Is Crater Lake Worth Seeing? 14 Reasons The Answer Is YES!
Located in southern Oregon, Crater Lake is Oregon’s sole national park. Crater Lake National Park is ripe with beautiful views and great hiking. That being said the park is a bit isolated and thus I can understand why some people might find themselves asking, ‘Is Crater Lake worth seeing?’
I have written this article to answer just that question, and give you all the info you need to plan a trip to Crater Lake National Park.
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Things to Do / How Long To Visit / Best Time To Visit / Places To Stay
Is Crater Lake Worth Visiting?
As you drive up the forested slopes to enter Crater Lake National Park it feels like, well, any other mountain forest. It really isn’t until you reach the rim of the crater, and look down nearly 1,000 feet to see that a magnificent blue lake, 6 miles across, fills the top of the mountain, that you realize how unique and special Crater lake is, and why it is indeed worth visiting!
Although not the largest National Park, what makes Crater Lake special, and worth checking out, is just how unique it really is. There aren’t many other places where you can go for a swim in a lake in the top of an ancient volcano!
Additionally, Crater Lake is a fun destination for any age. The hike down to the lake may be challenging for some, but you by no means have to descend to the lake to enjoy the views and get a feel for the park as a whole.
What is Crater Lake Known For?
Crater Lake is located in southern Oregon and was created almost 8,000 years ago when the then 12,000-foot tall Mount Mazama collapsed in on itself after a large eruption. What was left was a 2,100-foot deep caldera, that slowly began to fill with water from rain and snowfall, taking an estimated 700 years to reach its current water level.
Today Crater Lake sits at 1,943 feet deep, making it the deepest lake in the United States, and one of the deepest in the world. The rim of Crater Lake Caldera varies in its distance from the lake surface, but on average is approximately 1,000 feet above the lake.
This dramatic drop makes for fantastic views and is really what shapes the experience of Crater Lake.
Best Things To Do In Crater Lake
1. Watchman Tower
Hiking to the historic Watchman Observation Station provides some of the best views that Crater Lake has to offer. The Watchman Observation Station was constructed between 1931 and 1933 and originally served as a fire lookout, the summit of Watchman Peak, where the Observation Station stands, has an elevation of 8,013 feet.
The trail is short, at only 1.6 miles, but fairly steep, having an elevation gain of close to 400 feet. The trail is well maintained and overall is fairly easy if you don’t mind the elevation gain.
Due to the ease of hiking to the observation station and how fantastic the views are this is one of the more popular trails in the park. If you are looking to avoid the crowds come early or late.
2. Cleetwood Cove Trail
The Cleetwood Cove trail is the only trail that leads down the lake surface from the rim. The trail is 2.2 miles round trip and descends 700 feet from the rim down the lake surface. While this trail isn’t particularly long the change in elevation does make it a challenging hike.
Thankfully, the trail is well maintained and includes numerous spots to stop for rest throughout.
Once you reach the lake you’ll have the opportunity to cool off with a swim in the lake. When I say cool off, I really mean cool off, as the lake is quite cold year-round.
3. Take a Boat Tour
A boat tour of Crater Lake provides a completely different perspective of the lake. You will be able to get views of the lake and surrounding crater walls that are simply unattainable in any other way.
There are three options for boat tours.
Standard Lake Cruise: The standard lake cruise is a two-hour ranger-guided tour of the lake. Highlights include Wizard Island and Phantom Ship Island as well as other unique and interesting formations. The ranger onboard will teach about the history and geology of the lake
Wizard Island Tour: The Wizard Island Tour combines a tour of the perimeter of the lake with a visit to Wizard Island. Wizard Island is a cinder cone that protrudes from the lake and rises 763 feet above the lake’s surface. You will have three hours on Wizard Island which is enough time to hike to the summit of Wizard Island and the 90-foot-deep crater at its peak, a crater within a crater!
Wizard Island Shuttle: For those wishing to skip the lake tour you can take a shuttle directly to Wizard Island. Once on the Island, you can swim, fish, or hike to the summit.
All boat tours leave from the Cleetwood Cove dock, which can only be accessed by hiking down the Cleetwood Cove Trail mentioned above. While the trail is only 1.1 miles long it is a 700-foot descent from the crater rim to the lake level and can be a strenuous hike, especially on a hot day.
4. Check out Crater Lake Lodge
Originally constructed in 1915 Crater Lake Lodge sits nearly on the edge of the Caldera Rim, roughly 1,000 feet above the lake. While today, the lodge is a beautiful hotel granting guests modern amenities, that has not always been the case.
