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Crater Lake National Park 360 Tour

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Submitted by Anonymous on December 2, 2020 - 7:40pm Permalink

Trying to do a virtual field

Trying to do a virtual field trip!

Submitted by Anonymous on December 4, 2020 - 1:56pm Permalink

Excellent presentation of a

Excellent presentation of a vast and beautiful subject.

Submitted by Anonymous on April 21, 2021 - 1:39pm Permalink

cool i like old volcanoes

Submitted by Anonymous on May 26, 2022 - 11:54am Permalink

I love this video beacause

I love this video because you can move the video around. I will see if we can come!

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Crater Lake Virtual Tour

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, USA

Crater Lake is a caldera lake located in the U.S. state of Oregon. It is the main feature of Crater Lake National Park and famous for its deep blue color and water clarity. The lake partly fills a nearly 1,958 foot (597 m) deep caldera that was formed around 7,700 years ago by the collapse of the volcano Mount Mazama. On June 12, 1853, John Wesley Hillman was reportedly the first European American to see what he named "Deep Blue Lake" in Oregon. The lake was renamed at least three times, as Blue Lake, Lake Majesty, and finally Crater Lake. Crater Lake is known for the "Old Man of the Lake", a full-sized tree that has been bobbing vertically in the lake for more than a century. Due to the cold water, the tree has been rather well preserved. While having no indigenous fish population, the lake was stocked from 1888 to 1941 with a variety of fish. Several species have formed self sustaining populations. The commemorative Oregon State Quarter, which was released by the United States Mint in 2005, features an image of Crater Lake on its reverse. Dimensions and depth The lake is 5 by 6 miles (8 km × 10 km) across with an average depth of 1,148 feet (350 m). Its deepest point has been measured at 1,949 feet (594 m) deep, though as with any lake its depth fluctuates with the climate, particularly rainfall. This makes Crater Lake the deepest lake in the United States, the second deepest lake in North America (Great Slave Lake is the deepest) and the ninth deepest lake in the world (Lake Baikal is the deepest). Crater Lake is often cited as the 7th deepest lake in the world, but this ranking excludes Lake Vostok, which is situated under nearly 13,000 feet (4,000 m) of Antarctic ice, and the recent soundings of San Martín Lake, which is located on the border of Chile and Argentina. However, on the basis of comparing average depths among the world's deepest lakes, Crater Lake becomes the deepest lake in the Western Hemisphere and the third deepest in the world. Comparing average depths among the world's lakes whose basins are entirely above sea level, Crater Lake is the deepest. The caldera rim of Crater Lake ranges in elevation from 7,000 to 8,000 feet (2,100 to 2,400 m).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crater_Lake

Virtual Tour

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Virtual Tours of the 63 Iconic U.S. National Parks [2024]

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Chris Hassan

Social Media & Brand Manager

Countries Visited: 21 U.S. States Visited: 24

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Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

Virtual Tours of the 63 Iconic U.S. National Parks [2024]

