In the summertime, there are a variety of hiking trails open to the public at Crater Lake National Park. The most popular trails are the ones that circumnavigate the lake, offering stunning views of the water and surrounding cliffs. For those looking for a more challenging hike, there are also a few trails that take hikers up into the surrounding mountains.
The national park website lists six different hiking trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous.
Is there a hiking trail around Crater Lake?
The Rim Trail is an easy trail with some steep rises along the west rim of the lake through an old growth wind-shaped forest. The trail begins where Discovery Point Trail ends West end of Rim Village where the paved walk becomes a dirt path. You can park at Discovery Point Overlook and walk right to Rim Village.
The Cleetwood Cove Trail is the most popular hike in Crater Lake National Park. Its popularity is because it is the only trail in the park with access to the lake and is the starting point for boat tours of Crater Lake. You’ll start along Rim Drive, navigating steep switchbacks over 600 feet.
How long does it take to hike around Crater Lake
This is a popular trail for birding and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The average time to complete this 118-mile out-and-back trail near Halfway, Oregon is 6 h 51 min.
This hike is moderate to difficult in intensity, but offers unbeatable views of Crater Lake, Wizard Island and the Phantom Ship. The wildflowers and lava flows are an added bonus.
How long is the hike to the bottom of Crater Lake?
The Cleetwood Cove trail is the only trail that offers access to the shore of Crater Lake. The trail is steep and takes 15-25 hours to complete, but the views of the lake are spectacular. At the bottom of the trail, there is a boat dock that provides access to the lake.
The Rim Drive is a historic road that includes 33 miles of lake views, panoramic vistas, forests and meadows. The road was designed to compliment the natural landscape, and disappear from view when looking across the lake from any point. The Rim Drive is a great way to experience the beauty of the area and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
What is the easiest trail in Crater Lake?
This is a great trail for wildflower lovers! The Castle Crest Wildflower Trail is a short and easy hike that offers stunning views of Crater Lake and its colorful wildflowers. If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to check out this trail!
Crater Lake National Park is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. There are three primary waterfalls within the park’s borders, Vidae Falls, Plaikni Falls, and Duwee Falls. Each of these falls is unique and offers visitors a different experience. Vidae Falls is the highest of the three falls, plunging over 500 feet into the crater lake below. Plaikni Falls is the widest of the falls, and Duwee Falls is the most secluded, located at the end of a short hike through the woods. No matter which falls you visit, you’re sure to be impressed by the natural beauty of Crater Lake National Park.
Which side of Crater Lake is best
If you’re looking for the best view of Phantom Ship Island, the Sun Notch Viewpoint is the place to go. You can’t access Phantom Ship Island directly, but this overlook offers the next best thing. It’s the perfect spot to experience the island’s natural beauty.
The park has more than 90 miles of hiking trails, but in May and June they are typically covered by deep snow. When snow-covered, most trails are either too difficult to follow, or too dangerous.
How long is cleetwood trail at Crater Lake?
If you’re looking for a challenging hike with stunning views, the Cleetwood Cove Trail is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that it’s a steep and strenuous trail, with a 700-foot elevation drop over the course of its 11 miles. But the effort is definitely worth it, especially when you get to enjoy the refreshing waters of Cleetwood Cove at the end of the hike.
Crater Lake National Park is a great place to hike with the family. There are nine easy hiking trails, ranging from 42 to 10,410 feet in elevation gain, that are great for the whole family. These trails offer stunning views of Crater Lake, as well as a chance to get up close and personal with some of the park’s wildlife.
Can you see Crater Lake without hiking
The Rim Drive is an excellent way to see Crater Lake from many different angles. The overlooks provide great views of the lake and there is plenty of parking. The only downside is that the walks to the edge of the overlooks can be a bit short.
If you plan on visiting Crater Lake National Park, be sure to bring your entrance fee with you. You will be required to show your physical pass or digital pass upon entry, so make sure you have it readily available. Keep in mind that photos of physical passes will not be accepted, so don’t rely on that as your only method of payment.
Can you do Crater Lake same day?
I definitely recommend taking at least half a day to explore Crater Lake National Park – the lake is absolutely stunning and there are plenty of short hikes to enjoy. If you have more time, I recommend doing some longer hikes and spending a couple days in the park – there’s definitely enough to keep you busy for a few days!
The blue beauty of Crater Lake is amazing! The water is incredibly deep and the color is stunning. Visitors can swim at designated areas, but beware — the water is usually very cold!
Conclusion
There are approximately 33 miles of hiking trails at Crater Lake National Park.
Overall, there are about 22 miles of hiking trails at Crater Lake National Park. Of those, the Rim Trail encircles the lake at about 10 miles, and is considered the easier of the trails. The other trails vary in wagon wheel marks stamped into the trailheads to show the level of difficulty.
