Explore one of the seven wonders of Oregon! At almost 2,000 feet deep, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and the seventh in the word. Preserved as a scenic wonder it’s a place of breathtaking beauty with epic cliffs, two picturesque islands, and a violent volcanic past. It lies inside a volcanic basin created when Mount Mazama erupted over 7,000 years ago. The water in Crater Lake is only from snowmelt as there are no rivers running in or out of the lake. It is a spectacular wonder and must stop for a bucket list worthy adventure. National Park Alerts & Information
Summer Activities
Crater Lake Wizard Island Tour – Volcano Boat Cruises: This half day trip is designed for the adventurous explorers. Departs twice per day from the north side of Crater Lake at Cleetwood Cove. Guests descend a 1.1-mile trail to access the boat dock, and embark on a 45-minute guided cruise to Wizard Island, where they are dropped off for 3-hours to explore the island and enjoy magnetic views of the lake. The 75-minute guided tour back takes guests counter-clockwise around the perimeter of the lake with stops at some special points, including Phantom Ship. Boat Tours
Trolley Tour around the lake perimeter – 2 hour tour with seven scenic stops.
Bicycling – One of the most popular bicycle routes at Crater Lake is the 33-mile Rim Drive.
Fishing – Kokanee Salmon and Rainbow Trout are prevalent. No fishing license is required within park boundaries.
Hiking – 90 miles of hiking trails with 33 miles of the famous Pacific Crest Trail pass through the park.
Swimming – There is only one place where it is safe and legal to get down to the lake shore and swim. Hike down the Cleetwood Cove Trail to swim in the lake from the shoreline at the end of this trail (opens mid to late June). Trail is located on East Rim Drive and is 1.1 miles to shore with a 700ft elevation change.
Wildlife – Crater Lake is an amazing outdoor laboratory with hundreds of species of wild flowers, birds, plants, and animals.
Winter Activities
Snowshoeing – Park rangers and volunteers offer snowshoe ecology walks around the lake in the Rim Village area. Scheduled walks for the general public are given Thanksgiving weekend through March at 1 p.m. These walks are typically 1 ½ hours long. The ranger provides insight about the animals and plants that flourish in this environment. Snowshoes are provided free from the National Park Service. Children must be at least 9 years old to participate
Cross country skiing tours – Crater Lake offers some of the best cross-country skiing trails in the country. There are beginner, intermediate, and advanced level trails. The trails are not groomed, giving skiers a unique wilderness experience that feels isolated in the wintertime. The Rim Village area is where to find most of the cross-country ski trails.
Snowmobiling – Available just outside the boundaries of the national park
Wildlife – The winter months are a spectacular time to discover birds and animals unique to Crater Lake. Follow the tracks during your snowshoeing adventures and immerse yourself in nature.
