Ranger Programs

With public health in mind, the ranger programs described on this page are not being offered in the summer of 2021 (apart from occasional evening programs at the Mazama Campground Amphitheather; check the schedule posted on the campground restrooms upon your arrival). Please visit our Current Conditions page to learn more about the current status of park facilities and services.

 

Ranger Nico presents a talk about bird feathers and flight.

NPS Photo by L. Powell

SUMMER Ranger Programs

Most ranger programs begin in late June and continue through mid-September. Program times are listed in the park newspaper which is received upon arrival or viewed online. Program descriptions are posted weekly at the visitor centers.

• Several times daily, rangers offer short talks on a variety of subjects at the Sinnott Memorial Overlook in Rim Village.
• Late afternoon talks at Crater Lake Lodge begin in May when the lodge reopens for the season, and continue until it closes for winter. Programs are presented on the patio with lake views or indoors near the fireplace.
• A daily ranger-guided sunset hike begins at Watchman Peak Overlook, 3.8 miles northwest of Rim Village. This moderate hike ends at an historic fire lookout as the sun sets behind the Cascade Mountain Range.
• Evening programs have an historic role in the national park experience, and often become a tradition for many visitors. Evening presentations occur nightly in the campground amphitheater beginning in late June.
• Ranger-led hikes are scheduled at various locations several days a week.
• Special programs are announced via Facebook and at the visitor centers.

WINTER Ranger Programs

Ranger guided snowshoe walks through the meadows and forests near Rim Village are offered in winter when there is sufficient snow on the ground. No previous snowshoeing experience is necessary. Aside from the park entry fee, there is no cost for the snowshoe walk and snowshoes are provided free of charge. Click snowshoe walks for details.

 

Junior Rangers listen to Park Ranger Linda as she demonstrates how Mount Mazama erupted.

Photo by Steve Sorensen 2018

Junior Ranger Activities

Children, ages 6 to 12, may participate in any of four daily Junior Ranger activities about volcanoes, pikas, art and other fascinating park-related subjects. All activities begin at the Rim Village Visitor Center (look for the flag) and last 20 minutes. Upon completing an activity each participant receives a “very cool” Crater Lake iron-on patch. Most activities are accessible but check with a ranger for recommendations.

In addition to the earning a patch, children may also earn a Junior Ranger badge. Stop by a visitor center and ask for a Junior Ranger Book. Once the required pages are completed return to the visitor center to talk with a ranger and receive a badge.

 

Boat and Trolley Tours

Concessioners offer daily boat and trolley tours. Onboard park rangers provide a perspective of the park's landscape and history, the story of Mount Mazama, and details of lake research. Go to Boat and Trolley Tours for more information about each type of tour and links to make reservations.