Crater Lake is not easy to get to, so we wanted to make sure we packed the entire day to see everything there is to see. Keep reading to see what to do in Crater Lake National Park.
We recently spent a weekend in South Oregon, where we split our days between Crater Lake National Park and Umpqua National Forest. Because our schedule was so tight, we were at first overwhelmed with what to do at Crater Lake National Park. We did a lot of research and finally trimmed it down to (what I think) are the best things to do in Crater Lake.
WHY SHOULD I VISIT CRATER LAKE?
Crater Lake National Park is definitely not the biggest national park, and not the easiest to get to. But it is super unique and beautiful. It’s one of those places where photos are really hard to do it justice – because it’s really hard to capture a huuuuge lake and all the beautiful views you get from it. In the US, Crater Lake truly feels like a one of a kind spot for the sheer size and deep blue color of the lake.
If you can’t make it here (unfortunately Crater Lake is not dog friendly), check out other ideas for hikes in Oregon here.
6 IDEAS FOR WHAT TO DO IN CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK
1. Sunrise at Discovery Point
The biggest question I always get is where should I watch sunrise at Crater Lake? What is the best spot to photograph sunrise at Crater Lake?
Most people will watch sunrise from Watchman Overlook (your back will be against the sunrise) or Cloud Cap Overlook (you will be facing the sun). However after a lot of debating, we decided that we wanted to watch the Crater Lake sunrise from Discovery Point, where the sun comes from your right. You’re also a bit closer to Wizard Island than from Watchman Overlook so it’s a great spot.
You can see in the photo above that Discovery Point is the best spot for sunrise in Crater Lake because it lights up the lake at the right angles and you get some depth from Wizard Island. PLUS, we were completely alone for a Saturday sunrise too – which made it extra special.
2. Hike Mount Scott
Mount Scott has the highest views of Crater Lake. It’s a short 4.5 mile hike but at 1,200 ft elevation change it is no joke! We only passed one other person coming up at 7AM in the morning and had the entire views to ourselves. On the way down, we passed a few more groups.
3. Walk to Plaikni Falls
On your way back to the Crater Lake Lodge (the only place to get food in Crater Lake), make a pit stop at Plaikni Falls, a short and flat 2 mile walk . This was a really relaxing walk and could be done in Chacos. The falls itself were really pretty with wildflowers and green shrubs around.
4. Lunch at Crater Lake Lodge
Crater Lake Lodge has surprisingly good food for having essentially a monopoly on food in the area. There is an outdoor patio where you can sit and relax, overlooking the lake. You don’t have to order any food or pay either which is great.
5. Hike Garfield Peak
Ok we were originally going to hike Garfield Peak.. but the smoke from Holy Fire rolled in and made the air super thick with poor visibility. So we bailed and decided to go to Cleetwood Cove instead
6. Cleetwood Cove Trail
The famous “jump into Crater Lake photo!” I was afraid of the cold and didn’t end up going. But my friends did and I captured a great shot of them 🙂
When there aren’t fires, I promise it’s not as gray.