Crater Lake National Park offers a plethora of hiking trails from easy to challenging. This article dives into the best hikes at Crater Lake for all experience levels, from a leisurely stroll to challenging climbs. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a curious explorer, Crater Lake has hiking trails for everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best Crater Lake hikes, including the popular Cleetwood Cove Trail and the breathtaking Watchman Peak.
Choosing which Crater Lake Hike is Best for You
Before we jump into the best hikes in Crater Lake, it’s important to consider your hiking experience and preferences. Crater Lake offers a range of difficulties, from family-friendly strolls to challenging treks. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Easy: Perfect for casual walkers and families with young children. Expect minimal elevation gain and well-maintained paths.
- Moderate: Offers a good balance of challenge and reward. These trails may have some steeper sections and require a moderate level of fitness.
- Strenuous: Designed for experienced hikers who enjoy a good workout. Expect significant elevation gain and potentially uneven terrain.
| Trail Name | Distance (Roundtrip) | Difficulty | Description |
| Watchman Peak Trail | 1.9 miles | Moderate | Offers panoramic vistas of Crater Lake, caldera rim, and surrounding mountains. Well-maintained trail with switchbacks for a steady climb. |
| Cleetwood Cove Trail | 1.9 miles | Moderate | Provides the only access to the rim of Crater Lake. Steeper descent with switchbacks, leading to a boat dock and potential tours to Wizard Island. |
| Plaikni Falls Trail | 2.4 miles | Easy | Scenic loop trail through a verdant forest alongside Plaikni Creek. Features a cascading 100-foot waterfall and a well-maintained path suitable for families and casual hikers. |
| Garfield Peak Trail | 3.5 miles | Strenuous | The most challenging hike, leading to the summit of Mount Garfield, the park’s highest point. Offers unparalleled panoramic views but requires significant elevation gain and proper preparation. |
| Castle Crest Wildflower Garden Trail | 1.1 miles | Easy | An easy loop trail showcasing vibrant wildflower meadows during summer months. Ideal for families and wildflower enthusiasts seeking a leisurely stroll. |
| Annie Creek Canyon Trail | 4.2 miles (out-and-back) | Moderate | Explores the cool depths of Annie Creek Canyon. The trail follows the creek with shade, waterfalls, and diverse birdlife. Provides a refreshing escape from the open terrain of the rim. |
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Best Hikes to Do at Crater Lake National Park Around The Rim
The Watchman Peak Trail
| Distance: 1.7 miles | Time: 1 hour | Elevation: 400ft | |||
| Route Type: Out & Back | Difficulty: Moderate | Rating: 🌟4.7 | |||
| Stroller Friendly ✅ Best Sunset Pictures✅ 360 degree Views of Volcano ✅ | |||||
| Highlights: Iconic views (especially at sunset or sunrise), Caldera Rim | |||||
Let’s begin a hike at Crater Lake with a classic. The Watchman Peak Trail is a must-do for any visitor to Crater Lake. This moderate 1.9-mile roundtrip Crater Lake hike takes you up the slopes of Watchman Peak, offering panoramic vistas of the lake, caldera rim, and surrounding mountains.
The well-maintained trail features switchbacks and a steady incline, making it achievable for most hikers.
The true reward comes at the summit. Here, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking 360-degree view that will leave you speechless.
Witness the vastness of Crater Lake, the jagged rim cliffs, and the distant peaks of the Cascade Range. This is a perfect spot for a picnic lunch and soaking in the grandeur of the park. It is quite possibly the most perfect spot to catch the sunrise or sunset.
Cleetwood Cove Trail
| Distance: 2.1 miles | Time: 1.5 | Elevation: 610 ft. | |||
| Route Type: Out & Back | Difficulty: Moderate | Rating: 🌟4.8 | |||
| Kid Friendly ✅ Swimming Access ✅ Cliff Jumping ✅ | |||||
| Highlights: Swimming in a Volcano, Clear Deep Blue Water, Insane Experience | |||||
If you crave the feel of cool water on your toes and the tranquility of Crater Lake’s edge, then the Cleetwood Cove Trail is for you. This is by far one the best hikes at Crater Lake as it provides a completely different sensory experience.
This 1.9-mile roundtrip hike might share the same distance as Watchman Peak, but don’t be fooled – it’s a steeper and more challenging hike. The switchbacks are numerous, and the trail descends over 700 feet in elevation.
However, the payoff is undeniable. I am not sure I have the words to adequately describe the hike down to the lake. The water was just so blue and so clear, it instantly pulls you in.
Cleetwood Cove is the only trail that provides swimming access to the rim of Crater Lake. Yes you get to take a swim in a volcano!
The water is super cold with an average temp of 57 degrees. In the summer. If you do decide to swim, it will be one of the most amazing natural swims. Just remember to bring warm clothes and a lightweight microfiber towel to dry off.
Oh and some yummy snacks to eat while you watch the cliff jumpers doing the impressive acts.
