Visitor Guide

Crater Lake Crater Lake National Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Reflections Visitor Guide Summer/Fall 2024 Road Closure on East Rim Drive Road alert! Part of the East Rim Drive will be closed this summer for construction. To facilitate progress, it will be closed to all traffic, including bicycles and pedestrians. In July, the closure will extend from Skell Head to the Phantom Ship Overlook (see map on page 5). The Mount Scott Trail will also be closed. In August, part of the road (and the Mount Scott Trail) should reopen. If all goes well, the entire road will be open by early October. The roadwork is part of a 5-year, $56 million effort to stabilize and repair 19 miles of the East Rim Drive, which was built in the 1930s. Funding for the project comes from the Great American Outdoors Act, passed by Congress in 2020 to address infrastructure needs on public lands. Escape to Wizard Island Plus 10 Other Ways to Enjoy Your Park Lidar Image of Wizard Island Have you ever set foot on a volcano inside a volcano? Boat tours operate on Crater Lake from July to mid-September. While most don’t stop at Wizard Island, about 200 people per day can purchase a ticket to be “stranded” on the island for 3 hours—to explore, swim, fish, and relax. See page 3 for more information and page 2 to learn about the steep hiking trail required to take a boat tour. Wizard Island emerged from Crater Lake around 7,300 years ago in a shower of fiery cinders that piled into a symmetrical cone. Lava flows then pushed through the loose cinders, creating “tongues” of blocky lava that comprise the rest of the island. Today, hikers can cross a lava tongue on the Fumarole Bay Trail or explore the volcano’s vent (known as the Witches Cauldron) by taking the Summit Trail. See page 4 for trail details. Visiting Wizard Island is a special experience, but there are many other ways to make your stay at Crater Lake memorable, meaningful, and fun. Here are 10 suggestions: Find the Phantom Ship Climb a Peak Photograph the Pinnacles Touch the Water 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). East Rim Drive Welcome to Crater Lake! Summer is upon us and as The Bard said, “The game’s afoot!” Visitors will see much activity and change Craig Ackerman throughout the Superintendent park. A new and exciting concessioner, ExplorUS, is now operating facilities at Rim Village and Mazama Village with renewed focus on customer service. The Steel Visitor Information Center has reopened after a two-year “facelift.” Staff are ready to answer questions and provide advice on visiting the park. Lake operations should be in full swing by July for visitors wanting to take a boat tour or visit Wizard Island before access to the lake closes next year to rebuild the trail and marina. As more visitors discover the beauty and inspiration of the park, lines become longer and parking spaces fewer. It is important that we exercise patience, respect, and understanding of each other. Then, the majesty of the park can be the center of everyone’s attention! 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). The summits of Watchman Peak, Garfield Peak, Union Peak, Crater Peak, and Mount Scott each offer panoramic—and very different—views of the park (see page 4). 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, fish, or simply dangle your toes (see page 2). Walk Among Wildflowers In July and August, flowers 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). Take a Trolley Tour See the park with those who know it best. Narrated, 2-hour tours depart daily from Rim Village, stopping at overlooks as they travel along Rim Drive (see page 3). Visit the Sinnott Overlook Savor a Sunset View the Lodge See the Milky Way Perched on a cliff at Rim Village, this historic overlook features a dramatic view of the caldera and exhibits that explain its geologic features (see page 3). For a glimpse into a bygone era, check out the history exhibits—and the Great Hall— of Crater Lake Lodge, renovated in the 1990s but first opened in 1915 (see page 3). Rotary Plow at Rim Village Sunsets in the park can be spectacular— especially from the top of Watchman Peak and from roadside pullouts high on the Rim Drive (see page 2). Look Inside!  2... Activities, Rules 3... Food & Other Services 4... Hiking Trails 5... Map, Viewpoints 6... Feature Articles 7... FAQs 8... Supporting Your Park Park Profile 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 (3,700-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: 560,000 • 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) On moonless nights, the park offers some of the darkest night skies in America. Look up to see meteors, satellites, planets, and the starry arms of our galaxy. When is the Park Open? The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. No reservations are needed to enter. Some roads, however, are closed seasonally due to snow. The North Entrance and Rim Drive close for the season on November 1 (or earlier if there is significant snowfall). Highway 62 and the road to Park Headquarters are open year-round. Rim Village is also reachable year-round except during periods of heavy snowfall. In the spring, opening dates vary. The North Entrance and West Rim Drive open sometime between mid-May and late June. The East Rim opens between mid-June and late July. 