Cleetwood Cove and Wizard Island: understand the closed shoreline route
Why Crater Lake’s only permitted shore trail is closed during the 2026–2028 project, what that means for swimming and boats, and what to enjoy from the rim.
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Explore the rim and the region
Discover the caldera viewpoints and mountain trails, then give the Klamath Basin, upper Rogue River or Umpqua waterfalls their own time. Road access and effort are explained in each guide.
Watchman Overlook and trail: two different ways to see Wizard Island
Compare the roadside Watchman view with the 1.6-mile return trail, including climbing, seasonal access, sunset logistics and alternatives.
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Garfield Peak: a substantial rim hike from the Rim Village area
Plan the 3.6-mile return Garfield Peak hike with its 1,010-foot climb, seasonal snow, exposure, family decisions and a realistic park-day schedule.
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Mount Scott: plan Crater Lake’s highest summit as the main hike
A practical Mount Scott guide covering the 4.4-mile return trail, 1,250-foot climb, eastern trailhead access, summit exposure and itinerary choices.
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Sun Notch and Phantom Ship: a short walk with a different lake view
Plan the 0.8-mile Sun Notch loop, compare the nearby Phantom Ship viewpoint, and understand access, slope and the southeastern rim.
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Rim Village and Discovery Point: a first lake view without a summit hike
Plan Rim Village’s paved promenade, the unpaved Discovery Point walk, visitor information, accessibility and winter road limitations.
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Plaikni Falls and the Pinnacles: forest, snowmelt and volcanic spires
Compare two southeastern Crater Lake walks, their different distances and surfaces, and the separate access restrictions on Pinnacles Road.
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Klamath Falls and Chiloquin: a useful southern extension to Crater Lake
Explore the Klamath Basin’s gateway geography, Spring Creek and Wood River paddling, family activities and Booking.com bases outside the national park.
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The upper Rogue River, Union Creek and Prospect: a western Crater Lake route
Plan Rogue Gorge and Natural Bridge stops along Highway 62, compare western gateway stays and distinguish the upper river corridor from distant rafting destinations.
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Diamond Lake and the Umpqua waterfalls: plan the northern corridor
Connect Crater Lake with Diamond Lake and the Highway 138 waterfall corridor, while accounting for North Entrance closures, forest-trail access and separate overnight bases.
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