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Visitor GuideSummer/Fall 2022 |
Summer/Fall Visitor Guide to Crater Lake National Park (NP) in Oregon. Published by the National Park Service (NPS).
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Crater Lake
Crater Lake National Park
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Refections Visitor Guide
Summer/Fall 2022
View from
Mount Scott
at Sunrise
Welcome
to Crater
Lake!
We are looking
forward to an
exciting summer
in the park.
Although we are
not completely
Craig Ackerman
Superintendent
past the pandemic
and its effects, we
are returning to more normal operations.
Trolley tours and other activities will once
again be available to help you explore
the wonders to be discovered here.
While we are more fully staffed than last
year, we are still limited in the services
and facilities that we can provide, so
we ask you to exercise good planning,
judgment, and patience while exploring
the park and nearby areas.
Please review the rules on page 2 to
protect yourself from harm and park
resources from damage. Be prepared
with proper clothing and footwear, food,
water, and sunscreen. And pack plenty
of consideration and courtesy. Report
problems to a ranger and offer help to
people you observe who may need
assistance. It will make the park a better
place for everyone, and you will be rewarded in knowing that you contributed
to the protection and enhancement of
one of the most special places on Earth.
Catch a Rising Star
Plus 10 Other Ways to Enjoy Your Park
Watching the sun rise (or set) in
the park can be an unforgettable
experience. The overlooks
on the Rim Drive, with their
unobstructed views, are great
places to observe the sun’s daily
rituals, as well as other celestial
events. For many travelers,
spending dawn or dusk on the
rim of Crater Lake is a highlight
of their park visit. When the
winds are calm, the lake becomes
a perfect mirror of the sky.
Rotary Plow
at Rim Village
If sunrises and sunsets don’t ft into
your schedule, there are many other
ways to make your Crater Lake visit
memorable, meaningful, and fun.
Here are 10 suggestions:
Circle the Lake
Find the Phantom Ship
Photograph the Pinnacles
Have a Picnic
Visit the Sinnott Overlook
Touch the Water
Climb a Peak
Take a Trolley Tour
Rim Drive is a 33-mile (53-km) paved
road around Crater Lake. More than 30
pullouts ofer excellent views of the park’s
scenery. Allow 2 to 3 hours (see page 5).
Formed by the same eruption that gave
birth to the lake, these colorful volcanic
spires are tucked away in the park’s
southeast corner (see page 5).
Perched on a clif at Rim Village, this
historic overlook features a dramatic view
of the caldera and exhibits that explain
its geologic features (see page 3).
The summits of Garfeld Peak, Watchman
Peak, and Mount Scott each ofer spectacular—and very diferent—views of Crater
Lake (see page 4).
Watch for Wildfowers
From late June to mid-August, fowers line
many of the park’s roads and trails. Take a
short stroll on the Castle Crest Trail to view
the park’s premier display (see page 4).
Park Profle
That’s also why the most popular
spots for sunset are Watchman Overlook and Watchman Peak, where you
can enjoy the last rays of light on the
lake and then watch the sun descend
over a dozen ridgetops between the
park and the Pacifc Ocean.
Hours & Seasons
No reservations are needed to enter the
park. It is open year-round, 24 hours a
day. Some roads, however, are closed
seasonally due to snow. The park’s
North Entrance and Rim Drive close for
the season on November 1 (or earlier
if there is signifcant snowfall). Crews
start plowing these roads in April, but
opening dates vary. The North Entrance
and West Rim Drive open sometime
between mid-May and late June. The
East Rim Drive opens between mid-June
and late July. Highway 62 and the road
to Rim Village are plowed year-round.
Look Inside!
Opinions difer, though, as to the best vantage points. At dawn, some people head to the
West Rim—to Discovery Point, Watchman Overlook, or the top of Watchman Peak. From
these outposts, the waters of the lake sometimes glow in shades of orange, pink, and purple.
As soon as the sun breaks the horizon, however, seeing the lake from these places means
staring into the light, and opportunities for photographs diminish. That’s why other people
prefer to station themselves along the East Rim Drive (or even hike to the summit of
Mount Scott) at sunrise, in order to have the sun at their back when viewing the lake.