1. Acadia National Park (Maine)

2. arches national park (utah), 3. badlands national park (south dakota), 4. big bend national park (texas), 5. biscayne national park (florida), 6. black canyon of the gunnison national park (colorado), 7. bryce canyon national park (utah), 8. canyonlands national park (utah), 9. capitol reef national park (utah), 10. carlsbad caverns national park (new mexico), 11. channel islands national park (california), 12. congaree national park (south carolina), 13. crater lake national park (oregon), 14. cuyahoga valley national park (ohio), 15. death valley national park (california, nevada), 16. denali national park (alaska), 17. dry tortugas national park (florida), 18. everglades national park (florida), 19. gates of the arctic national park (alaska), 20. gateway arch national park (missouri), 21. glacier bay national park and preserve (alaska), 22. glacier national park (montana), 23. grand canyon national park (arizona), 24. grand teton national park (wyoming), 25. great basin national park (nevada), 26. great sand dunes national park and preserve (colorado), 27. great smoky mountains national park (north carolina, tennessee), 28. guadalupe mountains national park (texas), 29. haleakalā national park (hawaii), 30. hawai’i volcanoes national park (hawaii), 31. hot springs national park (arkansas), 32. indiana dunes national park (indiana), 33. isle royale national park (michigan), 34. joshua tree national park (california), 35. katmai national park (alaska), 36. kenai fjords national park (alaska), 37. kobuk valley national park (alaska), 38. lake clark national park and preserve (alaska), 39. lassen volcanic national park (california), 40. mammoth cave national park (kentucky), 41. mesa verde national park (colorado), 42. mount rainier national park (washington), 43. national park of american samoa (american samoa), 44. new river gorge national park & preserve (west virginia), 45. north cascades national park (washington), 46. olympic national park (washington), 47. petrified forest national park (arizona), 48. pinnacles national park (california), 49. redwood national park (california), 50. rocky mountain national park (colorado), 51. saguaro national park (arizona), 52. sequoia and kings canyon national parks (california), 53. shenandoah national park (virginia), 54. theodore roosevelt national park (north dakota), 55. virgin islands national park (u.s. virgin islands), 56. voyageurs national park (minnesota), 57. white sands national park (new mexico), 58. wind cave national park (south dakota), 59. wrangell-st. elias national park (alaska), 60. yellowstone national park (wyoming, montana, idaho), 61. yosemite national park (california), 62. zion national park (utah), final thoughts.

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Travel is back in full swing, but if you’re just hitting the road again, you may be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options out there.

There are 63 national parks in the United States– but just because you don’t have time to hike every destination right now doesn’t mean that you can’t still explore some natural beauty. There are some excellent (and free) virtual tours of our incredible national parks just a click away!

We have compiled an exhaustive list of the most famous and beautiful national parks that offer free virtual tours. So get comfy, pretend to lace up your hiking boots (or really put them on), and start exploring some of the most incredible natural resources on the planet!

U.S. National Parks With Virtual Tours

The U.S. has 63 officially protected areas designated as national parks. Since they are spread across the country, it would be challenging to visit them all in person (especially since some of them don’t even have access roads).

So why not take advantage of some downtime and start exploring them from home? Check out these incredible virtual tours without leaving your couch!

Acadia National Park Virtual Tour

Acadia National Park , also known as the Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast, is a 47,000-acre recreation area in Maine. Attracting more than 3.5 million visitors a year, it’s one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the U.S. With more than 90% of the park located on coastal islands, exploring Acadia’s resources by water is a must-do.

Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this New England resource and go on a virtual cruise .

Double O Arch in Arches National Park

Arches National Park is a 73,000+ acre marvel of eroded sandstone located northwest of Moab, Utah with more than 2,000 natural stone arches.

Sheep Mountain Table Badlands National Park

With 244,000 acres of canyons, rock formations, bison, sheep, and prairie dogs, Badlands National Park is also home to one of the world’s richest fossil beds . The park was once home to many ancient mammals, including the saber-toothed cat.

Walk through this breathtaking park from home, featuring overlooks, fossil replicas, and wild prairie dogs, thanks to this Google Earth virtual tour .

Rio Grande Vista in Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park is a sprawling wildlife sanctuary in southwestern Texas along the border of Mexico.

Home to more than 1,200 species of plants, 450 species of birds, 56 species of reptiles, and 75 species of mammals, this 800,000+ acre national park is as big as it is gorgeous.

Reach the park’s tallest peak, trek through the wilderness, and journey along a canyon river on a private virtual tour, thanks to Google Earth.

Biscayne National Park underwater

Just a blink away from downtown Miami, Biscayne National Park is home to the world’s third-longest coral reef tract and countless activities for outdoor enthusiasts.

There is something to keep every visitor busy, from exploring shipwrecks to boating, snorkeling, fishing, and more.

Experience a variety of water sports and witness spectacular coral reefs via this video tour .

Canyon from Oak Flat Trail at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Packed with steep cliffs and craggy spires, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a sight to see in Colorado.

Over 2 million years, the Gunnison River has sculpted its way through the rough terrain, leaving behind a breathtaking combination of water, rock, and sky.

You don’t have to wait that long to enjoy the beauty of various trails and overlooks — go on a Google Earth virtual tour !

Thors Hammer at Bryce Canyon National Park

Located in southwestern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its iconic red rocks, natural amphitheaters, and the largest concentration of hoodoos (irregular columns of rock) on Earth.

