20 Fun Things To Do In Crater Lake National Park

1. Visit The Crater Lake National Park

The stunning Crater Lake, which is the deepest lake in the United States, is found here. Crater Lake National Park has endless recreational possibilities. It has scenic drives, like the 33-mile Rim Drive that gives you awe-inspiring views of the caldera and its blue body of water.

As well as that, there are diverse landscapes from lush forests to volcanic formations which offer activities such as stargazing, bird watching, and camping in an open sky. Surprisingly enough, during wintertime, this place becomes a white paradise ideal for snow booting and cross-country skiing.

2. Take A Journey Along Rim Drive

Rim Drive within Crater Lake National Park makes for an essential experience due to being one of the most picturesque drives in the United States. This 33-mile loop circles around the rim of Crater Lake offering breathtaking panoramic views of the deep blue lake and its accompanying cliffs.

There are numerous pullouts along the drive such as Watchman Overlook or Pinnacles Overlook where guests may take time stop to enjoy the vistas, take photographs of the stunning landscape, or even begin short hikes. The road also passes key landmarks like Wizard Island and Phantom Ship among others. Rim Drive thus becomes an absolute necessity to fully understand a volcanic caldera’s beauty and size.

3. Discover The Beauty Of Sun Notch Trail

For those who go to Crater Lake National Park, the Sun Notch Trail is imperative. The 1.1-mile short loop provides an exceptional opportunity to view the lake from a different perspective.

Here, you can see the deeply blue waters of the lake embraced by cliffs at a breathtaking lookout point. You’ll also pass through flowered mountainsides and woods as well as encounter animals in their natural habitat. The easy terrain makes it an ideal spot for all travelers, while panoramic views enhance your trip to this world-famous national park.

4. Embark On The Cleetwood Cove Trail

Cleetwood Cove Trail is one of the best experiences this park has to offer. Visitors will be taken on an adventure as they trek down to this beautiful lake using this 2.1-mile round trip-only trail leading to its banks.

The deep blue waters of Crater Lake will meet your eyes while you walk through steep descents lined with cliffs on both sides. You can swim or you can take a guided tour and see more about it from the boat. All in all it’s a breathtaking landscape full of rewards for those who want to know more about Cleetwood Cove Trail.

5. Experience The Beauty Of Crater Lake Lodge

Crater Lake Lodge, located in Crater Lake National Park, is a must-go place filled with history, beauty, and fantastic sights. The lodge situated on the edge of the lake has an unmatched spot for watching its deep blue water and wildland.

This historic lodge was built in 1915 featuring rustic designs and comfortable interiors including a huge dining room that has large windows that face upon the grate and woods around it.

Guests could opt to have their meals while taking in the stunning views or lounge before a spacious porch. Ranger-led tours are among other activities going on there hence making it more like a tourist information center to others who visit the park exploring.

6. Hike Up To Watchman Peak

For outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, a hike up to Watchman Peak in Crater Lake National Park should be on their to-do list. The trail is moderately challenging while offering breathtaking panoramic sights of the park.

The Crater Lake hikes is approximately 1.8 miles round-trip with a steady climb through forested terrain and rocky outcrops leading to an extremely rewarding summit with expansive views that look incredible during sunrise or sunset. Hikers will also have an opportunity to see various kinds of plants and animals present in the park while appreciating its uniqueness regarding geology and natural beauty.

7. Venture Into Annie Creek Canyon

Annie Creek Canyon is a unique and serene location for visitors to Crater Lake National Park. Such a scenic marvel boasts a beautiful canyon carved by slow-turning Annie Creek, rich greenery, and striking rock formations.

By taking a hike along the trails in the canyon you will enjoy breathtaking views of rugged landscapes and hear soothing sounds from the creek. It is a great place for nature lovers, and photographers, watching a wide variety of floras as well as chance encounters with wild animals.

8. Discover The Pinnacles Trail

The Pinnacle Trail offers spectacular views of the park’s jagged landscape. This is a moderate hike that traverses through thick timber and rocky terrain covering about 6.5 miles round trip leading you to a breathtaking perspective boasting sightlines over the pinnacles-tall, sharp rock formations that are typical of this region.

As you climb higher, expect to see different geological features and numerous plant species. The trail provides an amazing chance for one to interact with nature’s wonderland while feeling isolated and adventurous.

9. Wander Through Castle Crest Wildflower Trail

Castle Crest Wildflower Trail is one place that tourists to Crater Lake National Park shouldn’t miss. It is 1.1 miles long and not too difficult to walk, and it wanders through green grasslands and at the fringes of a bright stream; which would make it an ideal place for wildflower lovers.

Starting from late June until early August, this trail is full of life with multi-hued flowers such as Indian paintbrush, lupine, and bistort being in full bloom. Furthermore, there are several beautiful sightseers around here providing hikers with panoramic viewpoints.

10. Experience The Beauty Of Garfield Peak

Within Crater Lake National Park, Garfield Peak is unarguably a must-add place to visit on your list of places to go when you are in Crater Lake National Park. It provides you with an opportunity for a great hike that will enable you to see amazing panoramic views.

The path leading to Garfield Peak measures 4.4 miles in round-trip distance, classified as moderate and winding through picturesque forests and rocky surfaces. As you ascend, the path unrolls to alluring views of the crater lake with its deep blue waters and the mountain range around.

At the top, you are treated with an astonishing 360-degree sight including also other distant peaks and caldera rim making it a perfect place for capturing pictures or enjoying the natural beauty of the park.

