Mount MazamaCaldera views into a collapsed volcano, wrapped around crystalline blue water
The WatchmanShort hike to the classic Wizard Island viewpoint and lookoutTrailhead · Parking
Garfield PeakShort, steep rim hike to sweeping lake-wide viewsTrailhead · Parking
Sinnott Memorial OverlookHistoric stone overlook with big views and a bite-size geology museumExhibit · Scenic Viewpoint
Watchman OverlookWizard Island’s best roadside viewpoint with a quick hike optionTrailhead · Pullout
Mount ScottBest 360-degree view in the park via a moderate summit hikeTrailhead · Parking
Cleetwood CoveOnly spot to touch the lake, swim, and catch boat toursTrailhead · Restroom
Cleetwood Cove TrailheadSteep path to the lake’s only legal shore access and boat toursTrailhead · Restroom
ModerateWatchman Peak TrailShort climb to a classic 360-degree rim lookout and sunset spot1.7 mi · 54 min
ChallengingCleetwood Cove TrailSteep switchbacks to the only legal shore access on Crater Lake2.2 mi · 1.3 hr
ChallengingGarfield Peak TrailShort, steep climb to a grandstand panorama of the caldera.3.2 mi · 2 hr
ModerateMount Scott TrailSteady climb to the park's high point with big 360-degree views4.4 mi · 2.5 hr
ModerateRim TrailSouthwest rim walk with nonstop blue lake views to Watchman Peak7 mi · 3.5 hr
ModeratePacific Crest Trail (Crater Lake section)Iconic PCT miles with optional rim-top views over electric-blue water33 mi · 18 hr
ModerateWizard Island Summit TrailShort, steep cinder-cone climb to 360° views from an island summit1.2 mi · 1.3 hr
EasySun Notch TrailQuick loop to the best Phantom Ship views on the rim0.8 mi · 30 min
Black BearReports peak in the evening, around 8 PM15 sightings
Mule DeerReports peak in the evening, around 7 PM176 sightings
Common RavenReports peak in the late morning, around 9 AM26 sightings
Turkey VultureReports peak in the afternoon, around 1 PM32 sightings
Red-tailed HawkReports peak in the late morning, around 11 AM45 sightings
Cascades FrogReports peak in the early evening, around 5 PM71 sightings
ToadReports peak in the evening, around 8 PM39 sightings
Yellow-bellied MarmotReports peak in the early morning, around 7 AM151 sightingsLost Creek Campground is closed all year in 2026; do not plan an overnight stay there. Use another campground instead. - The campground normally opens in early July and closes in mid-October depending on weather and other factors. - Lost Creek is a tent-only campground with 16 sites and no potable water; campers would need to bring all water when it reopens. Check current park conditions before planning an overnight stay.
Official details →Do not drive the closed East Rim Drive section or hike the closed Cleetwood Cove Trail. - East Rim Drive is closed from Park Headquarters to Phantom Ship Overlook for road construction. The construction also prevents access to the Crater Peak and Sun Notch trailheads, Vidae Falls, and the nearby picnic area during the construction period. - Cleetwood Cove Trail is closed all season for a major rehabilitation project. The work addresses critical safety issues, including rockfall hazard zones, severe trail tread loss, undermined retaining walls, and a failed marina bulkhead and dock; the trail is closed because construction involves rock scaling, makes the trail impassable, and requires helicopter trips and staging at the Cleetwood parking lot. - Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only permitted access to Crater Lake’s shore, so there are no public boat tours during the summers of 2026, 2027, and 2028. Check current park conditions before visiting for the latest access status.
Official details →PARKWOLF TOUR GUIDE
