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
Not dog friendly. In fact, most all of Crater Lake National Park is not dog friendly when it comes to hiking. I was a bit disappointed with that. Otherwise, a great way to start or end a day at the park. Short hike, stunning views.
On Saturday June 28th, I arrived at the park around 9 a.m. to find plenty of parking near the trailhead. The trail rises steadily traversing rocky slopes and hugging the rim of Crater Lake. The climb was not overly strenuous but provided a satisfying challenge, with switchbacks revealing new, ever-more-stunning perspectives of the lake below. As I gained elevation, patches of snow lingered alongside the trail. Despite the snow, the trail was mostly clear and easily navigable up to about 7,700 feet, where I encountered a section still deeply covered in snow. Here, the path to the actual summit was impassable without proper winter gear—micro spikes and trekking poles would have been essential to continue safely. At this lookout, the reward was immense. The entirety of Crater Lake spread out below. On the ascent, I encountered only a handful of fellow hikers. However, as I began my journey back down, the trail steadily filled with people making their way up, so early is the way to go if you are looking for solitude. The hike, which took just over an hour to complete, offered a perfect window into the unique splendor of Crater Lake. Even without reaching the very summit, the journey felt complete. The early start not only ensured solitude and easy parking but also allowed for unhurried appreciation of the park’s grandeur before midday crowds arrived.
A great hike overlooking crater lake and the surrounding area. The watch tower at the summit adds interest as it is still used today when fire danger is high.
First Crater Lake hike
We did this super last minute and I’m so glad we did. Crater lake was probably one of our favorite stops in Oregon. Would definitely come back and do more hiking here
Came to crater lake on May 17, 2025. It’s actively snowing with huge snow banks. Today it’s so cloudy that you can not see the lake. We rented snowshoes and poles at Rim Village which is open 9-8. If you’re adventurous, come out and play.