11. Explore Edgewater Inn

Among various hotels near Crater Lake National Park, Edgewater Inn serves as a modest and friendly place from which to scout the natural scenery of this area. The inn is located within close range of Crater Lake National Park and its beautiful attractions.

The rooms offer comfortable accommodations with a view of the beautiful river, making it an ideal place to rest after coming back from hiking, watching wild animals, or snowshoeing around the park.

It further supplements its attraction with easy accessibility to some outdoor activities such as fishing, rafting, and birdwatching because the inn is also near to Rogue River thus making it suitable for people who love nature and are planning to visit Crater Lake National Park.

12. Appreciate The Beauty Of Vidae Falls

Located in Crater Lake National Park, Vidae Falls is one of the best charming places to visit; it is ideal if you just want to make a fast yet beautiful stop over East Rim Drive. This 100-foot waterfall spills down a green slope and brings about peacefulness with all sorts of blooming plants around.

It is easily accessible hence making it an excellent place for slow walking, having snacks, or enjoying the natural beauty with good weather Crater Lake. The falls are so much more attractive in spring and early summer when snowmelt reaches its height causing increased water flow.

13. Uncover The Wonders Of Mount Scott

Mount Scott is undoubtedly a hike not to miss in Crater Lake National Park, with breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and its environment. The journey to the crest is about 4.5 miles round trip, thus it is a moderate hike that most tourists can undertake.

On your way up, you will go through wooded areas and fields before finally being granted views of Crater Lake’s deep blue waters and the unyielding Cascade Mountains. At the topmost point, you will find yourself at the highest altitude in the park where there is an ancient fire watchtower that offers an unrivaled perspective of vast landscapes.

14. Experience The Natural Beauty Of Plaikni Falls

Located in Crater Lake National Park, Plaikni Falls is one of the most popular attractions because it provides visitors with an experience that is both peaceful and picturesque. Hiking to these falls is quite simple as you only need to go for about 2 miles inside a lush forest full of flowers during summer.

This hiking trail is also family-friendly since it can be utilized by everyone, regardless of their age thus making it appropriate for children as well. While nearing the waterfalls, one can listen carefully to the calm water running down from the moss-covered rock which creates a donating ambiance. Hence, this is the best place on the Crater Lake map.

15. Take In The Views At Merriam Point

You can use the Crater Lake National Park map to find this amazing place named Merriam Point. This is an imperatively beautiful place within Crater Lake that gives a wonderful view of the place, especially at sunrise and sunset when it’s like magic with colors reflected on the water.

Merriam Point can be accessed by vehicle which makes it an easy stopover for anybody driving through the Rim Drive. The point is a great place for an aspiring photographer who might be searching for just the right image or anyone wishing to appreciate nature’s beauty; thus, this is one of the tranquil points in the park.

16. Take In The Views At Watchman Overlook

The Watchman Overlook in Crater Lake National Park displays one of the park’s most stunning perspectives. This overlook offers a panoramic view of the deep blue Crater Lake framed by the wilder cliffs of the caldera.

From here visitors can see Wizard Island and the peaks that surround it stand in all their majestic splendor. The area is particularly favored for sunset shades when colors change as per the different types of lighting.

A short albeit steep hike takes you up to where you can enjoy even more expansive views and learn about different methods of monitoring wildfires in this region.

17. Marvel At The Panoramic Vistas From Sinnott Memorial Overlook

Sinnott Memorial Overlook is one of the must-visit spots in Crater Lake National Park. Perched on the rim of the caldera, this historic stone structure provides an ideal vantage point to appreciate the lake's deep blue waters, with interpretive panels that explain the lake's geological history.

At Rim Village, one may take a short walk to reach the viewing platform and in addition, there is a small museum whose educational aspect makes it quite significant for people who appreciate nature as well as those who are passionate about history.

18. Unveil The Hidden Gems Of Boundary Springs

Hidden away in Crater Lake National Park, Boundary Springs is a secret jewel that gives one a peaceful and beautiful hiking experience. The Boundary Springs is at the source of the Rogue River, whose way is through a moderately easy trail going around for 5.5 miles along beautiful forests and open streams.

At the end of this path are springs from which clean water originates flowing out forming the origin of the Rogue River. It is this place where people can go if they want not be among many tourists but enjoy nature’s splendor in peace without making any noise or distractions.

19. Uncover The Secrets Of Pumice Castle

Pumice Castle is a captivating spectacle hidden somewhere in Crater Lake National Park. The geological form consists of towering spires and craggy pinnacles of pumice rock, a volcanic gift of God to Earth that has been shaped gradually through erosion and weathering.

On one hand, the brilliance of Pumice Castle is not comparable with the fertile evergreen regions surrounding it, which makes it a perfect paradise for photographers or trekking enthusiasts from far and wide.

The north-eastern part of Crater Lake provides an alluring vista about the lake itself as well as its adjacent forests making it another interesting point in the national park that you would not like to miss out on.

20. Ascend To New Heights On The Wizard Island Summit Trail

In Crater Lake National Park, one of the best hikes is the Wizard Island Summit Trail which provides amazing views and an adventure. This difficult 2.5-mile-long trail is a round trip to the summit of Wizard Island, a cinder cone made by a volcano rising from the lake.

The hike is steep but it rewards you with amazing views of Crater Lake, its peak, and the amazing blue waters underneath it. You will have a view of the caldera and crystal clear deep waters of the lake at its highest point.

The trail is most suitable for expert hikers because it is strenuous, though for those up to it, the stunning scenery together with that feeling after having done something really difficult makes it one of the unforgettable experiences.