Crater Lake Lodge has had a tumultuous past, including a very challenging start. Due to short building seasons, winters where the lodge could be covered in up to 15ft of snow, and the difficulty of bringing in construction materials, the original version of the lodge was much smaller and more simple than what you see today.
Rooms did not include private bathrooms, the exterior of the lodge was covered in simple tar paper, and a small generator provided limited electricity. In spite of this, the lodge was extremely popular when it first opened to the public.
Unfortunately, due to the extreme cost of maintenance, the lodge was heavily neglected over the years. It was actually scheduled for demolition in the 1980s before public outcry convinced the National Park Service to save the lodge.
In order to save the Lodge the park service was forced to undertake a $15,000,000 rehabilitation of the property in the fall of 1994. Which resulted in Crater Lake Lodge appearing largely as it does today.
Today the lodge is the centerpiece of a visitor village that includes a gift shop, visitor center, cafeteria, and more.
5. Campout at Mazama Campground
Mazama Campground is one of only two campgrounds in Crater Lake National Park. It is the only campground with sites reservable in advance.
It is set amongst the trees of an old-growth forest on the outer slopes of Crater Lake at an elevation of 6,000 feet. It is a short drive from the campground up to the Rim of the lake.
The campground lies along the side of Annie Creek Canyon. A small canyon formed by Annie Creek. There is a trail that leads from the campground down into Annie Creek Canyon and then follows the creek. It is a small creek but very green and pretty.
The campground is adjacent to Mazama Village which has a full restaurant and gift shop.
For more on the campground see the “Where to Stay At Crater Lake” section below.
6. Hike to Plaikni Falls
The hike to Plaikini Falls provides a great change of pace from viewing the lake. The trailhead is on the outer slope of Mt Mazama at an elevation of roughly 6,300 feet.
At two miles long it is a relatively short trail and is well-maintained. The trail meanders through a pine forest before leading up to the falls. There is decent shade for most of the hike making it a great option for hot days.
7. Drive the Rim Drive
The Rim Drive is a 33-mile loop that circles the entire rim of the lake. The lake is visible much of the time and there are numerous viewpoints throughout the drive that provide fantastic views of the lake.
Not only is this an incredibly scenic drive but it is also the road you will use to access most of the highlights of the park.
While it is only 33 miles long, plan to take a least 2-3 hours to work your way around the lake (assuming you aren’t stopping for any long hikes), as the road is windy and slow-moving, and trust me you will want to stop for photos!
Taking a drive around the lake is definitely one of the top things to do in Crater Lake National Park.
8. Have a sunset picnic on the rim
The evening lighting on Crater Lake is nothing short of gorgeous, and in my opinion, there is no better time to see the lake.
There are numerous fantastic viewpoints along the rim of the lake, all of which are great places to have some cheese and crackers (or your appetizer of choice) as you watch the sun go down.
9. Join a Ranger-led Hike
Throughout the summer the National Park Service offers ranger programs at various points throughout the park for both children and adults.
There are four kid’s activities each day that are designed for children aged 6 to 12. All children’s activities start at the Rim Village Visitor Center and last about 20min. Kids can earn an iron-on Crater Lake Patch for completion of the activities.
Adult programs included a daily guided sunset hike to the historic Watchman fire lookout, as well as guided hikes throughout the park. Rangers will teach about the history, geology, ecology, and culture of the park. A schedule of ranger programs will be published in the park newspaper you will receive upon entering the park.
For further information on Ranger Programs, you can stop by the historic Steel Visitor Center. Now the park’s main visitor center this historic stone building once housed the ranger dormitory.
10. Go Fishing
Crater Lake is. unique fishing experience, not just because you will be fishing within a crater surrounded by nearly 1,000-foot tall walls, but also because, believe it or not, there is no permit required to fish in crater lake, nor limit to the number of fish you can catch.
Crater Lake has an estimated population of 60,000 Kokanee Salmon. The salmon are native to the lake, rather they were introduced to the lake by humans. Thus the park allows you to catch them to your heart’s content.
Just keep in mind, you’ll have to hike your catch back up the Cleetwood Cove Trail!
11. Hike To Garfield Peak
Garfield Peak is another great hiking option for those who are seeking a view and don’t mind a little climbing. This trail starts in the trees but then opens up pretty quickly. You’ll catch great views of the lake as you traverse switchbacks to the peak.
