Things to Do

Many Ways to Explore the Park

Visitors arrive at the park with anticipation of seeing Crater Lake, one of the world’s deepest, clearest, and bluest lakes. Whether day-tripping or spending a week, there are many ways to explore the park and enjoy the lake.

Ninety miles of trails meander through diverse forests, and rise to peaks with views of the lake. The historic 33-mile Rim Drive circles Crater Lake with views from 30 overlooks. Opportunities to photograph landscapes, the lake, and wildflowers are countless. Stargazing, camping, and with some advance planning fishing are also options for things to do. Visit the pet webpage for safety tips and where to go with your pet.

 

Throughout the Park

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  Hiking Trails

  Choose a forest hike, one with lake views, high elevation, wildflowers or a pumice meadow. There are long distance trails and easy ones.

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  Got a Question?

  Ranger Programs

  Begin with science, add a little curiosity, consider history and discover art, that is the evolution of a ranger program!

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  Wilderness Camping Permits Required

  Backcountry Camping

  Prepare for a wilderness adventure that could include snow, a brilliant night sky, or the sound of animals. Get help with trip planning.

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  What's that bird?

  Birding

  The park's diverse habitats and elevations attract a variety of birds! The best place to listen for and observe them is...

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  Catch of the Day

  No fishing license is required within park boundaries, but here are important rules & regulations for fishing in the lake and park streams.

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  Overlooks and Pullouts

  Along Hwy 62 and throughout Rim Drive there are many places to pull safely off the road for views of the geology, the lake, and other sites.

 

Around the Lake

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  Trolley and Boat Tours

  Choose a trolley or boat tour and enjoy the sights worry-free with an added bonus of a ranger's perspective.

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  33 Miles of Surround Beauty

  Scenic Rim Drive

  Shouts of Oh Oh Oh mean stop at the next viewpoint along Rim Drive! Visit trails, picnic areas, and other features.

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  Cleetwood Cove Trail

  Cleetwood Cove Trail is a steep and strenuous hike which drops 700 ft (213 m) of elevation in 1.1 miles (1.7 km). Know more before you go.

 

At Rim Village

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  Just for kids

  Junior Ranger Activities

  Each day during summer, four times a day, kids get to discover Crater Lake National Park with a ranger.

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  Rim Village Walking Tour

  For many, Rim Village is the first place to see the lake. It is an historic district and walking tour including Crater Lake Lodge.

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  Sinnott Memorial

  The oldest and most popular viewpoint in the park built specifically to offer a united view of the beauty the geologic story.