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 on the East Rim Drive National Park Service U.S. Dept. of the Interior Relaxing on the Annie Creek Trail Activities Backpacking Crater Lake Visitor Guide Summer/Fall 2024 This is the official 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 park’s visitor centers. 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 the park’s rules, visit go.nps.gov/regs. 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 for people who are backpacking (permit required) or staying in the park’s campground or hotels. 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! 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. More than 95% of the park is managed as wilderness. Although some trails and areas 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. 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 Pacific Crest Trail, who may instead sign a trail register as they enter the park.) Backcountry permits are free of charge and are available 24 hours a day. They are not available online or over the phone. Bicycling Bicycles are allowed on paved roads and the unpaved Grayback Road. They are not allowed on trails or off-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 traffic. The most popular trip in the park is the 33-mile (53km) Rim Drive, but making the full loop is not possible this summer due to road construction (see page 1). The road features spectacular views but also long climbs that gain a total of 3,800 feet (1,158 meters) of elevation. For a flatter, 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 7 and September 14 this year. On those two days, the entire East Rim Drive will be closed to automobiles but open to bicyclists and pedestrians (including through the construction zone), giving them a chance to enjoy 24 miles (39 km) of scenic roadway without vehicle noise and traffic. 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, Pacific Crest Trail, and Lady of the Woods Trail (see page 4). They are also allowed on the Grayback Road (see map on page 5). Leashes must not exceed 6 feet, and only one pet per hiker is allowed. Pets are not permitted on other trails or off-trail. Pets on leash (or otherwise physically restrained) are also allowed in picnic areas, campgrounds, parking lots, Junior Rangers 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 Mazama Cabins. The preceding 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 outside the park’s two visitor centers. To become a Junior Ranger and earn an official badge, complete at least 7 pages as you explore the park. Then show your book to a ranger at a visitor center. If we are closed, you can deposit your book in an after-hours drop box (outside either visitor center), and we will send you a badge through the mail. Alternately, you can send your finished book to the address on its cover, or photograph the pages and email them to craterlake@nps.gov. Wildlife Viewing The park is home to a variety of animals, but they can be difficult 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, marten (a type of weasel), fox, coyote, wolf, 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 midJune 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 wheelchairaccessible wayside exhibits. We are working 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 find a short stretch of rocky shoreline. Wizard Island, reachable by tour boat, is also open to fishing. Licenses are not necessary. There are no restrictions on the size, number, or type of fish taken. Fish may be released or kept. To prevent the introduction of other non-native organisms, no organic bait of any kind may be used. This includes fish eggs, PowerBait, and live or dead fish. Fishing is limited to artificial lures and flies 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 Cleetwood Cove and Wizard Island (which requires a tour boat to reach). The shoreline at both locations 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 or away from Wizard Island. 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, fins, goggles, life jackets, and other flotation 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 flights of stairs! The trail is recommended only for those in good physical condition. It is not accessible for people with mobility impairments. Hikers should wear sturdy footwear and carry water. Vault toilets are located at the top and bottom of the trail. Depending on snow conditions, the trail is usually open from mid-to-late 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 Summer Sunset Black Bear Crossing the Pinnacles Road Download the NPS App! Navigate the park with your phone using the free NPS app! • See where you are in the park • Find trailheads and park features • Get trail descriptions • No cell service required once installed • Works in every national park • Scan this QR code to download— Sinnott Overlook Services & Facilities The dates and hours below were accurate at the time of publication but are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Emergencies Dial 911 to report any emergency. 