From its pristine deep-blue lake to its towering cliffs, you will want to add Crater Lake National Park to your bucket list. Once the site of the Mount Mazama volcano, Crater Lake was formed after an eruption caused the volcano’s collapse over 7,700 years ago. Today, what remains is an awe-inspiring sight people from all over the world travel to see. Whether you are visiting for the weekend or a week-long excursion, explore all that Crater Lake National Park has to offer with these three-, four- and five-day itineraries.
How Many Days Do You Need for Crater Lake National Park?
Crater Lake National Park is well worth visiting for a weekend or five-day stay. One day would not be enough to explore Crater Lake and its thousands of acres of majestic mountains, peaks, forests and deep-blue lake. With numerous hikes offering panoramic views of a vast lake and stunning forested areas, you could easily spend three or more days enjoying all this park has to offer.
How Do You Get to Crater Lake National Park?
Crater Lake National Park is in southern Oregon, about a five-hour drive from Portland. Many visitors fly into Portland and drive south to the park. You can also access the park by trolley or fly from Portland to Medford and drive two hours into the park.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Crater Lake National Park?
The best time to visit Crater Lake National Park is any time between July, August and September. That is when the park’s roads, trails and facilities are fully open. May and June are months of transition in the park as winter slowly gives way to summer.
Outside of July through September, the park can get very snowy, leading to closures.
Packing Tips for Visiting Crater Lake National Park
Pack the following essentials to ensure you are prepared for Crater Lake National Park no matter the time of year you visit:
- Lightweight, moisture-wicking shirts
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Quick-drying pants and shorts
- Stable, waterproof hiking shoes
- Suitable socks for hiking
- Rain jacket and windbreaker
- Wide-brim hat
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Crater Lake National Park map
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First-aid kit
- Multitool or knife
- Reusable water bottle
Crater Lake weather can be dry and warm in July, August and September. However, temperatures can also dip below freezing, so you will want to pack clothing that protects you from the sun and bugs but also keeps you warm at night.
3-Day Crater Lake National Park Itinerary
A three-day trip to Crater National Park calls for plenty of hiking, sightseeing and scenic camping. Here is what not to miss in Crater Lake National Park during your visit.
Day 1
Day one of a Crater Lake sample itinerary might include:
- Exploring the scenic Rim Drive: It takes about one hour to drive all the way around Crater Lake on the historic Rim Drive. The road offers 33 miles of lake views, beautiful panoramic forests and stunning meadows. The contours of the road were designed to complement the natural landscape and pristine waters, making it a great way to get the lay of the land on your first day.
- Stopping to enjoy the view: Crater Lake is 1,943 feet deep, making it the deepest lake in the United States and the ninth-deepest lake in the world. Be sure to take in the glory of this deep-blue lake while on Rim Drive. Stop at any of the 30 overlooks, or take advantage of the many picnic areas, trails, waterfalls and geologic formations on this road.
- Checking into your campsite: At the end of your first day, check into Lemolo Lake / Crater Lake North KOA Holiday. Located just 18 miles from Crater Lake, the rejuvenating campground offers RV Sites, Tent Sites and Deluxe Cabins to rest your head after a long day sightseeing.
Day 2
You might do the following activities on day two in Crater Lake:
- Hike Cleetwood Cove: This is one of the best hikes at Crater Lake, offering a short but steep 2-mile roundtrip hike with an elevation gain of 700 feet. You will start at the parking lot and walk down to the lakeshore before gaining elevation on your way back up.
- Swim in the lake: Whether you choose the thrilling cliff jump at Cleetwood Cove or opt to hike down into it, make your trip unforgettable by swimming in Crater Lake. While the water can be quite chilly, you get to say you swam in the deepest lake in the country.
- Enjoy dinner near the lake: At the end of your day, eat at the Crater Lake Lodge Dining Room, which offers spectacular lake views and upscale dining.
Day 3
On your last day in Crater Lake National Park, take advantage of the following hikes and activities:
- Hike Garfield Peak: This moderately challenging hike will reward you with spectacular views of Crater Lake and Phantom Ship, a small rock formation that resembles the masts of an old shipwreck. The hike is a few miles long, making it a great way to start your day.
- Watch the sunset on Mount Scott: Take in the gorgeous sunset views of Crater Lake on Mount Scott. This moderately challenging hike offers rewarding views. After about two hours, you will find yourself at the highest peak in Crater Lake National Park, just under 9,000 feet.
4-Day Crater Lake National Park Itinerary
A four-day trip to Crater Lake National Park gives you more time to explore the various hikes and attractions the area has to offer.
Day 1
Here is what to do at Crater Lake National Park on your first day:
- Hike Lady of the Woods: Get started on a short, lower-elevation trail called Lady of the Woods. The trail is named for the large carving in one of the boulders near the trailhead, which a visitor carved in 1917.
- Hike Plaikni Falls: This peaceful and flat trail winds through the forest for about 2 miles, ending with a spectacular waterfall.
- Explore your campground: After sightseeing, check into Lemolo Lake / Crater Lake North KOA Holiday, a 22-minute drive from Crater Lake. The park offers a respite from the bustling crowds of the park. You can unwind and immerse yourself in nature and all the exciting amenities the campground has to offer.
Day 2
On your second day in the park, try the following activities:
- Watch the sunrise at Watchman’s Peak: Start the day right by hiking Watchman’s Peak, a short trail with a modest elevation gain. This popular outlook offers rewarding lake views, and you can enjoy the sunrise reflecting off the water.