Plaikni Falls Trail
| Distance: 2.0 miles | Time: 1.5 | Elevation: 137ft. | |||
| Route Type: Out & Back | Difficulty: Easy | Rating: 🌟4.6 | |||
| Stroller/wheelchair friendly ✅ Waterfall✅ Well Maintained ✅ | |||||
| Highlights: Beautiful Waterfall, Shade Cover, | |||||
Craving a refreshing escape on a hot summer day? Look no further than the Plaikni Falls Trail. This easy 2.0-mile loop takes you through a verdant forest alongside Plaikni Creek. The well-maintained path is perfect for families with children or those seeking a leisurely stroll.
The highlight of the trail, of course, is Plaikni Falls. This 100-foot cascading waterfall plunges into a cool pool, creating a picture-perfect scene. Take a moment to listen to the rushing water and feel the cool mist on your face. Onward from the falls, the trail continues through a scenic forest before returning to the parking lot.
We did the Plaikni Falls trail towards the end of the day, so we could get one last hike in. Super easy, but high reward and easily one of top best hikes at Crater Lake
Related Reads: Unforgettable Road Trip from San Francisco to Crater Lake
Garfield Peak Trail
| Distance: 3.5 miles | Time: 2 hours | Elevation: 1076 | |||
| Route Type: Out & Back | Difficulty: Difficult | Rating: 🌟4.8 | |||
| Partially Paved ✅ Incredible Views of Crater Lake ✅ | |||||
| Highlights: Wizard Island, Phantom Ship, Mount Mazama, Cascade Range Mountain Landmarks | |||||
The Garfield Peak Trail is a strenuous 3.5 -mile round trip trek that takes you to the summit of Mount Garfield, the park’s highest point. Be prepared for elevation gain, and some serious incline.
But the rewards of competing this hike are truly unmatched. From the summit of Garfield Peak, you’ll be treated to unparalleled panoramic views of Crater Lake, the surrounding wilderness, and even Cascade Range Mountain Peaks. During the summer, there are biweekly afternoon ranger-led hikes to the top of Garfield Peak.
Exploring Hikes at Crater Lake Outside the Rim
While the caldera rim of Crater Lake offers some of the most iconic views and some of the best hikes at Crater Lake, venturing beyond unveils a hidden world of diverse ecosystems. Here are two trails worth exploring for a different Crater Lake experience:
Castle Crest Wildflower Garden Trail
| Distance: 1.3 miles | Time: 30 minutes | Elevation: 1076 | |||
| Route Type: Loop | Difficulty: Easy | Rating: 🌟4.8 | |||
| Well Maintained ✅ Wildflowers ✅ Running Creek ✅kid-friendly ✅ | |||||
| Highlights: Wildflower Bloom in (Late July, early August), Stunning Meadows | |||||
Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in a vibrant wildflower haven. This easy Castle Crest Trail is a 1.3-mile loop winds through meadows bursting with colorful blooms during the summer months. Keep an eye out for lupine, paintbrush, and scarlet monkey, flowers, transforming the landscape into a breathtaking tapestry. The gentle trail is perfect for families and wildflower enthusiasts.
Bonus Tip: For a truly unique experience, consider planning your hike to coincide with the park’s wildflower bloom. Typically, the peak bloom occurs in late July to early August, transforming the meadows into a riot of color.
Annie Creek Canyon Trail
| Distance: 1.7 miles | Time: 50 minutes | Elevation: 291 | |||
| Route Type: Loop | Difficulty: Moderate | Rating: 🌟4.5 | |||
| Well Maintained ✅ Wildflowers ✅ Running Creek ✅kid-friendly ✅ | |||||
| Highlights: Wildflower Bloom in (Late July, early August), Stunning Meadows, Forested Views | |||||
Delve into the cool depths of Annie Creek Canyon on this moderate 1.7 -mile loop trail. The path follows Annie Creek, offering refreshing shade and the sound of cascading waterfalls. Watch for diverse birdlife flitting through the trees, and keep an eye out for wildflowers and unique geological formations.
This trail offers a welcome respite from the open terrain of the rim and a glimpse into the lush forests that blanket the lower slopes of Crater Lake National Park. It is the perfect trail for a morning hike or a post dinner hike.
Related Reads: Unforgettable Road Trip from San Francisco to Crater Lake
Planning Your Crater Lake Hike
Now that you’re armed with knowledge of some of the park’s best trails, here are some essential tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience:
- Know your limits: Choose a trail that matches your fitness level and experience. Don’t be afraid to start with an easier hike and work your way up to more challenging ones.
- Check the weather: Weather conditions in Crater Lake can change rapidly. Always check the forecast before you head out and be prepared for anything, from sunshine to rain or even snow.
- Pack appropriately: Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and layers of clothing. Sturdy hiking boots are essential for most trails.
- Leave No Trace: Respect the park environment by packing out all your trash and leaving no trace of your visit.
- Be bear aware: Black bears are present in Crater Lake National Park. Learn about proper bear safety practices before you hit the trail.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this blog post as much as I had fun writing it, and I hope it helps and inspires you to get outdoors and soak in all that nature has to offer us. Please don’t forget to comment and share this post if you loved it. Until next time!