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 in Rim Village and Mazama Village. Restrooms Restrooms with flush 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 7 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 Café, Mazama Village Store, and Annie Creek Restaurant (see hours below). When boat tours are running, water is available for purchase at the top and bottom of the Cleetwood Cove Trail. Food & Dining The Rim Village Café serves grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, and snacks. May 17–mid-Oct...... 9 am–8 pm mid-Oct.–late Dec... 10 am–5 pm The Annie Creek Restaurant in Mazama Village offers breakfasts, sandwiches, salads, and meals from late May to late September. Breakfast ........... 7 am–10:30 am Lunch/Dinner ....... 11 am–9 pm Crater Lake Lodge features gourmet cuisine in a casual atmosphere from May 17–Oct 14. Reservations are recommended for dinner but are not taken for breakfast or lunch. Breakfast .......... 7 am–10:30 am Lunch .......... 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner ................. 5 pm–10 pm Also, appetizers and drinks are available from 3 pm–10 pm in the Great Hall and on the back patio. The Mazama Village Store sells groceries, snacks, grab-and-go sandwiches, souvenirs, camping supplies, firewood, and gasoline. May 24–late June ..... 9 am–9 pm late June–late Sept.... 7 am–9 pm late Sept.–Oct. 14 ... 10 am–6 pm* *gas pumps only; store closed Gasoline & EV Self-serve, unleaded gasoline is available at the Mazama Village Store during business hours from May 24–October 14 (see hours above). For electric vehicles, a Level 2 charging station is located in front of the Annie Creek Gift Shop in Mazama Village. It has one standard connector and one Tesla connector. Crater Lake Lodge Visitor Centers At the park’s two visitor centers, rangers can help plan your trip. The Steel Visitor Center at Park Headquarters is open daily 9 am–5 pm. A 22-minute film is shown every half hour. It explores the park’s significance and the lake’s violent, volcanic past. The Rim Visitor Center at Rim Village is open 9:30 am–5 pm daily from June to late September. The park’s souvenir passport stamp is available at each location. You can purchase postage stamps and send letters at the Steel Visitor Center. Exhibits Perched on a rock ledge behind the Rim Visitor Center, the Sinnott Overlook has geology exhibits, a relief model, and a spectacular lake view. It’s open daily 9:30 am–5 pm from late 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 of the Lodge can be found on the ground floor, west of the lobby. Gifts & Books The nonprofit Crater Lake Natural History Association sells books, maps, postcards, and souvenirs inside the park’s two visitor centers (see hours above). Park concessioner Explor Crater Lake also offers 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). Trolley Tours Boat 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! Boat tours offer a unique perspective on Crater Lake. They operate, weather permitting, from July to mid-September. Taking a tour requires hiking down—and back up—the steep trail to Cleetwood Cove (see page 2 and map on page 5). Three types of excursions are available: Trolley tours depart hourly from Rim Village, 10 am–3 pm, late June through September (weather permitting). They last 2 hours, are narrated by a park ranger or concession guide, and stop at a variety of scenic overlooks, where passengers may disembark to enjoy the view. Tickets can be purchased from 9 am– 3 pm daily by calling 541-882-1896 or aboard the trolley parked in the middle of Rim Village. They can also be reserved online at www.craterlaketrolley.net. The trolleys are wheelchair accessible and seat about 20 passengers. They are owned and operated by park concessioner The Shuttle Inc. of Klamath Falls. Campgrounds Mazama Campground has a total of 214 sites for tents and RVs. It is operated by park concessioner Explor Crater Lake and will be open late June–late September. (It may open earlier in June, depending on snowmelt, with sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.) From late June–late September, advance reservations are highly recommended: call 866-2926720 or visit www.explorecraterlake.com. Senior Pass and Access Pass holders are entitled to a 50% discount on campsites. The campground has drinking water, flush toilets, showers, laundry facilities, and a dump station. Each site has a picnic table and bear-resistant food locker. Food must be stored in a locker or in your vehicle. Each site also has a fire ring, but wood and charcoal fires are prohibited during times of high fire danger. The park’s other campground, Lost Creek Campground, is closed this year. For a list of campgrounds outside the park, visit go.nps.gov/sleep. Wizard Island Tours are 5 hours