Sunrise from
Watchman Peak
2... Activities, Park Rules
3... Food and Other Services
4... Hiking Trails
5... Map, Scenic Viewpoints
6... In the News: Algae Bloom
7... In the News: Rare Foxes
8... Recommended Reading
Anchored near the lake’s south shore is
an island that seems to be sailing away. To
see it, walk to Sun Notch or drive to the
viewpoint named in its honor (see page 5).
Crater Lake National Park protects the
deepest lake in the United States. Fed by
rain and snow (but no rivers or streams),
the lake is considered to be the cleanest
large body of water in the world. The
water is exceptional for its clarity and
intense blue color.
The lake rests inside a caldera formed
7,700 years ago when a 12,000-foottall (3,600-meter) volcano collapsed
following a major eruption. The eruption
may have been the largest in North
America in the past 640,000 years. Later
eruptions formed Wizard Island, a cinder
cone near the southwest shore.
Today, old-growth forests blanket the
volcano’s slopes, harboring more than
700 native plant species and at least 72
types of mammals. The park is central to
the cultural traditions of local American
Indian tribes, whose ancestors witnessed
the lake’s formation.
• Park established: 1902
• Size: 183,224 acres (74,148 hectares)
• Number of visitors last year: 648,000
• Lake depth: 1,943 feet (592 meters)
• Lake width: 4.5 to 6 miles (7 to 10 km)
• Highest point: Mount Scott, elevation
8,929 feet (2,721 meters)
The pullouts and picnic areas on the Rim
Drive are perfect for outdoor eating. Stop
by the Rim Village Café or Mazama Village
Store for grab-and-go sandwiches.
The trail to the lake shore is steep and can
be crowded, but the water at the bottom is
some of the world’s purest. Swim, fsh, or
simply dangle your toes (see page 2).
See the park with those who know it best.
Ranger-narrated, 2-hour tours depart daily
from Rim Village, stopping at overlooks as
they loop around the lake (see page 3).
View the Milky Way
On moonless nights, the park ofers some
of the darkest night skies in America. Look
up to see meteors, satellites, planets, and
the starry arms of our galaxy.
Artist Paul Rockwood’s conception
of Mount Mazama, the volcano that
collapsed to form Crater Lake. If you
gathered up the ash from the mountain’s
big eruption and spread it evenly across
the state of Oregon, it would form a
layer 8 inches (20 cm) thick.
Bicycling Around the Lake
National Park Service
U.S. Dept. of the Interior
Summer Sunset
Activities
Backpacking
Crater Lake Visitor Guide
Summer/Fall 2022
This is the offcial newspaper of Crater
Lake National Park. It is published twice
a year and funded by the Crater Lake
Natural History Association through sales
made in the visitor center bookstores.
Park Phone: 541-594-3000
Website: www.nps.gov/crla
Mail: PO Box 7, Crater Lake, OR 97604
Email: craterlake@nps.gov
Know
the
Rules
National parks belong
to everyone. We all
share responsibility
in protecting them.
Please take a moment
to become familiar
with these important
regulations. For a full
list of park rules, visit
www.nps.gov/crla.
Drones
Operating remote-controlled aircraft in the
park is prohibited.
Guns
Firearms are allowed in the park in accordance with Oregon state laws. They are
prohibited, however, in all park buildings.
Marijuana
Possession of marijuana is prohibited.
Oregon state laws allowing the use of
marijuana do not apply in the park, an
area of federal jurisdiction.
Overnight Parking
The park is open 24 hours, but overnight
parking is not allowed, except in the park’s
campgrounds, for guests at the park’s hotels, and for backpackers (permit required).
Feeding Animals
Do not feed wildlife, including birds and
squirrels. Exposing them to our food alters
their behavior, is bad for their health, and
can be dangerous for you. Store food
properly. Generally, this means in your
vehicle or in a campground food locker.
Backcountry campers should hang their
food or use a bearproof canister.
Golden-Mantled
Ground Squirrel
Help keep wildlife wild.
Please do not feed!
