What to do at Crater Lake?

What to Do at Crater Lake: Top Activities in Oregon’s Crown Jewel

Crater Lake National Park, located in southern Oregon, is a spectacular destination known for its vivid blue waters, ancient volcanic history, and awe-inspiring natural beauty. Formed nearly 7,700 years ago after the eruption and collapse of Mount Mazama, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and one of the clearest in the world. But beyond its visual grandeur, the park offers a variety of unforgettable activities for visitors of all types. If you're planning a visit, here’s a comprehensive guide to what to do at Crater Lake.

1. Drive the Rim Drive Scenic Loop

Perhaps the most iconic activity in the park is the 33-mile Rim Drive, which encircles the entire caldera. Open seasonally (typically July through October), this road offers over 30 scenic overlooks with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding volcanic features.

Highlights include:

◉ Watchman Overlook – for epic views and sunsets,

◉ Cloudcap Overlook – the highest point on the rim at 7,865 feet,

◉ Pumice Castle Overlook – for unusual orange rock formations.

Tip: Take your time—there’s no need to rush. Each stop reveals a different perspective of the lake.

2. Hike the Park’s Scenic Trails

Crater Lake National Park offers a wide range of hiking trails, from short strolls to challenging climbs. Some top trails include:

◉ Cleetwood Cove Trail: The only trail that descends to the lake, allowing swimming and boat access (1.1 miles one way, steep).

◉ Garfield Peak Trail: A moderately strenuous hike with rewarding views from 8,054 feet above sea level (3.6 miles round-trip).

◉ Watchman Peak Trail: A popular short hike (1.6 miles round-trip) that offers stunning sunset views.

◉ Plaikni Falls Trail: An easy family-friendly hike through old-growth forest to a hidden waterfall (2 miles round-trip).

Each trail provides a different encounter with the park’s volcanic landscape, forests, and wildflowers.

3. Take a Boat Tour on Crater Lake

From late June to early September, you can take a ranger-led boat tour on Crater Lake. Tours depart from the base of Cleetwood Cove Trail and provide incredible views from the water.

Options include:

◉ Standard lake tours that circle the lake and discuss geology, history, and legends,

◉ Wizard Island drop-off tours, where you can hike and explore the volcanic island.

Reservations are highly recommended as these tours often sell out.

4. Swim in Crater Lake

Swimming is only allowed at Cleetwood Cove, and while the water is incredibly cold (usually between 55–60°F in summer), the experience is unmatched. The deep blue clarity and quiet serenity make for a refreshing and memorable plunge.

5. Visit Wizard Island

Wizard Island is a cinder cone rising 763 feet above the lake’s surface. If you take a boat tour that includes a stop here, you can:

◉ Hike the Wizard Island Summit Trail (2.2 miles round-trip),

◉ Explore the rugged shoreline,

◉ Fish or relax in solitude.

It’s one of the only ways to interact directly with the volcanic heart of the lake.

6. Go Stargazing and Night Photography

Crater Lake’s remote location and high elevation make it a fantastic place for stargazing. On clear nights, you can see:

◉ The Milky Way stretching across the sky,

◉ Meteor showers during summer months,

◉ Unmatched astrophotography conditions from overlooks like Watchman Peak and Rim Village.

7. Visit the Crater Lake Lodge and Rim Village

Rim Village is the park’s main hub and includes:

◉ Crater Lake Lodge – built in 1915, offering rustic charm and lakefront dining,

◉ Visitor Center – with interactive exhibits and a short film on the lake’s history,

◉ Gift shops and cafés for a break from the trails.

It’s the best spot to learn about the lake’s formation, ecology, and cultural significance.

8. Enjoy Winter Activities

From late fall through spring, the park transforms into a snowy wonderland. Activities include:

◉ Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing along Rim Drive,

◉ Ranger-guided snowshoe walks on weekends (free with reservation),

◉ Winter photography with dramatic snow-covered vistas.

Although the full rim is not accessible in winter, the park remains open and magical for those prepared for cold conditions.

9. Fishing in the Lake

Fishing is allowed at Crater Lake and requires no license. Introduced species such as rainbow trout and kokanee salmon thrive in the lake’s depths. You can fish from the shore at Cleetwood Cove or from Wizard Island (when accessible).

Note: All fish caught must be removed from the lake; no live bait is permitted to protect the ecosystem.

10. Wildlife Watching and Nature Photography

The park is home to wildlife like:

◉ Black bears (rarely seen),

◉ Pikas, marmots, and chipmunks,

◉ Bald eagles and peregrine falcons,

◉ Deer and elk in forested areas.

Dawn and dusk are the best times for wildlife spotting. The scenic terrain and changing light conditions also offer photographers stunning compositions throughout the day.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're hiking, boating, swimming, stargazing, or simply soaking in the views, Crater Lake offers something for every kind of adventurer. Its geological significance, unspoiled beauty, and peaceful atmosphere make it one of America’s most treasured natural landscapes. Plan ahead—many activities are seasonal—and make the most of your visit to this iconic national park.