Crater Lake Rim Drive:14 EPIC Stops!
Ready for an Oregon road trip around its only national park?
Encompassing the best hikes, waterfalls, and natural features in the area, the Crater Rim Drive is an incredible way to take in all Crater Lake National Park has to offer!
So whether you want to drive from viewpoint to viewpoint or get out of your car to partake in some incredible hikes, check out this Crater Lake Drive itinerary to see the best spots!
Table of Contents
- What is the Crater Lake Rim Drive?
- 1. Merriam Point
- 2. Cleetwood Cove Trail
- 3. Wizard Island Boat Tour
- 4. Cloudcap Overlook
- 5. Mount Scott Trail
- 6. Phantom Ship Overlook
- 7. Plaikni Falls Trail
- 8. Pinnacles Overlook
- 9. Vidae Falls
- 10. Annie Creek Canyon Trail
- 11. Garfield Peak Trail
- 12. Rim Village Visitor Center
- 13. Discovery Point Trail
- 14. Watchman Peak Trail
- READ MORE ABOUT CRATER LAKE
What is the Crater Lake Rim Drive?
The Crater Lake Rim Drive is a scenic 33-mile route that circles Crater Lake, offering breathtaking views and access to various hikes, viewpoints, and natural landmarks.
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This drive is one of the best ways to explore Oregon’s only national park, with numerous pullouts and stops along the way to soak in the beauty of the area.
1. Merriam Point
Start your drive with a bang by checking out Merriam Point! One of the best viewpoints in the area, this stop boasts incredible vistas of Mount McLoughlin, Mount Scott, and Wizard Island.
READ MORE: Things To Do at Crater Lake National Park
2. Cleetwood Cove Trail
This two-mile hike is a relatively quick stop off while you’re driving around the lake, but the fact that you descend from the rim down to the surface edge – and notably, then hike back up – means that it’ll get your heart racing and blood pumping!
3. Wizard Island Boat Tour
At the bottom of Cleetwood Cove Trail sits a boat dock where trips leave to Wizard Island (the dock is only accessible by taking Cleetwood Cove trail). This is a beautiful, off-the-beaten-track section of Crater Lake, consisting of a rocky outcrop with a lovely viewpoint.
BEST Places to Stay Near Crater Lake
4. Cloudcap Overlook
Another epic viewpoint on the Crater Rim Drive, Cloudcap Overlook offers an incredible lake vista. However, it’s fascinating in itself; it’s covered in pumice thanks to a historic eruption of Mount Mazama.
READ MORE: Things To Do at Crater Lake National Park
5. Mount Scott Trail
The Mount Scott Trail leads to the highest point in Crater Lake and is an out-and-back trail of about 4.2 miles. A must-do if you love challenging yet beautiful hikes and want the best view of Crater Lake – the mountain is a whopping 8,934 feet tall.
6. Phantom Ship Overlook
A short but fascinating stop, this viewpoint offers the best vista of Crater Lake’s “Phantom Ship.” This isn’t a ship at all, but it’s an island that resembles a ‘ghostly boat’ sitting in the middle of the lake!
7. Plaikni Falls Trail
Crater Lake has it all – hikes, mountains, and waterfalls! Plaikni Falls are twin waterfalls that sit a short distance from the road. Park your car up and make the 45-minute round trip – it’s mainly flat (with a bit of uphill right at the end), and the waterfalls are a photographer’s delight.
8. Pinnacles Overlook
Park up at the Pinnacles Overlook trailhead and take the short hike to The Pinnacles. This is an easy route; at the end, you’ll admire the tall grey volcanic pinnacles that sit like jagged shards of glass in the forest.
BEST Places to Stay Near Crater Lake
9. Vidae Falls
Another excellent Crater Lake Waterfall, Vidae Falls, consists of a dramatic 115 feet drop. Unlike Plaikni Falls, you don’t need to follow a trail to reach Vidae Falls – there’s a viewpoint right from the road.
10. Annie Creek Canyon Trail
The Annie Creek Canyon Trail offers another side to Crater Lake with this path, which is moderate in difficulty but relatively short at just 2.1 miles, taking less than an hour to complete on average. Annie Creek Canyon is a deep ravine that runs beside the highway for ten miles, but this loop trail is an excellent way to see its best bits!
READ MORE: Things To Do at Crater Lake National Park
11. Garfield Peak Trail
Another excellent hike for avid nature fans! The Garfield Peak Trail is a 3.4-mile out-and-back route from the road up to Garfield Peak, offering immense views over the brilliantly blue lake. From the vantage point, you’ll take in the vistas of Wizard Island, Phantom Ship, and the beautiful mountains.
12. Rim Village Visitor Center
Rim Village Visitor Center is open year-round – although it’s especially popular during the winter months when many of the trails are inaccessible! It also offers skiing and snowshoeing opportunities in the winter season. However, it’s well worth visiting in the summer, too—As well as those iconic Crater Lake views, the visitor center has some local information, a gift shop, and a cafe for refreshments.
BEST Places to Stay Near Crater Lake
13. Discovery Point Trail
This 2.4-mile route is an easy out-and-back trail that meanders along a flat route with beautiful views. It follows the Crater Rim Drive but is a chance to get into nature that you might not have if you just stayed in the car! It followed John Wesley Hillman’s route when he spotted Crater Lake in 1853 – although Indigenous people had lived in the area for millennia.
BEST Places to Stay Near Crater Lake
14. Watchman Peak Trail
A final short and easy hike, Watchman Peak Trail is a 1.6-mile route close to the north entrance – and is the perfect way to end your day in Crater Lake National Park! This trail offers stunning views, especially at sunset, making it a must-do on your Crater Lake itinerary.
READ MORE ABOUT CRATER LAKE
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