Before setting out, all backpackers must
obtain a permit, in person, from the Ranger
Station at Park Headquarters. (The one
exception is through-hikers on the Pacifc
Crest Trail, who may instead sign a trail
register as they enter the park.) Backcountry
permits are free of charge and are available
between 8 am and 4:30 pm daily. They are
not available after hours or over the phone.
Bicycling
Bicycles are allowed on paved roads and
the unpaved Grayback Road. They are
not allowed on trails, or of-trail. Helmets
are required for riders under 16 years of
age and are strongly recommended for all
cyclists. The park’s paved roads are narrow
with heavy automobile trafc. The most
popular trip in the park is the 33-mile
(53-km) Rim Drive, featuring spectacular
views but also long climbs that gain a total
of 3,800 feet (1,158 meters) in elevation.
For a fatter, more relaxing ride, try the
paved, 11-mile (18-km) bike path around
Diamond Lake, 5 miles (8 km) north of
the park. The closest place to rent bikes is
Diamond Lake Resort.
The park’s annual “Ride the Rim” event
will be taking place on September 10 and
September 17 this year. The East Rim
Drive will be closed to automobiles, giving
bicyclists and pedestrians a chance to
enjoy 24 miles (39 km) of scenic roadway
without vehicle noise and trafc. Visit
www.ridetherimoregon.com to learn more.
Enjoying the Park
with Your Pet
Pets are welcome in the park, but only in
certain areas. Pets on leash are allowed on
the Godfrey Glen Trail, Lady of the Woods
Trail, Grayback Road, and Pacifc Crest
Trail (see page 4). Leashes must not exceed
6 feet, and only one pet per hiker is allowed.
Pets are not permitted on other trails or
of-trail. Pets on leash (or otherwise physically restrained) are also allowed in picnic
areas, campgrounds, parking lots, on paved
surfaces, and up to 50 feet (15 meters) away
from paved surfaces. Popular places to walk
a dog include Rim Village and Mazama
Campground. Pets are not allowed inside
buildings, including Crater Lake Lodge and
The Cabins at Mazama Village. The preced-
ing rules do not apply to service animals
here to assist people with disabilities. Solid
waste must be picked up immediately and
disposed of properly, in a trash can or toilet.
Junior Ranger
Program
Are you between 6 and 12 years old, or a
kid at heart? Pick up a free Junior Ranger
activity book! They are available 24 hours
a day from dispensers in front of the Rim
Village Visitor Center and Mazama Village
Visitor Center.
To become a
Junior Ranger
and earn an
ofcial badge,
complete at least
7 pages as you
explore the park.
Then show your
book to a ranger
at either visitor center
(see hours on next page).
If we are closed, you can deposit your
book in the after-hours drop box outside
the visitor center, and we will send you a
badge through the mail. Alternately, you
can send your fnished book to the address
on its front cover, or ask an adult to scan
or photograph the pages and email them
to craterlake@nps.gov.
More activities are available online. Visit
www.nps.gov/crla to watch engaging videos
about Crater Lake and earn virtual badges.
Wildlife Viewing
The park is home to a variety of animals,
but they can be difcult to spot. Many are
active primarily at night or shy away from
humans. The most commonly seen animals
are squirrels, chipmunks, marmots, ravens,
jays, and deer. Lucky observers might spot
a pika, porcupine, fox, coyote, wolf, marten
(a type of weasel), bald eagle, owl, or herd
of elk. Bobcats and mountain lions are
present but are rarely seen. Approximately
50 black bears live in the park, but they also
prefer to stay hidden. You might see one
crossing a road. The only creatures that
tend to pester people are mosquitoes (from
mid-June through July) and yellowjacket
wasps (in August and September).
Accessibility
Except for the Sinnott Overlook, developed
areas in the park are generally accessible
to individuals with mobility impairments.
The most accessible path for people using
wheelchairs is the paved promenade at
Rim Village. The Godfrey Glen, Sun Notch,
Pinnacles, and Plaikni Falls trails are accessible to all-terrain wheelchair users with
assistance (see page 4). Many pullouts on
the Rim Drive have wheelchair-accessible
wayside exhibits. We are working hard to
improve our level of accessibility for all
park visitors. We welcome your comments.