Similar to the Mt Scott trail, the trail to Garfield Peak isn’t too long, at just 3.6 miles, but it does climb 1,010 feet over the course of the trail. This elevation gain makes it a challenging hike better for experienced hikers and families with older kids.
While no license is required there are some specific rules on fishing in Crater Lake National Park. You can find them on the NPS website here.
12. Take A Trolley Tour Of The Rim
The Crater Lake Trolley is a fun way to experience the Rim Drive. Trolley Tours start and stop at the Crater Lake Rim Village. Tours last approximately two hours. The Trolley will be accompanied by a park ranger that will teach about the history and culture of the lake throughout the tour.
The Trolley will make designated stops at some of the park’s best viewpoints for photo opportunities and question-and-answer sessions with the park ranger.
13. Visit Vidae Falls
Vidae Falls is likely the most well-known waterfall in Crater Lake National Park, perhaps due to how easy it is to access. Vidae Falls is right next to the Rim Drive and there is a pullout that gives easy access.
This is a great stop for families with young kids as it doesn’t require any hiking to see the falls. In summer months Vidae Falls is often lined by colorful wildflowers making for a beautiful mountain scene.
14. Hike Mt Scott
At 8,929 feet the summit of Mt Scott is the highest point in Crater Lake National Park. While the peak of Mt Scott does not lie on the rim of the crater the only place in the park where you can gain a view of the entire lake is on this trail.
The Mt Scott trial is approximately 4.5 miles long, out and back. It has an elevation gain of 1,250 feet, making this a challenging hike. Although you will likely see others on this trail it is typically not as crowded as other trails closer to the rim of the lake.
How long should you spend at Crater Lake?
I would recommend a 2-night stay to get the full experience of Crater Lake. This amount of time should be sufficient to allow you to drive the Rim Road, pick out a hike or two, and maybe even take a boat tour. Giving you a pretty good overall feel for what Crater Lake is all about.
You could certainly keep yourself entertained for longer if you wanted to really immerse yourself in the park and see all that it has to offer. Additional time would allow you to tick even more hikes off your list and really settle in.
3-Day Itinerary For Visiting Crater Lake
Day 1 – Arrive midafternoon and get checked into your accommodation. Head up to the lack for a short hike, The Watchman Observation Station, would be a great option. There is s daily ranger-guided sunset hike to the Watchman Overlook that you can join to learn more about the lake as you hike. Or just find a scenic spot along the rim to relax and enjoy the sunset. Maybe pack some appetizers.
Day 2 – After breakfast head up and start driving clockwise around Rim Road. Start off with an early hike to Watchman Observation Station (if you didn’t already check it out last night) to catch one of the best views of the lake before the crowds arrive.
Next, continue clockwise around the lake until you arrive at Cleetwood Cove. Hike down to the lake and cool off in the chilly waters, or bring a rod and try your hand at catching some of the Kokonee Salmon that live in Crater Lake.
Add a boat tour or trip to Wizard Island to really get the full experience of the lake. Reservations must be made in advance.
After you climb back to your car, continue along Rim Drive, stopping for photo opportunities at any of the numerous viewpoints along the way.
If you still have the time and energy head to Plakini Falls, for a short hike through the forest to a pretty waterfall. This is a nice change of pace from the scenery of the lake. The trail has good shade for a hot day, and is usually less crowded than the popular sports around the rim.
After hiking Plaikini Falls, continue driving clockwise on Rim Road to the Crater Lake Lodge. Take a walk around the lodge to admire this historic building. You can grab a souvenir from the gift shop, some snacks from the cafeteria, or enjoy a drink and some appetizers from the restaurant on their beautiful patio overlooking the lake.
Day 3 – After packing up snag one more view of the lake before heading home!
Can you see Crater Lake in one day?
Yes, if you only have one day, it is still possible to get a great feel for Crater Lake. The highlights to hit in one day are driving Rim Road, hiking to the Watchman Overlook, hiking to the lake (and possibly taking a boat tour), and checking out the lodge. Depending on how much time you have a hike to Plaikini Falls is also very nice.
If you are looking to make a road trip out of your visit to Crater Lake, check out our article “The 32 Best West Coast National Parks” for ideas for other great parks you could tie into a visit with Crater Lake.
Best Time to Visit Crater Lake
Crater Lake receives heavy snow during the winter, so unless you are planning on snowshoeing (which is an option in the winter) the best months to visit are from July through September. Late June and early October can also be good times to visit depending on the weather.
