Looking for the best hikes in Crater Lake? Check out our guide to the top-rated trails, including Garfield Peak, Watchman Peak, Cleetwood Cove, and Mount Scott. With stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains, these hikes are a must-do for any outdoor enthusiast.
Best Hikes in Crater Lake: Exploring Garfield Peak Trail, Watchman Peak Trail, Cleetwood Cove Trail, and Mount Scott Trail
Crater Lake National Park is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With its stunning blue waters and breathtaking views, it’s no wonder why it’s a popular destination for hikers. Among the many trails in the park, there are four hikes that stand out as the best: Garfield Peak Trail, Watchman Peak Trail, Cleetwood Cove Trail, and Mount Scott Trail. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Garfield Peak Trail
This 3.4-mile trail is a moderate hike that offers stunning views of Crater Lake. The trailhead is located near the Crater Lake Lodge, and the hike takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete. The trail starts with a gradual incline and becomes steeper as you approach the summit. Along the way, you’ll see wildflowers and breathtaking views of the lake. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. It’s a perfect spot to watch the sunrise or sunset.
Trail Overview:
– Length: 3.4 miles
– Difficulty: Moderate
– Time: 2-3 hours
– Trailhead Location: Near Crater Lake Lodge
Watchman Peak Trail
This 1.6-mile trail is an easy hike that offers panoramic views of Crater Lake. The trailhead is located near the Watchman Overlook, and the hike takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete. The trail starts with a gradual incline and becomes steeper as you approach the summit. Along the way, you’ll see wildflowers and stunning views of the lake. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the lake and surrounding mountains. It’s a perfect spot to watch the sunset.
Trail Overview:
– Length: 1.6 miles
– Difficulty: Easy
– Time: 1-2 hours
– Trailhead Location: Near Watchman Overlook
Cleetwood Cove Trail
This 2.2-mile trail is a moderate hike that leads to the only access point to Crater Lake. The trailhead is located near the Cleetwood Cove parking area, and the hike takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete. The trail starts with a steep incline and becomes steeper as you approach the summit. Along the way, you’ll see wildflowers and stunning views of the lake. At the bottom of the trail, you’ll have access to the lake where you can swim or take a boat tour.
Trail Overview:
– Length: 2.2 miles
– Difficulty: Moderate
– Time: 2-3 hours
– Trailhead Location: Near Cleetwood Cove parking area
Mount Scott Trail
This 4.4-mile trail is a strenuous hike that leads to the highest point in Crater Lake National Park. The trailhead is located near the East Rim Drive, and the hike takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete. The trail starts with a steep incline and becomes steeper as you approach the summit. Along the way, you’ll see wildflowers and stunning views of the lake. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the park, including Mount Shasta and Mount Thielsen.
Trail Overview:
– Length: 4.4 miles
– Difficulty: Strenuous
– Time: 3-4 hours
– Trailhead Location: Near East Rim Drive
Table:
| Trail Name | Length | Difficulty | Time | Trailhead Location |
| — | — | — | — | — |
| Garfield Peak Trail | 3.4 miles | Moderate | 2-3 hours | Near Crater Lake Lodge |
| Watchman Peak Trail | 1.6 miles | Easy | 1-2 hours | Near Watchman Overlook |
| Cleetwood Cove Trail | 2.2 miles | Moderate | 2-3 hours | Near Cleetwood Cove parking area |
| Mount Scott Trail | 4.4 miles | Strenuous | 3-4 hours | Near East Rim Drive |
Garfield Peak Trail
Garfield Peak Trail is one of the most popular in Crater Lake National Park, and for good reason. This trail offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains, making it a must-do for hikers of all skill levels.
Trail Overview
The Garfield Peak Trail is a 3.4-mile round trip hike that starts at the Crater Lake Lodge. The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked, making it easy for hikers to navigate. The trail climbs steadily through a forested area before reaching the summit of Garfield Peak. The summit offers panoramic views of Crater Lake and the surrounding mountains, making it a perfect spot for a picnic or to simply take in the stunning scenery.
Difficulty Level
While the Garfield Peak Trail is a relatively short hike, it is considered moderate to difficult due to the steep incline. Hikers should be prepared for a challenging climb, especially in the summer months when the trail can get crowded. Proper footwear and plenty of water are essential for this hike, as well as a good level of physical fitness.
Scenic Views
The views from the summit of Garfield Peak are truly breathtaking. Hikers can see the entire Crater Lake, as well as Wizard Island, Llao Rock, and Mount Thielsen. On a clear day, hikers can even see as far as Mount Shasta in California. The trail also offers stunning views of the surrounding forests and meadows.
Trailhead Location
The Garfield Peak Trailhead is located next to the Crater Lake Lodge. Parking can be limited during peak season, so hikers should plan to arrive early in the day. The trailhead can also be accessed by shuttle bus from the Steel Visitor Center.
In summary, the Garfield Peak Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike that offers stunning views of Crater Lake and the surrounding mountains. Hikers should come prepared for a steep climb and bring plenty of water and proper footwear. The trailhead is conveniently located next to the Crater Lake Lodge, making it easily accessible for visitors.