Park Features
Leave rocks, plants, animals, and artifacts
undisturbed for others to enjoy. It is
prohibited to collect, deface, disturb, or
destroy natural or cultural features. Do not
approach, touch, feed, or disturb wildlife.
Sky Gazing
With clean air and unobstructed views,
the rim of Crater Lake is a great place to
observe astronomical events. Discovery
Point is a favorite spot to watch the sunrise.
For sunsets and moonrises, try Watchman
Overlook, Cloudcap Overlook, or hike to
the top of Watchman Peak.
Fishing
Crater Lake is home to rainbow trout and
kokanee salmon. Neither is native to the
lake. Fishing is allowed at the bottom of the
Cleetwood Cove Trail, where you’ll fnd
a short stretch of rocky shoreline. Fishing
licenses are not necessary. There are no
restrictions on the size, number, or type
of fsh taken. Fish may be released or kept.
To prevent the introduction of other nonnative organisms, no organic bait of any
kind may be used. This includes fsh eggs,
PowerBait, and live or dead fsh. Fishing is
limited to artifcial lures and fies only.
Swimming
Swimming is allowed in Crater Lake, but
the water is cold! Most people swim for
just a few minutes. Swimming is permitted
only at the bottom of the Cleetwood Cove
Trail. The shoreline is rough and rocky;
there are no beaches, and no lifeguards are
on duty. Swimmers must stay within 100
yards (91 meters) of shore and not venture
out of Cleetwood Cove. Long-distance
swimming is prohibited. To prevent the
introduction of non-native organisms,
the use of equipment other than standard
swimsuits is forbidden. Wetsuits, snorkels,
fns, goggles, life jackets, and other
fotation aids are not allowed, as well as
other gear—such as rafts, canoes, kayaks,
and paddleboards—that could serve as
potential vectors for invasive species.
Hiking to
Cleetwood Cove
The Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only
legal access to the shore of Crater Lake.
The hike is steep and strenuous: in 1.1
miles (1.7 km) it drops 700 feet (213
meters) in elevation. Walking back up
is equivalent to climbing 65 fights of
stairs! The trail is recommended only
for those in good physical condition.
It should not be attempted by anyone
with heart, breathing, or walking
problems. It is not accessible for people
with mobility impairments. Hikers should
wear sturdy footwear and carry water.
Vault toilets are located in the parking
lot at the top of the trail. Depending on
snow conditions, the trail is usually open
from mid-June to late October.
Rim Drive
Lake Shore
The strenuous trail to Cleetwood Cove
drops 700 feet (213 meters) in elevation.
Best Friends at Rim Village
2
Sightseeing on the East Rim Drive
Black Bear Crossing the Pinnacles Road
SKETCH FROM ROAD GUIDE TO CRATER LAKE
Hiking and Climbing
Stay on trails. This prevents erosion,
protects vegetation, and protects other
hikers. The Cleetwood Cove Trail is
the only legal access to the lake shore.
Hiking and climbing inside the caldera is
otherwise prohibited. The walls consist of
unstable rocks and loose soil.
Over 95% of the park is managed as wilderness. Although some trails and locations
are closed to backcountry camping (for
example, there is no camping in the summer
with a view of the lake), exploring the park’s
old-growth forests and volcanic landscapes
can be a rewarding experience. Generally,
backpackers must travel at least 1 mile from
their vehicle in order to camp.
Junior Rangers
Sinnott Overlook
Services
& Facilities
This information was accurate at the time
of publication but is subject to change. To
fnd out the current status of park facilities
and hours of operation, check one of the
information boards located around the park.
Emergencies
Dial 911 to report any emergency, 24 hours
a day. First aid is available at the Ranger Station at Park Headquarters (8 am–4:30 pm).
Restrooms
Restrooms with fush toilets and running
water are open 24 hours a day at Rim Village
and Mazama Campground. Vault toilets
are located near all three park entrances
(West, South, and North) and at 6 other
places around the park (see map on page 5).
