Thinking of visiting the only national park in Oregon?
come and see Things to do in Crater Lake, The best viewing platform, the location of the sunrise and how to plan your trip.
Whether you want to visit this park for 1, 2, or 3 days, please use this guide to plan your itinerary stroke For travel.
About the uniqueness of Crater Lake
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is so blue because of its depth and purity. It is the cleanest and clearest body of water in the world.Experience the park by visiting the best observation decks, taking a boat tour, and getting up early to see the most incredible views sunrise.
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where to live
Crater Lake Lodge It is a beautiful historic hotel overlooking the lake. The rocking chair outside is a good place to hang out under the stars during the day or night.
The hotel is open from late May to mid-October.
Book now: Crater Lake Lodge (In the park.)
Crater Lake Itinerary-Things to do
Crater Lake was formed after a volcanic eruption more than 7,700 years ago, forming a lake completely fed by rain and snow. The lake is 1,943 feet (592 meters) deep.
When you first arrive, you will notice the 2,000-foot cliffs surrounding the lake. It is such a spectacular view, but some of the top experiences go beyond the lake.
In summer, the lake is great for swimming, and in winter, Rim Drive is closed and turned into a skiing and snowshoeing trail.
Go to Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park is the only national park in Oregon and it has no physical address. Enter Crater Lake and Rim Village to help you find the park.
We flew to Medford and rented a car at the airport. It is approximately 75 miles from Medford Airport to the National Park. There is also an airport in Klamath Falls.
Itinerary: Day 1
If you only have one day to spend in this national park, the best way is to start exploring the scenic routes. The ring road is 33 miles long, and there are more than 30 lookouts on Rim Drive. It is packed with fantastic observation decks, including the Mirage Ship Observation Deck and the Viday Waterfall.
You can complete the drive in two hours.
Or, if you want to take a break from driving, you can jump on the Crater Lake Tram. The ranger will take you to tour the lake, including 5-7 stations. During the two-hour tour, we learned about the history of the park. The tour starts in front of the Community House near Crater Lake Lodge.
After visiting the scenic area, return Crater Lake Lodge Have something to eat and sit down to enjoy the view of the park. There is a fireplace and a terrace with chairs where you can sit and enjoy the view.
Popular locations and best viewing platforms:
Wizard Island – An ancient volcanic ash cone floating in the Crater Lake.
warder– Find the Watcher Observatory and the Watcher Trail at the top of the Watcher Mountain.
Phantom Ship Overlooking – Enjoy the view of the Mirage Shop from this observation deck.
Mrs. Woods – The figure of a woman was carved from a huge volcanic boulder in the park.
Day 2 of itinerary-watch the sunrise
On day 2, set the alarm early to catch up Crater Lake Sunrise. This is one of the highlights of my trip. I still save a photo of the sunrise from Crater Lake as my home screen on my phone. This is an extraordinary view and it is worth getting up early.
If you live in Crater Lake Lodge, You don’t have to go too far. The sun rises from the east side of the lake, and you can enjoy a magnificent view of the lake and cliffs at sunrise. From the parking lot, hike up the ridge to get the best sunrise view.
Boat tour around noon
A friend of mine is shooting a video for the national park, so we have to take a boat tour with the research team. We took a close look at the Phantom Ship, which is the oldest rock in the lake after the eruption and collapse of the Mazama volcano hundreds of thousands of years ago.
Some boat tours stop at Wizard Island, so you can enjoy hiking, swimming, and staying on the island for three hours. The boat tour only runs from July to September. Call 888-774-2728 to arrange a visit.
To reach the lake, you must hike the Cleetwood Cove Trail. This trail is a steep 1.1-mile hike and the only legal access to the shore of Crater Lake.
Be careful! After disembarking, I accidentally broke my ankle and had to hike back to the Cleetwood Cove trail. too painful!
End your day with dinner and count the meteors under the night sky.
3rd day
There are many parks by the lake to see. On the 3rd day of your visit, the Pinnacles is a stop not to be missed. The 100-foot-high spire is called a fossil fumarole and is formed under the volcanic ash layer.
When you return from the Pinnacles, walk around the village of Rim. Visit Kiser Studio Mather Observation Bay and Sinnott Memorial Outlook to learn about the geology of Crater Lake.
Camping near Crater Lake
Mazama Campground – 213 campsites with showers, laundry facilities and campsite shops, close to Anne Springs on Highway 62
Lost Creek Campground – 16 tent camps, 3 miles from East Rim Avenue
in conclusion
Whether you are planning a 1, 2, or 3 day trip to Crater Lake National Park, watching the sunrise will be one of the highlights of your itinerary. Take the scenic driveway and enjoy the best view from the observation deck.
What’s on your crater lake bucket list? Let us know in the comments.
Planning to stay in Medford? Search for accommodation here.
National park + road trip:
