8 Things You Can’t Miss On Your First Visit to Crater Lake

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5.  Climb a Mountain

Standing on top of a mountain as you gaze down at the deepest lake in America is perhaps the best view of all!  You’ll savor the expansive panorama of Crater Lake and the surrounding peaks after putting in some effort to reach the mountain tops.

What You Need to Know

There’s a mountaintop trail for every age and ability!  A few that I recommend are:

• The Watchman:  Hike to the Observation Station on the top of the peak for commanding views of Wizard Island.  This trail is 1.4 miles roundtrip and gains about 400 feet of elevation.
• Garfield Peak:  For awesome views of the Cascades, the lake, and the Phantom Ship, consider hiking this more challenging trail.  To reach the top of Garfield Peak, a 3.4-mile roundtrip hike with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain is required.
• Mount Scott: Here’s your chance to hike to the top of the park’s tallest peak.  This trail is 5 miles roundtrip and gains about 1,300 feet of elevation.  It’s the best 360-degree view in the park!

Be advised that pets are not permitted on any of these trails.

Getting Here

The Watchman Trail is located on the West Rim Drive, Mount Scott on the East Rim Drive, and Garfield Peak leaves from the Crater Lake Lodge in Rim Village.

6. Castle Crest Wildflower Garden

Wander through a lovely meadow overflowing with vibrant wildflowers!  Enjoy the beautiful colors and fragrant smells as you walk beside the sparkling streams that meander through the garden.

What You Need to Know

The variety of flowers along such an easily accessible trail is simply astounding — it is said that there are over 200 varieties!  This trail was one of the first of its kind.  Constructed in 1929, the wildflowers were planted all in one place to make it easier for park rangers to help people learn about the flora of the park.

Be sure to grab a trail guide at the beginning of this 0.4-mile trail so that you can identify the plants along the way.  Pets are not permitted on this trail.

Getting Here

This trail is located along the East Rim Drive.  To get here from the Steel Visitor Center, take a right out of the parking lot and then stay left as the road forks to drive on the East Rim Drive.  Follow the East Rim Drive for 0.3 miles until you reach the trailhead parking on your left.

7. Plaikni Falls

Stroll through the forest to this gorgeous waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation and wildflowers.  Slow down and appreciate the natural beauty of the area as you hike the park’s newest trail!

What You Need to Know

The Plaikni Falls trail is an easy 2.2 miles roundtrip and is wheelchair accessible except for the final short climb up to the falls.  Pets are not permitted on this trail.

This trail was completed in 2011, and the honor of naming the falls was given to the Klamath Tribes.  The word “Plaikni” means “from the high country.”  The waterfall originates from a spring located at 7,000 feet above sea level, not from Crater Lake.

Getting Here

The Plaikni Falls trailhead is located along the Pinnacles Road on the southeast side of the park.

To get here from the Steel Visitor Center, take a right out of the parking lot and then stay left as the road forks to drive on the East Rim Drive.  Follow the East Rim Drive for 8.2 miles and then turn right onto the Pinnacles Road.  Follow the Pinnacles Road for 1.2 miles until you see the parking area on your left.

8.  Cleetwood Cove Boat Tour

After seeing the lake from above, you’ll be dying to get down to the water!  Hike the only trail in the park that leads to the lakeshore and then take a fabulous boat tour to fully experience Crater Lake.

What You Need to Know

The Cleetwood Cove Trail is where you need to go to get close to the water.  It’s a strenuous 2.2-mile roundtrip hike with an elevation change of 700 feet….that means LOTS of switchbacks.  You can hike this trail even if you don’t plan on taking a boat tour.

If you do plan on taking a ranger-led boat tour, you must purchase your tickets before you start hiking.  No tickets are sold at the bottom of the trail.  Reservations are possible, as well as first-come, first-served tickets that go on sale 24 hours before the tour departure time and are available from Mazama Village Cabin/Campground Registration Desk, Crater Lake Lodge Front Desk, and at the Cleetwood Cove Kiosk. Any tour tickets that are available less than 2 hours before the tour departure time are sold at the Cleetwood Cove Parking Lot kiosk.

You can find more information about the various tours offered and how to purchase your tickets here.  Keep in mind that you need to budget in at least 45 minutes before your tour time to hike down to where your tour starts.

Also, note that children ages 2 and under are not permitted on the Crater Lake boat tours.

Getting Here

Cleetwood Cove is located on the north side of the lake.  From the Steel Visitor Center, follow the road toward Rim Village for 2.7 miles.  Instead of turning toward Rim Village, turn left and continue driving on the West Rim Drive around the lake for 6 miles.  Keep right at the fork (don’t turn toward the North Entrance) and drive on the Rim Drive for another 4.5 miles until you reach the Cleetwood Cove Trailhead on your left.  Park here and stop at the kiosk to check in if you have tickets for a boat tour.  The hike starts across the street from the parking area.

Have an amazing time in Crater Lake National Park.  Happy trails!