Drinking Water
Water fountains can be found outside the
Rim Village Visitor Center and Mazama
Village Store. You can buy bottled water
at the Rim Village Gift Shop, Annie Creek
Gift Shop, and Mazama Village Store (see
hours below).
Food & Dining
The Rim Village Café serves grab-and-go
sandwiches, salads, and snacks.
May 13–Sept. 25 ...... 9 am–6 pm
Sept. 26–Oct. 26 ..... 10 am–5 pm
Oct. 27–Dec. 31 ..... 10 am–4 pm*
*closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays
The Annie Creek Restaurant in Mazama
Village serves pizza, burgers, and more.
May 20–June 30 ..... 11 am–8 pm
July 1–Sept. 24 ....... 11 am–9 pm
The Mazama Village Store sells groceries,
snacks, grab-and-go sandwiches and salads,
camping supplies, frewood, and gasoline.
May 20–June 9 ...... 10 am–6 pm
June 10–30 ............ 10 am–7 pm
July 1–Sept. 4 ......... 9 am–9 pm
Sept. 5–Sept. 25 ..... 10 am–7 pm
Sept. 26–Oct. 9 ...... 10 am–6 pm*
*gas pumps only; store closed
Crater Lake Lodge also serves meals.
During times of high community Covid
transmission, however, food will be
available only to overnight guests of the
Lodge and the Mazama Village cabins.
May 13 –Oct. 8:
Breakfast .......... 7:30 am–10 am
Lunch ............. Box lunches for
overnight guests
Dinner ........ 5–6 pm (everyone)
6–10 pm (guests only)
Appetizers, drinks, and desserts are
also available, 3–10 pm, in the Great
Hall and on the back patio.
Trolley Tour
Visitor Centers
At the park’s two visitor centers, rangers
are available to answer questions and help
plan your visit. The Mazama Village
Visitor Center is open 9 am–5 pm daily.
The Rim Village Visitor Center is open
9:30 am–5 pm daily from late May to late
September. Junior Ranger activity books
are available from an outdoor dispenser.
The park’s souvenir passport stamp is
available during business hours (it’s
the same design at each location). The
nonproft Crater Lake Natural History
Association sells books, maps, postcards,
and souvenirs. The Steel Visitor Center
at Park Headquarters, normally open yearround, is currently closed for rehabilitation.
It should reopen by the end of 2022.
Exhibits
Perched on a rock ledge behind the
Rim Village Visitor Center, the Sinnott
Overlook has geology exhibits, a relief
model, and a spectacular lake view. It’s
open 9:30 am–5 pm daily from mid-June
through September and 10 am–4 pm
in October (weather permitting). The
overlook is located down a steep, historic
walkway with stairs and, unfortunately,
is not accessible to people with limited
mobility. At Crater Lake Lodge, exhibits
on tourism and the history and renovation
of the Lodge can be found on the ground
foor, west of the lobby. They are available
around-the-clock, May 13–October 8.
Gifts & Books
The Crater Lake Natural History Association sells books, maps, postcards,
and souvenirs inside the Rim Village
Visitor Center and Mazama Village
Visitor Center (see hours above). Park
concessioner Crater Lake Hospitality also
ofers a range of merchandise at the Rim
Village Gift Shop (same hours as the Rim
Village Café, see left), the Annie Creek Gift
Shop in Mazama Village (same hours as the
Annie Creek Restaurant, see left), and the
Mazama Village Store (see hours at left).
Post Offce
A US Post Ofce is open 9 am–12 pm
and 1–3 pm (except Sundays and holidays)
inside the Mazama Village Visitor Center.
Lost & Found
Photographer on Watchman Peak
Bird-Banding Program
Campgrounds
Lodges
Mazama Campground has a total of
214 sites for tents and RVs. It is operated
by Crater Lake Hospitality and will be
open this year July 1–September 24.
Senior Pass and Access Pass holders are
entitled to a 50% discount on campsites.
All sites are reservable in advance (www.
travelcraterlake.com or 866-292-6720),
with any remaining sites available on a
frst-come, frst-served basis starting at
12 pm each day at the Mazama Village
Store. If needed, you can reach the
campground directly at 541-594-2255,
extension 3. The campground has fush
toilets, drinking water, and a dump station.