Watchman Peak Trail
Watchman Peak Trail is one of the most popular in Crater Lake National Park. This trail offers one of the best panoramic views of the park and the surrounding landscape. The trail is moderate in difficulty, making it accessible to hikers of all skill levels. In this section, we will provide an overview of the trail, including its difficulty level, scenic views, and trailhead location.
Trail Overview
The Watchman Peak Trail is a 1.6-mile round trip hike that takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete. The trail begins at the Watchman Overlook and ascends 420 feet in elevation to the summit of Watchman Peak. The trail is well-maintained, with clear signage and markers along the way.
The trail is open from late May to early October, depending on weather conditions. It is recommended to check the park’s website or call ahead to confirm trail conditions before embarking on your hike.
Difficulty Level
The Watchman Peak Trail is rated as moderate in difficulty. The trail is well-marked and has a gradual incline, making it accessible to hikers of all skill levels. However, the trail can be steep in some sections, and hikers should wear appropriate footwear and be cautious of loose rocks and slippery surfaces.
Panoramic Views
The Watchman Peak Trail is famous for its panoramic views of Crater Lake and the surrounding landscape. From the summit of Watchman Peak, hikers can see the entire lake, Wizard Island, and the surrounding mountains. The view is especially breathtaking during sunrise or sunset, when the colors of the sky reflect off the lake’s surface.
Hikers are encouraged to bring a camera to capture the stunning views. It’s also recommended to bring binoculars to get a closer look at the surrounding wildlife, including bald eagles and osprey.
Trailhead Location
The Watchman Peak Trailhead is located at the Watchman Overlook, which is accessible by car from the park’s south entrance. The trailhead is clearly marked, and there is ample parking available.
It’s recommended to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds, especially during peak season. Hikers should also bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no amenities or restrooms along the trail.
Cleetwood Cove Trail
Crater Lake National Park is known for its stunning natural beauty and unique landscapes. The Cleetwood Cove Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the pristine waters of Crater Lake. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the trail, its difficulty level, lake access, and trailhead location.
Trail Overview
The Cleetwood Cove Trail is a 2.2-mile round trip hike that takes visitors down to the shore of Crater Lake. The trail begins at the Cleetwood Cove parking lot and descends steeply through a forested area before opening up to stunning views of the lake. The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked, making it accessible to hikers of all skill levels.
Difficulty Level
The Cleetwood Cove Trail is rated as a moderate hike, with a total elevation gain of 700 feet. The trail is steep in some sections, and hikers should be prepared for a challenging climb back up to the parking lot. The trail is not recommended for individuals with mobility issues or those who are not comfortable with steep inclines.
Lake Access
One of the main attractions of the Cleetwood Cove Trail is its lake access. At the end of the trail, hikers can reach the shore of Crater Lake, where they can swim, fish, or simply enjoy the breathtaking views. The water in Crater Lake is famously clear and cold, with an average temperature of around 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Trailhead Location
The Cleetwood Cove Trailhead is located on the north side of Crater Lake, near the Cleetwood Cove parking lot. The parking lot is accessible via a paved road and has restrooms and picnic areas available for visitors. During peak season, the parking lot can fill up quickly, so it’s recommended to arrive early or consider taking the park shuttle.
*Note: The table below shows the average temperature of Crater Lake by month.
| Month | Temperature (F) |
|---|---|
| January | 33 |
| February | 34 |
| March | 35 |
| April | 36 |
| May | 44 |
| June | 55 |
| July | 62 |
| August | 61 |
| September | 55 |
| October | 45 |
| November | 38 |
| December | 33 |
Mount Scott Trail
Mount Scott Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Crater Lake National Park, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape. This trail is a must-do for anyone looking to experience the beauty of the park, and it’s also a great way to get some exercise and fresh air.
Trail Overview
The Mount Scott Trail is a 4.4-mile round trip hike that starts at the Mount Scott Trailhead. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, with a moderate difficulty level. The elevation gain is around 1,200 feet, so it’s a bit of a climb, but the views from the top are well worth the effort.
The trail is open year-round, but it’s best to hike in the summer months when the weather is mild and the trail is free of snow. The trail is also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friend along for the adventure.
Difficulty Level
The Mount Scott Trail is rated as moderate in difficulty, with a steady climb to the top. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, but the elevation gain can be challenging for some hikers. It’s important to bring plenty of water and snacks, and take breaks when needed.
The hike is suitable for most people with a moderate level of fitness, but it’s not recommended for those with mobility issues or health concerns. It’s always a good idea to check with your doctor before embarking on any strenuous physical activity.
Highest Point in Crater Lake
The Mount Scott Trail leads to the highest point in Crater Lake National Park, standing at 8,929 feet. At the summit, hikers can take in panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains, making it a popular spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
The summit is also home to a fire lookout tower, which is staffed during the summer months. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for an even better view of the park.
Trailhead Location
The Mount Scott Trailhead is located on the east side of Crater Lake, off of East Rim Drive. There is a small parking lot at the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during peak season. It’s best to arrive early in the day to secure a parking spot.
Overall, the Mount Scott Trail is a must-do for anyone visiting Crater Lake National Park. It’s a challenging but rewarding hike, with stunning views and plenty of opportunities to connect with nature. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a casual adventurer, the Mount Scott Trail is sure to impress.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to pack a camera and a picnic lunch to enjoy at the summit!
