Best things to do near Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park is the centerpiece of southern Oregon travel. Famous for its vivid blue water and dramatic volcanic cliffs, the lake sits inside a collapsed volcano and is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the United States.
While the lake itself is the main attraction, visitors are often surprised by how many activities there are to enjoy both inside the park and in the surrounding region.
If you’re planning a visit and searching for things to do near Crater Lake, here are some of the highlights that travelers should not miss.
Drive the famous Rim Drive or ride the Rim Drive
One of the most iconic experiences at Crater Lake is driving Rim Drive, a scenic road that circles the lake for about 33 miles.
The drive includes more than 30 scenic overlooks, each offering a slightly different perspective of the lake, Wizard Island, and the surrounding mountains.
Many visitors spend several hours exploring the viewpoints and taking photographs along the way.
For those who are very fit and want to train at altitude, cycling the Rim Drive is a longtime favorite location to train. The Rim Drive is between 6 to 8,000 feet in elevation, and has numerous extended climbs and is 33 miles long.
Hike one of the scenic trails
Crater Lake offers several excellent hiking trails.
Watchman Peak Trail is a short but rewarding hike that provides panoramic views of the lake.
Garfield Peak Trail is a longer hike that offers one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the park.
Hikers who reach the top are rewarded with sweeping views across the entire caldera.
Swim or take a boat tour at Cleetwood Cove
The only trail that leads to the water itself is Cleetwood Cove Trail.
Visitors who hike down the trail can swim in the lake or board boat tours that travel across the water to Wizard Island, the volcanic cinder cone rising from the lake.
For many travelers, this is one of the most memorable experiences at Crater Lake.
Explore the region around Klamath Falls
While Crater Lake is the star attraction, the surrounding region also offers incredible outdoor experiences.
Upper Klamath Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Oregon and is popular for kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching.
The Klamath Basin Wildlife Refuges attract thousands of migrating birds each year and are considered one of the most important bird migration areas in North America.
Relax in Klamath Falls after your visit
After a full day exploring Crater Lake National Park, many visitors return to Klamath Falls for dinner and relaxation.
The town offers several excellent restaurants and comfortable lodging options.
For travelers searching for lodging near Crater Lake, The Klamath Inn provides convenient access to the park along with easy access to local restaurants and attractions.