Each campsite has a picnic table, fre ring,
and food locker. Black bears tend to avoid
the campground, but all food should be
stored in a food locker or a vehicle. The
park’s other campground, Lost Creek
Campground, is closed this year.
For a list of campgrounds outside
the park, visit www.nps.gov/crla.
Trolley Tours
Rim Drive is one of America’s most
scenic roads, but it’s hard to appreciate
the views with your eyes on the asphalt.
Fortunately, you can leave the driving to
someone else—while learning about the
park at the same time!
Ranger-narrated trolley tours circle
Crater Lake daily. Tours begin and end
at Rim Village, spend 2 hours traveling
clockwise around the lake, and stop
at 5 to 10 scenic overlooks, where
passengers can disembark for a few
minutes to enjoy the view. Tours depart
hourly from 10 am to 3 pm, July through
September (weather permitting).
Tickets may be purchased between 9 am
and 3 pm by calling 541-882-1896 or
aboard the trolley parked in the middle of
Rim Village. Tickets may also be reserved
online at www.craterlaketrolley.net.
The trolleys are wheelchair accessible and
seat about 20 passengers. They resemble
old streetcars, but they run on modern
technology: most are powered by compressed natural gas and emit 30-40%
less pollution than gasoline-powered
vehicles. They are owned and operated
by The Shuttle Inc. of Klamath Falls.
The park has two hotels, both operated by
Crater Lake Hospitality. Historic Crater
Lake Lodge, which frst opened in 1915,
overlooks the lake at Rim Village. It has 71
rooms and is open May 13–October 8. The
Cabins at Mazama Village consist of 40
units and are open May 20–September 24.
For both facilities, advance reservations are
highly recommended: call 866-292-6720 or
book online at www.travelcraterlake.com.
For a list of options outside the park, visit
www.nps.gov/crla.
Gasoline & EV
Self-serve, unleaded gasoline is available
at the Mazama Village Store during
business hours from May 20–October 9
(see hours, below left). A charging station
for electric vehicles is located in front of
the Annie Creek Gift Shop in Mazama
Village. It has one standard connector
an
d one Tesla connector.
Bird-Banding
Demonstrations
Have you ever seen a bird up close?
Join a ranger to learn about the park’s
birds while watching scientists from the
Klamath Bird Observatory mark them
with identifying bands.
Programs are held most Tuesday
mornings through October 4. They
are free of charge, last 1 hour, involve
a short walk, and take place in the
vicinity of Park Headquarters. Advance
registration is required, and space is
limited. Register online (and learn more)
at www.nps.gov/crla/planyourvisit/
bird-banding.htm.
Other Ranger
Programs
Additional activities will likely be offered
this summer, but they have not been
confrmed at the time of publication. For
the latest schedule, stop by a visitor center, see fyers posted in the campground,
or check one of the information boards
located around the park.
Visit the Ranger Station at Park Headquarters (8 am–4:30 pm) or call 541-594-3060.
Phone & Internet
Cell reception in the park is spotty.
You may have luck at overlooks on the
Rim Drive. An emergency landline can
be found outside the “snow tunnel”
entrance to the Administration Building
at Park Headquarters. WiFi with limited
bandwidth may be available at the park’s
concession-run facilities.
Climate
Chart
Most days in July, August, and September are warm and sunny. In May,
June, and October, clear days alternate with periods of rain and snow.
Winters are long. Storms from the Pacifc Ocean dump an average of 42
feet (13 meters) of snow at Park Headquarters! The park’s tremendous
snowfall is a result of its position at the crest of the Cascade Mountains.