With an elevation of up to 9,000 feet, there is plenty to do, including multiple winter sports such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Take an in-depth virtual tour with videos and 360-degree photos thanks to Google Arts & Culture.

Milky Way above Chesler Park in Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is a dramatic desert in southeastern Utah with a landscape carved by the winds and the Colorado River.

Nature has created a stunning wilderness of countless canyons and fantastically formed buttes just waiting to be explored.

Drop in and explore red rock canyons, the Colorado River, and Mesa Arch via an enhanced Google Earth Street View .

Waterpocket Fold in Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is home to the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) extending almost 100 miles. If that doesn’t interest you, maybe the golden sandstone, canyons, and striking rock formations will.

Drop in via the Google Earth link here .

Hot Tip: Like what you see? You can go glamping at Capitol Reef Resort !

Chandelier in the Big Room in Carlsbad Caverns

Located in the Guadalupe Mountains of southeastern New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a lush desert landscape above ground. Still, the  real show lies beneath the surface of the Chihuahuan Desert.

Thanks to Google Arts & Culture, you can explore these caves (even from a bat’s perspective) via video and 360-degree photos .

Bald Eagle at Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park is made up of 5 of the 8 Channel Islands off the coast of California. The islands represent a wide variety of significant natural and cultural resources thanks to thousands of years of isolation. This relatively untouched area has created unique animals, plants, and archaeological resources found nowhere else on Earth .

Don’t worry if you can’t get to California any time soon. You can take a virtual tour of each island via Google Street View.

Bird in Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park is a wilderness paradise located in South Carolina. Massive trees in this park have created one of the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies remaining in the world. It is now designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve .

The Congaree River flows through the park, which has created ideal hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and birdwatching opportunities.

To really get a feel of this park from home, you can watch a canoe ride through this incredible wilderness.

Wizard Island in Crater Lake in Winter

Crater Lake is located in south-central Oregon and is quite simply awe-inspiring . Formed from a volcanic eruption 7,500 years ago, this lake is not fed by rivers or streams but only by rain and melted snow.

The lake is the deepest in the U.S. and one of the cleanest and clearest in the world. It is no surprise that the area is extremely popular amongst outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

Take a 360-degree virtual video tour of this gem with country music singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley.

Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a relatively small 32,000-acre park just a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Ohio.

The park offers a refuge for city dwellers with outdoor options for everyone, including hiking, golfing, historic train rides, kayaking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

Explore this unique national park via a Google Earth virtual tour highlighting a 19th-century bridge, marsh boardwalk, and impressive waterfalls.

Horseback Riding in Death Valley National Park

Perhaps the most famous national park, at least by name, Death Valley National Park is the hottest, driest, and lowest national park . Despite its morbid name, this national park shows a great diversity of life when rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers and lush oases harbor tiny fish and other wildlife.

Death Valley straddles the California-Nevada border and is the largest U.S. national park outside of Alaska at 3.4 million acres.

Start exploring this massive park thanks to this Google Earth virtual tour . Highlights include the Rhyolite Ghost Town, Devil’s Golf Course, and spectacular dunes and canyons.

Denali National Park

Located in the center of Alaska on Mt. Denali, the highest mountain in North America , Denali National Park is a mix of forests at low elevations and snow and glaciers at higher elevations.

There is only 1 road that cuts through the 6 million-acre preserve where large wild animals roam free, and adventurists explore the many outdoor activities.

Can’t make it to Alaska any time soon? Try exploring the tundra, glaciers, and Denali vistas via a Google Earth virtual tour .

Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is located in the Gulf of Mexico, about 68 miles off the coast of Key West. The park is comprised of Fort Jefferson, a historic 19th-century fort, and the 7 Dry Tortugas islands.

This national park is reachable only by seaplane or boat and has become a sanctuary for coral reefs and marine life.

Google Arts & Culture has put together an in-depth virtual tour full of 360-degree photos and videos.

Mangroves in the Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is located in Florida and is the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S. Besides being a national park, the Everglades are also listed as a World Heritage Site and Wetlands of International Importance — 1 of only 3 locations in the world to be named to all 3.