What To Pack
Crater Lake is at a relatively high elevation resulting in wide temperature swings from day to night. This means you will want to pack layers and prepare for cold mornings and evenings and warm days.
While the temperatures at Crater Lake aren’t typically extreme, average highs in the summer hover around 70, many of the best hiking trails are in direct sun and include a good bit of elevation change. All that is to say, you’ll get warm while hiking.
Below is our recommended packing list for a stay at Crater Lake:
Gear
✅ Hat
✅ Sunscreen
✅ Water Bottles
✅ Sunglasses
✅ Flashlight for the caves
✅ Backpack
✅ Hiking Poles to help with the ascent and descent (If you haven’t used them before these are game changers!)
Clothes
✅ Warm pants for morning and evening
✅ Long underwear or leggings for morning and evening
✅ Warm jacket for morning and evening
✅ Beenie for morning and evening
✅ Gloves for morning and evening
✅ Shorts or lightweight pants for hiking
✅ Short-sleeve or lightweight long-sleeve shirt for hiking
✅ Lightweight sweatshirt or jacket for starting hikes in the morning
✅ Hiking Boots or shoes
Where To Stay & Where Not To Stay In Crater Lake
If you are planning a multi-day trip to Crater Lake then I would definitely recommend staying in the park. There is accommodation available in or near the towns of Fort Klamath, Chiloquin, and Klamath Falls. However, the nearest of these, Fort Klamath, is roughly 50min away and has very limited options.
Klamath Falls has plenty of options for loading but is about an hour and a half drive each way.
There are also options for camping outside the park, including numerous public campgrounds along the Rogue River, however, most of these are also at least a 45min drive from the park. Do yourself a favor, save some time in the car, and stay in the park!
Lodges and Hotels
There are two options for lodging in Crater Lake. The Crater Lake Lodge and Mazama Village.
📍Crater Lake Lodge: Originally built in 1915 and then heavily renovated in the early 1990s, Crater Lake Lodge is the only option for accommodation on the rim of the crater.
The Crate Lake Lodge features a restaurant for sit-down dining and a cocktail lounge where you can enjoy views of the lake while you relax with a drink after a day full of exploring the park.
Rooms here are simple, clean, and well-maintained.
📍The Cabins at Mazama Village: Mazama Village is located on the outer slopes of Crater Lake National Park at an elevation of roughly 6,000 feet. It is a short drive from Mazama Village to the rim of the crater.
Cabins are well equipped with two queen beds and a private bathroom. The village features a restaurant for dining, a gift shop, and a camp store with basic food items.
Camping
There are two campgrounds within Crater Lake National Park. The primary campground is Mazama Campground, located adjacent to Mazama Village. The park also operates a small first-come-first-served campground named Lost Creek Campground
📍Mazama Campground: Mazama Campground is a large campground located adjacent to Mazama Village. The campground sits amongst the trees of an old-growth forest alongside Annie Creek Canyon.
It is a well-maintained campground and all sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and food storage. The shared bathrooms have running water and flush toilet and hot showers are available. There are a total of 214 sites available. RVs and trailers can be accommodated. There are a limited number of sites with electrical hookups.
There is a camp store with ice, firewood, and essential food items for sale. The Mazama Village restaurant and gift shop are also within easy walking distance of the campground.
The campground has a central amphitheater that hosts nightly ranger presentations starting in late June.
Mazama Campground is open seasonally based on snowfall. The exact dates change from year to year depending on conditions.
📍Lost Creek Campground: Lost Creek is a much smaller first-come-first-served-only campground operated by the National Park Service. It has 16 tent-only sites. The only way to know availability is to actually arrive at the campground.
Campsites include picnic tables, fire rings, and food storage. Portable toilets are brought to the campground during the camping season.
Lost Creek typically opens in early July but exact dates depend on snowfall in any given year.
If you are considering camping for the first time but unsure if it is for you, check out our article “What Is The Appeal Of Camping? The Answer Might Surprise You…” to see if camping will be a good fit for you.
Conclusion: Is Crater Lake Worth Visiting?
The conclusion, yes, Crater Lake is worth visiting! The uniqueness of Crater Lake, a lake in the top of a collapsed Volcano is not something you get to see every day, makes it worth the visit.
For most visitors a day or two will probably be enough to get a good feel for the lake and do some exploring. For those that want to stay longer, there are additional things to do to keep you entertained.