FAHRENHEIT
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Average Daily High (ºF) 34 35 37 42 50 58
Average Daily Low (ºF) 18 18 19 23 29 34
Average Snowfall (inches) 100 81 83 45 19 4
Avg. Snow Depth (inches) 78 100 115 110 75 23
Avg. Lake Surface Temp. (ºF) 39 38 37 38 40 47
CELSIUS
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Average Daily High (ºC) 1
2
3
6 10 15
Average Daily Low (ºC) -8 -8 -7 -5 -2
1
Average Snowfall (cm) 254 206 211 115 49 9
Avg. Snow Depth (cm) 199 254 291 280 191 59
Avg. Lake Surface Temp. (ºC) 4
3
3
3
4
8
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
69
41
0.2
1
57
69 63
41 37
0.1 3
0
0
60 57
52
31
21
2
51
40
24
61
16
44
34
19
93
47
40
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
21 21 17
5
5
3
0.5 0.3 7
3
0
1
14 16 14
11 4
1
-1 -5 -7
53 155 237
6 42 119
10 7
5
Air temperature and snowfall averages are from Park Headquarters, 1931-2019.
Water temperatures are from 1965-2019.
Fishing at Cleetwood Cove
Crater Lake Lodge
3
Swimmers at
Cleetwood Cove
Let’s Go
for a Hike!
Hi, I’m Ranger Stephanie. We have 90 miles
(145 km) of hiking trails here at Crater Lake.
Our most popular day hikes are listed on this
page. If you are visiting in June or early July, be
aware that some trails might still be closed by
snow. Please help us protect this special place
by following a few important rules:
Lewis Monkeyfower
on the Castle Crest Trail
No hiking or climbing inside the caldera! The walls are dangerously steep and unstable.
The one exception is the Cleetwood Cove Trail, the only legal access to the lake shore.
Leave all rocks, plants, animals, and artifacts undisturbed for the enjoyment of future hikers.
Overnight backpacking requires a permit, available at the Ranger Station at Park Head-
quarters between 8 am and 4:30 pm. Some areas are not open to backcountry camping.
Pets are allowed on the Godfrey Glen Trail, Lady of the Woods Trail, Grayback Road, and
Hiker atop
Garfeld Peak
Pacifc Crest Trail. Pets must be leashed; only one pet per hiker is allowed (see page 2).
To protect vegetation and prevent erosion, please stay on the trails.
Castle Crest
Lady of the Woods
Sun Notch
0.5 miles (0.8 km) loop trail
0.7 miles (1.1 km) loop trail
0.8 miles (1.3 km) loop trail
100 feet (30 meters)
120 feet (37 meters)
150 feet (46 meters)
20 minutes
30 minutes
30 minutes
Flowers, Meadow, Creek
Historic Architecture
Views of Phantom Ship
Loop trail through a lush
meadow. Abundant
wildfowers from mid-July
to mid-August. The trail is
rocky and slippery in places.
Self-guiding brochures are
available at the trailhead.
Loop trail around Park
Headquarters. Self-guiding
brochures, available at the
trailhead, describe how early
park architects integrated
their designs with the
natural landscape.
Short uphill walk through a
meadow to the rim of Crater
Lake. Great views of the
Phantom Ship. Use caution
near cliff edges. Accessible to
strong, all-terrain wheelchair
users with assistance.
East Rim Drive, 0.5 miles
(0.8 km) east of Park Headquarters. Can also walk there
from Park Headquarters.
Next to the Ranger Station
at Park Headquarters, south
of the Steel Visitor Center.
East Rim Drive, 4.4 miles
(7.1 km) east of Park
Headquarters.
The fowers here are
nourished by springs
emerging from the hillside.
The trail’s name refers to a
sculpture of a woman carved
into a boulder along the trail.
This U-shaped valley was
carved by glaciers that once
fowed down Mt. Mazama.
Trail
The Pinnacles
Godfrey Glen
Plaikni Falls
Roundtrip
0.8 miles (1.3 km)
1.1 miles (1.8 km) loop trail
2.0 miles (3.2 km)
Elevation Gain
10 feet (3 meters)
50 feet (15 meters)
100 feet (30 meters)
30 minutes
30 minutes
1 hour
Highlight
Volcanic Spires
Peaceful Forest
Waterfall, Flowers
Description
Easy walk along the rim
of Pinnacle Valley. Great
views of volcanic spires. Use
caution near cliffs. Trail ends
at park boundary. Accessible
to all-terrain wheelchair
users with assistance.
