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Best trails in Crater Lake National Park

Best trails in Crater Lake National Park

4.5(26,794 reviews)

·

United States
#31 of 60 national parks

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.

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Visitor info

Hours & contact
Passes & fees
Starting at $15
Accessibility
Crater Lake National Park
Every day • Open 24 hours
West Entrance
Every day • Open 24 hours
South Entrance
Every day • Open 24 hours
North Entrance
Every day • Open 24 hours
Exceptions
Crater Lake National Park • Christmas (Closed)
Dec 25, 2025 • Closed
North Entrance • Winter Closure of North Entrance
Nov 1, 2025–Jun 25, 2026 • Closed
Phone
(541) 594-3000
Entrance pass
Motorcycle (May 22–Oct 31)

Admits one or two passengers on a private, non-commercial motorcycle. Good for 7 days. Summer rate from mid-May to October 31st.

$25
Motorcycle (Nov 1–May 21)

Admits one or two passengers on a private, non-commercial motorcycle. Good for 7 days. Winter rate from 11/1 through mid-May.

$15
Per Person

Admits one individual with no motor vehicle (bicyclist, hiker, pedestrian). Youth 15 and under are admitted free of charge. Good for 7 days.

$15
Purchase pass
Private Vehicle (May 22–Oct 31)

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.

$30
Purchase pass
Private Vehicle (Nov 1–May 21)

This is the winter entrance fee. Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15-passenger capacity or less) and all occupants. Good for 7 days.

$20
Purchase pass
Snowmobile (Nov 1–Jun 15)

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.

$15
Purchase pass
Annual pass
Park

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).

$55
Purchase pass
All U.S. national parks

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.

$80
Purchase pass
2025 Fee-free days

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

Overview

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.

Facilities

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.

Camping

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

Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.

Trail reviews for Crater Lake National Park

30,936 trailgoers Busiest in July
Sep 13, 2025Road biking
Great views

Just finished an incredible ride at Crater Lake National Park . Stunning views at every turn, starting from the North Junction and looping clockwise around the rim to the Visitor’s Center. Truly one of the best rides in the nation!

Crater Lake Rim Scenic Drive
Aug 28, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

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.

Conditions: Wildflowers, Dry ground, Well maintained
The Watchman Peak Trail
Aug 20, 2025Road biking
Great views

Crater Lake National Park Oregon

Cleetwood Cove Trail
Sep 21, 2025Hiking
Great conditionsGreat views

really lovely trail along crater lake. trail was very easy and well maintained— views the whole time of the lake! not crowded at all this sunday— however parking looked pretty full, we got here at 9:30 and it was fine to park

Conditions: Well maintained
Rim Trail and Discovery Point Trail
Sep 19, 2025Hiking

Short trail with a bit of slope, but calm and dry on the day we hiked. Great view of the Phantom Ship and Crater Lake.

Sun Notch Trail
Sep 21, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

beautiful sunset hike with views of crater lake and the surrounding mountains!

The Watchman Peak Trail
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Crater Lake National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Crater Lake National Park is Garfield Peak Trail, which has a 4.8 star rating from 5,556 reviews. This trail is 3.5 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,076 ft.

What is the longest trail in Crater Lake National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Crater Lake National Park is PCT: Crater Lake to Willamette Trailhead. This trail is estimated to be 80.7 mi long.

How many trails are in Crater Lake National Park?

There are 30 trails in Crater Lake National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 26,794 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Crater Lake National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Crater Lake National Park has you covered. PCT: Crater Lake to Willamette Trailhead boasts the most elevation gain with 10,439 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is PCT: OR Section C - Highway 140 to Highway 138 (Cascade Crest), which will get you 8,914 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Crater Lake National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 4 camping trails in Crater Lake National Park and the most popular is Annie Creek Canyon Trail with an average 4.6 star rating from 604 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Crater Lake National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 21 running trails in Crater Lake National Park and the most popular is Garfield Peak Trail with an average 4.8 star rating from 5,556 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Crater Lake National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 biking trail in Crater Lake National Park which is Pinnacles Valley Trail with an average 4.4 star rating from 551 community reviews.

What are the best summer hikes in Crater Lake National Park?

Some popular summer hiking trails in Crater Lake National Park are Cleetwood Cove Trail, Garfield Peak Trail, The Watchman Peak Trail, Discovery Point Trail, and Sun Notch Trail.

What are the best fall hikes in Crater Lake National Park?

Some popular fall hiking trails in Crater Lake National Park are Garfield Peak Trail, Cleetwood Cove Trail, The Watchman Peak Trail, Mount Scott Trail, and Plaikni Falls Trail.

What are the best winter hikes in Crater Lake National Park?

Some popular winter hiking trails in Crater Lake National Park are Raven Trail, Discovery Point Trail, The Watchman Peak Trail, Garfield Peak Trail, and Cleetwood Cove Trail.

What are the best spring hikes in Crater Lake National Park?

Some popular spring hiking trails in Crater Lake National Park are Discovery Point Trail, Garfield Peak Trail, Raven Trail, The Watchman Peak Trail, and Cleetwood Cove Trail.

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Crater Lake National Park?

Yes, there are 3 trails with waterfalls in Crater Lake National Park, including Plaikni Falls Trail, Godfrey Glen Trail, and Stuart Falls via Pumice Flat Trail.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Crater Lake National Park?

Yes, there are 7 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Crater Lake National Park, including Garfield Peak Trail, The Watchman Peak Trail, Crater Peak Trail, Union Peak Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail and Alternate Loop.

Are there any trails with volcano viewpoints in Crater Lake National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a volcano viewpoint in Crater Lake National Park: Mount Scott Trail.

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Crater Lake National Park?

Yes, there are 8 trails with scenic viewpoints in Crater Lake National Park, including The Watchman Peak Trail, Discovery Point Trail, Sun Notch Trail, Rim Trail and Discovery Point Trail, and Pinnacles Valley Trail.

Are there any trails with springs in Crater Lake National Park?

Are there any trails with lakes in Crater Lake National Park?

Yes, there are 3 trails with lakes in Crater Lake National Park, including Cleetwood Cove Trail, Wizard Island Trail, and Fumarole Bay Trail.

Are there any trails with cliffs in Crater Lake National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with cliffs in Crater Lake National Park, including Cleetwood Cove Trail and Wizard Island Trail.

Are there any trails with bays in Crater Lake National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with bays in Crater Lake National Park, including Wizard Island Trail and Fumarole Bay Trail.

Are there any trails with picnic areas in Crater Lake National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a picnic area in Crater Lake National Park: Crater Peak Trail.

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