long. They consist of a standard tour plus a 3-hour stay on the island, where passengers are dropped off to hike, swim, fish, and relax on their own. Wizard Island Shuttles require 3 hours and 45 minutes. They include a roundtrip ride to the island plus a 3-hour stay there. They do not circle the entire lake and do not include narration. Tours are operated by park concessioner Explor Crater Lake. For information on departure times and ticket prices, visit www.explorecraterlake.com or ask at one of the park’s concession-run facilities. Half the tickets for each tour are available for advance purchase online. The remaining tickets go on sale exactly 24 hours prior to each departure (online and at several concession-run facilities). Ticket holders should arrive at the trailhead at least 45 minutes before departure to allow time to hike down the trail to the dock. Lodges The park has two hotels, both operated by park concessioner Explor Crater Lake. Historic Crater Lake Lodge, which first opened in 1915, overlooks the lake at Rim Village. It has 71 rooms and is open May 17–October 14. The Cabins at Mazama Village have 40 units and are open late May–late September. For both facilities, advance reservations are highly recommended: call 866-292-6720 or visit www. explorecraterlake.com. For a list of options outside the park, visit go.nps.gov/sleep. Standard Tours last about 2 hours. They are narrated by a park ranger or concession guide and circle the entire lake (but do not stop at Wizard Island). Ranger Programs Ranger talks and periodic astronomy programs are presented in the summer at Rim Village. Other activities may be offered as well. Ask at a visitor center to find out what’s on tap during your stay. Climate Chart The boats are not covered. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are recommended for sun protection. Wear sturdy footwear, especially if visiting Wizard Island. And be sure to bring a jacket—the weather on the lake can be windy and chilly! Note: Kids must be at least 3 years old to take a boat tour. Noise, sun, wind, and waves make tours unpleasant for infants. 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 Pacific 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 Water temps are from 1965-2019. Other averages are from Park Headquarters, 1931-2019. 3 Let’s Go for a Hike! We have 90 miles (145 km) of trails here at Crater Lake. Our most popular day hikes are listed here. If you are visiting in June or 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: Phantom Ship from Sun Notch Lewis Monkeyflower 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.  Pets are allowed on the Godfrey Glen Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Lady of the Woods Trail, and Grayback Road. Pets must be leashed; only one pet per hiker is allowed (see page 2).  Overnight backpacking requires a permit, available at the Ranger Station at Park Head- Hiker atop Garfield Peak Headquarters. Some areas are not open to backcountry camping (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 wildflowers 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. Behind the Steel Visitor Center, on the south side of the building. East Rim Drive, 4.4 miles (7.1 km) east of Park Headquarters. The flowers 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 flowed 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 flowers. The first 3/4 is accessible to all-terrain wheelchair users with assistance, but the final 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 Easy Discovery Point Watchman Peak Annie Creek Boundary Springs Wizard Summit Fumarole Bay 2.0 miles (3.2 km) 1.6 miles (2.6 km) 1.7 miles (2.7 km) loop trail 5.0 miles (8.0 km) 2.2 miles (3.5 km) 1.7 miles (2.7 km) 100 feet (30 meters) 420 feet (128 meters) 200 feet (61 meters) 400 feet (122 meters) 760 feet (232 meters) 150 feet (46 meters) 1 hour 1 hour 1½ hours 3 hours 1½ hours 1 hour Lake Views Panoramic Views Creek, Canyon, Flowers Springs, Stream, Flowers Highlight Views, Summit Crater Swimming, Fishing The first 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. Moderate ascent to a fire lookout above Wizard Island. Spectacular views in all directions. Great place to watch the sunset. Trail may be closed until mid-July due to snow. Moderately strenuous hike through a deep, streamcut canyon. Lots of water, wildflowers, 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 official park brochure. Description Rocky climb to the top of Wizard Island. Spectacular lake views, interesting geology. A 0.3-mile (0.5-km) path leads around the 90-foot-deep (27-meter) crater at the summit. Rocky trail on Wizard Island leading to a shallow cove with clear water. Upon reaching Fumarole Bay, the maintained trail ends but a rough path continues to the far end of the cove. West end of Rim Village, where the paved walk becomes a dirt path. Can also start from Discovery Point. 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. Trailhead Location Wizard Island dock, reachable only by tour boat from Cleetwood Cove. See page 3 for info. Wizard Islan