The Everglades are a network of wetlands and forests that are home to multiple rare and endangered species, including the manatee, American crocodile, and elusive Florida panther.

Additionally, the wetlands are an essential habitat to more than 350 species of birds, 300 species of fresh and saltwater fish, 40 species of mammals, and 50 species of reptiles.

See what wildlife you can spot on this virtual tour of the Everglades via Google Earth.

Swimming Caribou in the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Reserve

The Gates of the Arctic National Park is the northernmost national park in the U.S. , located entirely north of the Arctic Circle in Alaska.

With an average of just 10,000 visitors per year (the Grand Canyon gets 6 million+, for comparison), the Gates of the Arctic is the least-visited national park in the country.

The lack of visitors and the absence of any roads or trails make this park a virtually untouched ecosystem where rivers carve through glaciers and animals including caribou migrate along age-old paths.

To get a feel for how unique this park is without having to travel to the Arctic Circle, watch this video .

Gateway Arch National Park

The Gateway Arch National Park (formerly known as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial) is located in St. Louis, Missouri. The park is a memorial to Thomas Jefferson’s role in opening the West to the pioneers who helped shape its history and to the monumental Dred Scott slavery case.

The national park consists of the Gateway Arch (a St. Louis icon) and its 140,000-square foot-museum, a 91-acre park along the Mississippi River, the Old Courthouse, and a former state and federal courthouse where the Dred Scott case originated.

To “stand” underneath the Gateway Arch and get a feel for how big it really is, check out this 360-degree photo .

Humpback whale breaching in Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay National Park is 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains, glaciers, temperate rainforest, wild coastlines, and deep sheltered fjords in southeast Alaska.

Most visitors arrive by cruise ship, but many others come for overnight camping, hiking, mountaineering, kayaking, rafting, fishing, and birdwatching.

No need to start packing — you can get lost in the incredible photographs available online or check in on one of the many live webcams set up across the park.

Grinnell Glacier Basin in Glacier National Park

Not to be confused with Glacier Bay National Park, Glacier National Park is located in Montana on the U.S.-Canada border and is much more easily accessible.

The 1 million-acre park offers more than 700 miles of trails along over 130 named lakes that are home to more than 1,000 different species of plants and hundreds of species of animals.

You can enjoy the pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes from the comfort of your own home.

The Google Earth virtual tour features scenic alpine lakes, trails with panoramic views, and waterfalls.

Grand Canyon National Park North Rim

Perhaps the most well-known of them all, the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is a stunning 277-mile steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River.

Aside from the popular helicopter tours (and other tours from nearby Las Vegas), visitors can also enjoy rafting, hiking, running, and camping along the North and South Rim.

Ready to go on a hair-raising virtual hike? Check out this incredible virtual tour by Google Earth .

Grand Teton flowers

Grand Teton National Park is a 310,000-acre park in northwestern Wyoming that’s home to major mountain peaks including the Teton Peaks and valleys including Jackson Hole.

The pristine ecosystem and the same species of flora and fauna that have existed since prehistoric times can still be found there. Over 1,000 species of plants, dozens of species of mammals, 300 species of birds, and more than a dozen fish species call this park home.

Visitors can explore over 200 miles of trails, float the Snake River, and enjoy the serenity of this remarkable place.

To get a glimpse of that glory, you can take a Google Earth Street View virtual tour .

Bristlecone Pine Tree in Great Basin National Park

Located in northeast Nevada near the Utah border, Great Basin National Park has something to offer visitors during all 4 seasons.

With everything from the Lehman Caves to more than 800 different species of plants and a forest full of animals, there is plenty to explore in this 77,000-acre wilderness.

Get to know Great Basin National Park better with this video .

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a conservation of vast sand dunes (up to 750 feet tall) in south-central Colorado.

The tallest sand dunes in North America cover about 30 square miles and provide 24-hour and year-round recreational entertainment. Camping, hiking, sandboarding, and walking the dunes underneath the moonlight are all popular activities at the park.

Want a better look? Check out the park’s YouTube channel !

