Crater Lake is one of Oregon’s seven wonders and Oregon’s only National Park, and for good reason!
Things to know before you go
With CLNP being Oregon’s only National Park and one of the seven wonders, it is very popular.
• As always, I recommend getting to the park as early as possible. I usually try to get there by 6/7am.
• You will need an American The Beautiful Pass or it is $30/car. Prices vary for walk ups, bikes, and motorcycles.
• There are two entrances, a South and a North. The trails I’ve listed below are throughout the park, therefore you can enter whichever side. My favorite to enter from is the North side and wrap around.
Below I’m going to share some of my favorite hikes I’ve ever done in the park and hopefully inspire you to visit! These are gorgeous hikes and if you only have time for one or two, this list will be great to pick from! As I continue to explore the park and find new favorites, I will update and add to this post!
Watchman’s Peak Trail
Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
Elevation: 413 feet
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Hike Type: Out & back
This is a trail I hadn’t done until recently, and to be fair I’m not sure why I waited so long! It’s a beautiful trail that leads to a fire lookout and a perfect view of Crater Lake on a clear day. The trail is well maintained and a consistent incline all the way, it’s so worth the quick stop! A very busy trail, arrive early and be prepared to run into PCT thru-hikers!
Cleetwood Cove Trail
Distance: 2.0 miles round trip
Elevation: 620 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Hike Type: Out & back
The only area in the park where you can GET IN the water. It is absolutely freezing while it doesn’t go above 68 degrees, but it’s something you won’t ever forget if you hop in. This trail is a fairly steep descent into the lake, though the trail is well maintained and manageable for most. This trail is a must see if you’re limited on time or can only do one trail, it’s my favorite trail within the park!
Sun Notch Loop Trail
Distance: 0.8 miles round trip
Elevation: 128 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Hike Type: Loop
This trail gives you the perfect view of the iconic “Phantom’s Shipwreck” – A natural rock formation pillar coming up out of the middle of Crater Lake, named that due to its resemblance to a ghost ship. There’s other areas you can see this from just off the road, though this short hike provides the best views of the full formation!
Pinnacles Valley Trail
Distance: 0.8 miles round trip
Elevation: 42 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Hike Type: Out & back
This trail doesn’t have the views of the blue lake, but it shows a much more diverse type of scenery within the park. The “Pinnacles” also known as volcanic pumice spires, formed from erosion on the South side of the Wheeler Creek Canyon, are dominate and are various shades of brown and grey. This is an awesome short trail, and if you’re like me and have a thing for any unique formations and rocks, this hike is for you. The trail is all sand and super accessible and pretty rewarding for the distance I’d say!
Honorable Mentions
Reminders
• Always practice the 7 leave no trace principles. If you pack it in, pack it out. Leave the land better than you found it. Stay on the trail. Never carve on rocks or trees. Never feed or attempt to approach wildlife.
• Know that you may encounter wildlife on these hikes and any hike you may do in the future. It’s important to research before heading out and be prepared based on wildlife in the area.
• Be respectful to other hikers/runners/mountain bikers/horseback riders. Let faster hikers pass, know that uphill hikers have the right away. At viewpoints and popular areas, don’t hog them – always take a minute to take pictures then step aside so others can get theirs.
Let’s get adventuring!
Mariah
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