Easy stroll through an oldgrowth forest, with some
canyon views. Accessible to
all-terrain wheelchair users
with assistance. Self-guiding
brochures are available at
the trailhead.
Easy walk through an oldgrowth forest to a waterfall.
Many mid-summer fowers.
The frst 3 is accessible to
all-terrain wheelchair users
with assistance, but the fnal
¼ might be too steep.
Trailhead
Location
End of the Pinnacles Road,
6 miles (9.7 km) southeast
of the Phantom Ship
Overlook.
2.4 miles (3.9 km) south of
Park Headquarters.
Pinnacles Road, 1.2 miles
(1.9 km) southeast of the
Phantom Ship Overlook.
Nature Note
The Pinnacles are chimneys
formed when hot ash cooled
after the big eruption.
Trail is named after William
Godfrey, a ranger who died
in a blizzard here in 1930.
Snowmelt, not Crater Lake,
is the source of Plaikni Falls’
water.
Time
Easy
tom Ship
The Phan
Notch
from Sun
Easy
Discovery Point
Watchman Peak
Annie Creek
Boundary Springs
1.6 miles (2.6 km)
1.7 miles (2.7 km) loop trail
5.0 miles (8.0 km)
420 feet (128 meters)
200 feet (61 meters)
400 feet (122 meters)
1 hour
1½ hours
3 hours
Highlight
Panoramic Views
Creek, Canyon, Flowers
Springs, Stream, Flowers
The frst mile of a 6-mile
(9.7-km) trail along the
West Rim of Crater Lake,
through a pretty, old-growth
forest. Great views of the
lake and Wizard Island. Use
caution near cliff edges.
Description
Moderate ascent to a fre
lookout above Wizard
Island. Spectacular views in
all directions. Great place to
watch the sunset. Trail may
be closed until late July due
to snow.
Moderately strenuous hike
through a deep, streamcut canyon. Lots of water,
wildfowers, and sometimes
wildlife. Self-guiding
brochures are available at
the trailhead.
Moderate walk to the large
springs that represent the
headwaters of the Rogue
River. Trail starts outside the
park’s northwest corner and
is shown on the map in the
offcial park brochure.
West end of Rim Village,
where the paved walk becomes a dirt path. Can also
start from Discovery Point.
Trailhead
Location
Watchman Overlook, 3.8
miles (6.1 km) northwest of
Rim Village on the West Rim
Drive.
Mazama Campground,
behind the amphitheater
(between loops D and E).
Limited parking in Loop E.
Pullout on Highway 230
near milepost 19, 5 miles
(8 km) west of the junction
with Highway 138.
Gold prospector John Wesley
Hillman frst spotted Crater
Lake near this point in 1853.
Nature Note
Built in 1932, the peak’s
historic fre lookout is still
used by rangers today.
The canyon is carved into a
layer of ash—200 feet (60 m)
thick—from the big eruption.
The trail passes through a
forest blackened by wildfre
in 2015.
2.0 miles (3.2 km)
Roundtrip
100 feet (30 meters)
Elevation Gain
1 hour
Lake Views
Plaikni
Falls
Trail
Time
Moderate
Cleetwood Cove
Garfeld Peak
Mount Scott
Trail
Crater Peak
Union Peak
Pacifc Crest
2.2 miles (3.5 km)
3.6 miles (5.8 km)
4.4 miles (7.1 km)
Roundtrip
6.5 miles (10.5 km)
9.8 miles (15.8 km)
2,650 mi (4,265 km) 1-way
700 feet (213 meters)
1,010 feet (308 meters)
1,250 feet (381 meters)
Elevation Gain
765 feet (233 meters)
1,600 feet (448 meters)
489,000 feet (149,000 m)
1½ hours
2 to 3 hours
3 hours
Swimming, Fishing
Panoramic Views
Panoramic Views
The only legal access to
the shore of Crater Lake.
Strenuous trail with a steep
grade, leading to a rocky
shoreline. See page 2 for
information on swimming
and fshing.
Rocky climb to a high peak.
Spectacular views along the
way and at the top. Diverse
plant life, many wi