Best trails in Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park, home to the deepest lake in the U.S., showcases a stunningly pure, sapphire-blue lake formed within the collapsed caldera of Mount Mazama. Its waters, sourced entirely from rain and snow, highlight remarkable clarity. The park also features over 170,000 acres of old-growth forest, offering diverse wildlife habitats and scenic hiking opportunities among ancient trees. Two islands, Wizard Island and Phantom Ship, add to the lake’s captivating landscape, making it a prime destination for nature lovers, photographers, and outdoor adventurers seeking serenity and awe-inspiring views year-round.
Top trails
Visitor info
Admits one or two passengers on a private, non-commercial motorcycle. Good for 7 days. Summer rate from mid-May to October 31st.
Admits one or two passengers on a private, non-commercial motorcycle. Good for 7 days. Winter rate from 11/1 through mid-May.
Admits one individual with no motor vehicle (bicyclist, hiker, pedestrian). Youth 15 and under are admitted free of charge. Good for 7 days.
This is the summer entrance fee and is charged from mid-May through the end of October. Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15-passenger capacity or less) and all occupants. Good for 7 days.
This is the winter entrance fee. Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15-passenger capacity or less) and all occupants. Good for 7 days.
Admits one individual on a snowmobile for travel on snow covered North Entrance Road closed to regular vehicle traffic. Youth 15 and under are admitted free of charge. Good for 7 days.
If you visit twice in 12 months purchasing the park's annual pass will save you money. It is valid at Crater Lake National Park as well as Lava Beds National Monument, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. This annual pass costs $55 and admits the pass owner and all accompanying passengers in a single, private, noncommercial vehicle (or the pass owner plus up to three people when entry is by other means).
Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
No entrance pass required on these days:
Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day
The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.
The Kiser Studio Visitor Center is accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and has wheelchair accessible restrooms. Orientation films include closed captioning.
Audio descriptions, Braille, and large print materials are available.
Additional information about accessibility at Crater Lake National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/crla/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
The Kiser Studio Visitor Center is accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and has wheelchair accessible restrooms. Orientation films include closed captioning.
The Rim Village Lodge has wheelchair accessible rooms. The Rim Café/Gift Shop is also wheelchair accessible.
The Mazama Village has a wheelchair accessible camp store, designated camping sites, restrooms, a shower, an amphitheater, and a restaurant.
The Picnic Hill at Rim Village and Vidae Falls Picnic Area are wheelchair accessible with packed, level paths and surfaces.
The Mazama Village has the following wheelchair accessible features: camp store, campsites, restrooms, and showers. The amphitheater and restaurant are also wheelchair accessible.
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.
Trail reviews for Crater Lake National Park
The Watchman Tower is a historic fire lookout station located on Watchman Peak in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon. It is one of the most popular and scenic destinations in the park, offering panoramic views of the lake, Wizard Island, and the surrounding mountains.
Hiked on 2025.7.26 The road to the trailhead is in good condition. Although the parking lot is small (around 10 cars at trailhead, and you can do street park), it wasn’t crowded when we arrived around 10 AM, and we were able to park right at the trailhead. In my opinion, this is a must-do hike in Crater Lake National Park. The trail offers a stunning panoramic view of the entire Crater Lake. It's the perfect spot to sit, relax, and soak in the scenery for hours.
Crowded trail but beautiful. Amazing view of the lake. Cold plunge into Crater Lake…you gotta do it. Fairly steep climb out but not bad. Totally fun experience!
Come join the crowd for great views of Crater Lake
Probably my favorite trail at Crater Lake!! Very scenic hiking trail perfect to immerse yourself into the park. You will get the view of lake on one side and the view of mountains on another side all the way, and I loved the wildflowers and trees. I went on a Labor Day Sunday, started the trail around 1-2pm. Assuming it was a peak season, I expected the trail to be busy but it was moderately quiet and I really liked that! You can park your car at the visitor center (the trail starts closer to the lodge).