Top 6 Things to Do in Crater Lake National Park

ByRaja Aman

PublishedAugust 24, 2025

Crater Lake National Park offers amazing experiences that will entice guests with its stunning beauty and the rich volcanic heritage. Things to do in Crater Lake National Park include numerous activities, from scenic drives to demanding hiking trails which makes this Oregon location ideal for families, nature lovers and those who love adventure.

This stunning park is America’s deepest lake, at 1,943 feet. It was formed 7700 years ago, in the year 7700 when Mount Mazama collapsed, creating an enormous caldera, which was filled with crystal-clear waters over the course of millennia.

1. Drive the Spectacular 33-Mile Rim Drive

things to do in Crater Lake National Park

Rim Drive stands as Crater Lake’s most popular attraction, providing unbeatable views throughout the caldera. The scenic drive is open from July to October, depending on the weather, and ranks among the top things to do at Crater Lake.

The salient features are Key Features:

A complete 33-mile loop with more than 30 viewpoints, 3-4 hours of driving time with no stops
Stunning volcanic landscape views
Photographic opportunities everywhere

Must-Visit Viewpoints:

Discovery Point: historic first sighting site (1853)
Watchman Overlook: spectacular Wizard Island views
Cloudcap Overlook: Oregon’s highest ‌paved
Pumice Castle: bright orange volcanic formations
Phantom Ship Overlook: ancient rock formation that dates back 400,000 years

Pro Tips:

Begin early in the morning to avoid crowds
Allow a full day for photo stops Take a look at guided trolley tours with commentary.
Make sure to check the weather conditions prior to departure

2. Explore Diverse Hiking Trails

Crater Lake features over 90 miles of trails, which makes hiking among the most enjoyable activities in things to do at Crater Lake. Crater Lake offers a variety of trails for all levels of experience, from difficult summits to easy nature walks.

Summit Hikes:

Mount Scott Trail: 2.2 miles, 1,250 ft elevation gain, highest park point
Watchman Peak: 1.6 miles with moderate difficulty, sunset watching spot
Garfield Peak: 3.4 miles with a challenging climb, breathtaking lake views

Family-Friendly Options:

Castle Crest Wildflower Trail: 0.8 miles, easy loop, peak blooms from July to August
Plaikni Falls Trail: 2 miles, with a minimal elevation gain, beautiful waterfall
Annie Creek Canyon: 1.7 miles, unique geological formations

Accessible Trails:

Rim Village Promenade: 0.75 miles of paved road, breathtaking views of the lake
Godfrey Glen Trail: 1 mile that is fully accessible, with views of the canyon and forest

3. Experience Exclusive Boat Tours

Boat tours offer the only legal access to water, which makes them among the most exclusive things to do in Crater Lake National Park. The ranger-guided tours run from ‌July and mid-September.

Tour Requirements:

People must make advance online reservations.
Physical fitness required for Cleetwood Cove Trail (1.1 miles, 700 feet descent)
30-45 minutes of hiking in each direction

Available Tours:

Standard Lake Cruise: 1.75-hour narration
Wizard Island Tour: Extended exploration of the island with access to
Photo Tours: Specialised Lighting and Angle Focus

What to bring:

sturdy hiking shoes
layers of clothes
sun protection and water.
Camera for unforgettable photos

4. Embrace Winter Adventures

The winter months transform Crater Lake into an enchanting snowy wonderland. Special things to do at Crater Lake for those who love cold weather. The average annual snowfall is 40 feet.

Winter Activities:

Cross-country skiing: multiple marked trails through
Rim areas snowshoeing: recreation that is accessible to different skill levels
Winter Photography: Dramatic Snow and Ice Contrasts
Stargazing: extraordinary clear winter skies

Winter Preparation:

Proper winter gear is essential
Emergency supplies are required
Make sure to check the road conditions and closures
Steel Visitor Centre provides warming facilities

5. Marvel at World-Class Stargazing

Crater Lake is one of America’s top ten dark sky spots which makes stargazing spectacular at sunset. Crater Lake’s elevation and low light pollution provide optimal conditions for viewing.

What You’ll See:

Thousands of stars visible to the naked eye
Milky Way galaxy stretching across the sky
Seasonal constellations and planets
Lake reflections double celestial displays

Best Viewing Spots:

Rim Village: easy access to amenities
Numerous rim overlooks: Unobstructed Horizons
Watchman Peak: Top views for hikers with experience

Optimal Timing:

New moon periods for the darkest skies
Full moon nighttime to provide illumination for the landscape
Summer months are ideal for comfortable conditions

6. Enjoy Unique Recreational Opportunities

Swimming experience, the deepest lake will leave you with unforgettable memories. Access is via Cleetwood Cove Trail just and temperatures of 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit all year long.

Fishing Adventures:

No license required
Unlimited catch of rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon
Only artificial lures are allowed.
Helps maintain ecosystem balance

Cycle Challenges: Cycling the challenging 33-mile Rim Drive offers epic cycling experiences. Every year “Ride the Rim” events provide access for vehicles for East Rim Drive.

Planning Your Visit

Accommodations:

Crater Lake Lodge: Historic luxury on the rim (mid-May until mid-October)
Mazama Village Cabins: Comfortable forest setting (late May through mid-September)
Mazama Campground: 214 sites with lockers that are bear-proof

Dining Options:

Dining Room at the Lodge Restaurant with up-scale regional cuisine and lake views
Annie Creek Restaurant: family-friendly American food
Rim Village Cafe: Quick take-away options

Essential Tips:

Reserve 6 to 12 months in advance
Bring layers of clothing to prepare to withstand weather fluctuations
Bring emergency supplies for high altitudes
Make sure to check the current conditions prior to going to

For those looking for complete outdoor adventures similar to the top places to visit around the world, Crater Lake delivers unmatched natural beauty. Families can enjoy activities that are similar to the top destinations to visit, including family locations around the world.

Conclusion

Crater Lake National Park delivers amazing experiences that showcase the power of volcanoes and stunning natural beauty. The many things to do in Crater Lake National Park will ensure that each visitor will discover something unique that ranges from adrenaline-filled adventures to quiet contemplation. This Oregon treasure will leave you with a lasting memory with its crystal clear waters, stunning landscapes, breathtaking scenery, and unbeatable recreational opportunities.

As a reliable TouristaGuru, we recommend you plan 2 to 3 days in order to fully enjoy the beauty of this destination. Summer trips offer the best access and weather, whereas winter is a time of solitude and snow-covered beauty for intrepid tourists.

FAQs

1. What is the ideal moment to go to Crater Lake National Park?

July to September is the best time to visit, offering perfect conditions, with access to and operational facilities. The latter part of spring is quieter however, access is limited.

2. What is the depth of Crater Lake?

Crater Lake is 1,943 feet in depth, making Crater Lake America’s deepest and one of the deepest in the world.

3. Do I require reservations for boat tours?

Yes, reservations made in advance are required since tours are sold out fast in peak times between July and mid-September.

4. Are you able to take a dip in Crater Lake?

It is allowed, but only accessible via the rocky Cleetwood Cove Trail. The water is cold all year round, around 55-60 degrees F.

5. Is Rim Drive open during winter?

Yes, however the majority of Rim Drive is closed because of snow. Only the south-facing entryway and the Rim Village area remain accessible for winter-related activities.