gives you a good idea of what to expect and helps you plan your time.

TIP: If you’re trying to figure out how to include Crater Lake in a longer road trip, check out our 2-week Northern California road trip itinerary. It covers highlights like San Francisco, Yosemite, the Redwoods, and Lake Tahoe, and dips slightly into Oregon to visit Crater Lake National Park.