Hikes in Crater Lake National Park

Wizard Island is the main island in the middle of Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the country and one of the most pristine on earth. This lake was formed by the violent eruption and subsequent collapse of a volcano over 7,700 years ago. Wizard Island is the biggest island in the lake (the other being quite tiny), and a ferry runs to and from, giving hikers the chance to explore the 3.7 km out and back hike to the island’s top.

The Wizard Island Trail is rated as moderate and is suitable for most skill levels. Keep in mind that dogs are not allowed in the park. You’ll have to plan your hike around the ferry schedule, but we also advise checking the webcams to see if the lake is visible or not before visiting. It’s often shrouded in clouds, and you’ll want a clear view from the top. All of this information can be found on the NPS website.

Discovery Point Trail is an easy, very scenic hiking route that follows the rim of the crater that holds Crater Lake. This crater was the result of an eruption and collapse of Mount Mazama around 7,700 years ago, forming the deepest lake in the United States, known for its color and clarity. This route follows the rim of the crater on a relaxed path, offering an excellent view of the lake.

The Discovery Point Trail conveniently begins from the Rim Village, making it an easy choice for visitors to the park. It runs to Discovery Point, one of the most popular viewpoints of the lake, and back to the village. This hike is great for all skill levels and ages, and it can be hiked most of the year, although hikers should stay away from the rim in winter months as cornices commonly develop.

Garfield Peak Trail climbs from the Rim Village of Crater Lake National Park up to the top of its namesake peak, providing hikers with excellent views of this perfectly blue spectacle and the mountains that surround it. This crater was the result of an eruption and collapse of Mount Mazama around 7,700 years ago, forming the deepest lake in the United States, known for its striking blue color and exceptional clarity.

The Garfield Peak Trail conveniently begins from the Rim Village, making it an easy choice for visitors to the park. This route is suitable for most skill levels, but beginners and small children might find the final climb to the peak a bit challenging. Hikers can and do explore this trail in the winter, but you’ll need appropriate gear. Dogs are not permitted in the park.

Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only way to reach the lakeshore of Crater Lake in Crater Lake National Park. This trail will be what you’ll use if you want to swim, paddle, get to the ferry, or just enjoy the shore. This trail is fairly quick, but it is quite steep, so unfortunately it does restrict water access to those who can handle a steep trail. Definitely dip your feet once you make it down to refresh yourself before the return trip.

If you have poles, we recommend using them. This trail will also stay snowy until June or July, so take great care if there are still wet or slippery patches on the route. Expect a fairly busy route, especially on warm summer days, since everyone bound for the water and for the ferry will be coming up and down this trail.

The Watchman Peak Trail is a short hike to the tallest peak on the west side of Crater Lake. This hike is quick but offers great payoff with wide-open views of the lake before you. On a clear day, this is one of the best ways to earn a memorable vantage point over the lake. It might be one of the tallest mountains in the area, but the climb is only moderately difficult and the entire hike can be completed in less than an hour. If you only have time for one hike while visiting, this one is our recommendation.

This route is suitable for all skill levels and adventurous kids should be able to make it to the viewpoint with little assistance needed.

Mount Scott Trail is a wonderful moderately difficult hike in Crater Lake National Park that leads you to the top of the tallest mountain in the park. Rising above the east side of Crater Lake, Mount Scott is a great objective for impressive views, but it’s not too difficult to complete. While the park map says it’s hard, this route is moderately challenging at best with no technical or loose sections and the incline is consistent and manageable.

Active children should be able to complete this hike. We recommend planning your trip for the early morning–sunrise even, if you’re willing–for the best experience. Expect sweeping views of the park and the lake on clear days!

Mazama Village to Rim Village is a route that connects, as you might’ve guessed, two villages: one just south of Crater Lake and the other on the rim of the crater. You might find yourself at Mazama Village if you’re staying at the Mazama Campground, so this can be a great option if you want to reach the lake from the campground by foot. It’s a moderately difficult hike with nearly all of the elevation gain at the start of the trail. Expect light traffic.

Plaikni Falls Trail is a pleasant, easy hike in Crater Lake National Park that leads you to a scenic green-flanked waterfall on the southeast corner of the lake. This hike is definitely family-friendly and it won’t take long to complete, making it an easy addition to your other plans at the lake. Expect moderate traffic and a well-maintained path.

Annie Creek Canyon Trail is a moderate, lightly trafficked hike in Crater Lake National Park that leads you down into a canyon beside the plateau that the Mazama Campground sits on. This makes it an easy adventure for campers. The hike has a bit of a workout involved, but it’s mostly a meandering walk along a pretty stream. Expect light traffic.

Pinnacles Valley Trail is a very quick hike in Crater Lake National Park that shows off a set of interesting rocky spires created by volcanic ash after past volcanic eruptions. This hike is very short, entirely flat, and suitable for hikers of all ability levels and ages. It’s also right inside the eastern entrance to the park, so you can do it on the way in or out. Expect light traffic.