- Take a boat tour: Take in the stunning deep-blue waters of Crater Lake up close with a boat tour. Access the tour through the Cleetwood Cove trail, which dips down to the lake. During your trip, you will get to take in popular sites like Wizard Island and the Phantom Ship. The park also offers Wizard Island tours, where you can get off the boat to swim and explore the island.
Day 3
Here are some activities to do on your third day in Crater Lake National Park:
- Hike Discovery Point: Start your day with Discovery Point, a trail that offers beautiful viewpoints of the lake while not being too strenuous.
- Hike Toketee Falls: For experienced hikers looking for a challenge, hike the Toketee Falls trail. The waterfall is one of the most famous in Oregon, renowned for its graceful columnar basalt formation that frames two-stepped falls. While under a mile, the trail has many stairs, making it more of a moderate hike. If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to pack plenty of water.
Day 4
On your last day in Crater Lake National Park, enjoy the following activities:
- Hike Cleetwood Cove Trail: Hike Cleetwood Cove on your last day in Crater Lake National Park. Traverse the deep hike that dips into the lake shore, and take a boat tour around the lake or visit Wizard Island.
- Swim, fish and wade: During the summer months, take advantage of water activities like swimming, wading and fishing at Crater Lake National Park. Cliff jump or wade in one of the world’s clearest, bluest lakes. Fish for salmon and trout while admiring the breathtaking setting. Wade near the shore and appreciate the refreshing water on a hot summer’s day.
- Stargaze: During the summer, take advantage of the clear night skies by stargazing. The views are best from the 7,000-foot elevation. Here, you can appreciate a 360-degree view of the stars as they reflect off the lake.
5-Day Crater Lake National Park Itinerary
A five-day trip to Crater Lake National Park provides plenty to do and see. Here is a Crater Lake sample itinerary to help guide your trip.
Day 1
Here are some of the most popular things to do at Crater Lake on your first day:
- Start at Watchman Overlook: Watchman Overlook is one of the most popular overlooks in the park, boasting stunning views of the surrounding lake. It will take you near the Watchman Observation Station and its vast architecture from the early 1900s.
- Hike Sun Notch Trail: Next on your itinerary is the Sun Notch Trail, an easy loop trail. The area is open year-round and makes a lovely stop for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. You will appreciate views of Phantom Rock and Wizard Island, as well as a peaceful walk through a meadow.
Day 2
Rise early and enjoy these picturesque hikes in Crater Lake National Park:
- Hike Annie Creek Canyon: This loop trail is considered moderately challenging. While a popular trail for hiking and running, you might enjoy solitude at quieter times of the day. Take your camera and snap photos of the scenic bridges and abundance of wildflowers in late August. Follow the creek downstream and look out for deer, beaver and other common wildlife sightings in the area.
- Hike Castle Crest Wildflower Trail: Enjoy a pleasant hike through the Castle Creek Wildflower Trail. You will traverse various landscapes, from rocks and water crossings to meadows full of vibrant blossoms.
Day 3
On your third day in Crater Lake National Park, take advantage of these popular activities:
- Get breakfast: Start your day right with a delicious breakfast at Mazama Village Store, a convenient spot with a relaxed atmosphere.
- Head to Pinnacle Trail: After breakfast, enjoy the Pinnacle Trail, which offers a unique hiking experience among breathtaking rock formations.
- Sail to Wizard Island: You will not want to pass up a boat ride at Crater Lake National Park. Accessible only by boat, Wizard Island is home to many trails to explore. Experience the vastness of the lake as soon as you step foot on the island, which is surrounded by clear, deep blue water, forestry and wildlife. The trail brings you to the top of the island for refreshing views of the surrounding natural beauty.
Day 4
Enjoy these thrilling hikes on your fourth day in Crater Lake National Park:
- Hike Pumice Castle Overlook: Just west of Cloudcap Overlook lies the extraordinary formation known as Pumice Castle. The volcanic formation is an awe-inspiring orange and pink and shaped like a medieval palace, making it one of the most unique sights in Crater Lake National Park.
- Hike Stuart Falls: If you are in the mood for a more challenging waterfall hike, look no further than Stuart Falls. This trail starts flat but becomes more difficult for less-experienced hikers. The rewarding waterfall views make it well worth it, and you will likely get the most isolated experience in the park.
- Relax at your campground: Settle down at Lemolo Lake / Crater Lake North KOA Holiday for the night — just over a 20-minute drive from Crater Lake National Park. Appreciate activities like kayaking, pedal boating and canoeing, and use the Tent Sites, Camping Cabins or RV Sites to rest up.
Day 5
Enjoy your last day in Crater Lake with gorgeous waterfall views and breathtaking sunsets:
- Visit Vidae Falls: Make a stop at Vidae Falls and enjoy the views without leaving your car. The waterfall cascades over a three-stepped bluff, dropping over 115 feet and flowing under Rim Drive.
- Watch the sunset: Enjoy the best sunset views at Cloudcap Overlook. Take in the surrounding pumice rock pillars and how the orange and pink colors of the sunset reflect off the lake on your last day in the park.
Book Your Crater Lake National Park Trip at a KOA Campground
When planning a trip to Crater Lake National Park, use this guide to explore all this magnificent park has to offer. When you need a place to rest your head after long days hiking and taking in the lake views, book your stay at Kampgrounds of America. Located just 22 minutes from Crater Lake National Park, Lemolo Lake / Crater Lake North KOA Holiday offers a place to unwind and immerse yourself in the breathtaking sights of southern Oregon.
Relax by the lake, rent a boat, swim and enjoy plenty of other exciting amenities. Plus, you can appreciate a campfire while sleeping under the star-filled sky. Choose from RV Sites with a KOA Patio®, Deluxe Cabins with full baths and Premium Tent Sites.
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