Gregg Cable House in Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park stretches into parts of Tennessee and North Carolina and straddles the ridgeline of the Great Smoky Mountains, which is part of the larger Appalachian Mountain chain.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular national park in the country and hosts more than 10 million visitors each year — that is more than the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Yellowstone combined!

Camping, hiking to waterfalls, admiring the diverse plant and animal life, as well as the remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, all help make this national park so famous.

To learn more, you can take a private virtual tour via Google Earth Steet View  or check out these videos .

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Just east of El Paso, Texas, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to the 4 highest peaks in Texas and so much more.

86,000 acres of forests, deserts, and dunes protect the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef, which was on the floor of the Delaware Sea 260 to 265 million years ago.

Put on your virtual hiking boots and take a Google Earth Street View virtual tour of various trails, a 1930s cabin, and stalactites.

Kuloa Point Trail in Haleakala National Park

Haleakalā National Park is a 33,000-acre park on a dormant volcano on the Hawaiian island of Maui.

The park is home to incredible views, culture, tropical plants, and endangered species — some of which are not found anywhere else in the world.

Take a virtual drive and explore this beautiful park via this 4K video .

Kamokuna Ocean Lava Entry at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the main island of Hawaii and rests on top of 2 active volcanoes : Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world’s most massive shield volcano.

The park is home to some of the most unique geological, biological, and cultural landscapes in the world. Visitors come to learn about history, culture, volcanoes, and the island’s incredible biodiversity.

Thanks to Google Arts & Culture, you can immerse yourself in one of the most complete virtual tours of any park available.

Quapaw Bathhouse at Hot Springs National Park

The hot springs in Hot Springs National Park have drawn crowds to Arkansas for more than 20o years. Many believed that the springs held medicinal purposes, which helped turn this area into a “spa town” in the 1800s.

Today, visitors can explore on hikes or visit bathhouses for a traditional bath or soak in a common pool with water from the hot springs.

Take a virtual tour of Hot Springs National Park’s waterfalls, bubbly springs and fountains, and historic buildings with this video .

Lake View Beach at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Located in northwestern Indiana, the Indiana Dunes National Park runs about 25 miles along the southern shore of Lake Michigan.

With more than 50,000 acres, visitors can enjoy the beach’s rugged dunes, mysterious wetlands, sunny prairies, meandering rivers, and peaceful forests.

Learn more about the park via videos directly from park rangers .

Dassler Cabin in Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale National Park consists of hundreds of neighboring islands, as well as the surrounding waters of Lake Superior, in the state of Michigan.

Although it is one of the least visited of all U.S. national parks, the park has the most repeat visitors . Isle Royale offers unparalleled solitude and adventures for hikers, boaters, kayakers, and even scuba divers.

Want to know what a 4-day backcountry hike is like in the park? Watch this video .

Joshua Tree National Park

Located in southern California near Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is named for the Joshua trees found in the Mojave Desert within the park.

The 790,000-acre park includes 2 deserts (Mojave and Colorado), and both have their own ecosystems due to differences in elevation.

Thanks to a unique variety of plants and animals, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features, it is no surprise this is a popular park.

Want to see for yourself? Take an in-depth Google Earth virtual tour , passing scenic landscape, Arch Rock, a cholla cactus garden, and oases.

Brown Bears Catching Salmon at Katmai National Park

Located in southern Alaska, the 4-million acre Katmai National Park is mainly designated as a wilderness area, meaning that hunting is banned.

The park is named after Mount Katmai, its famous stratovolcano. The national park is also known for its thousands of brown bears and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes.

Keep up with all of the wildlife with the park’s extensive network of webcams .

Bear Glacier at Kenai Fjords National Park

Some of the most striking visuals you can imagine can be found at Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska. The park is named for the numerous fjords carved by the glaciers that have moved down the mountains from the ice field.

Nearly 40 glaciers flow from the Harding Icefield, where wildlife thrives in and on the water, and lush forest surrounds the sea.

Immerse yourself in an extremely interactive virtual tour by Google Arts & Culture to truly get a feel of this magnificent place.

Autumn Morning Mist at Kobuk Valley National Park

Located in the Arctic region of northwestern Alaska, the 1.7 million-acre Kobuk Valley National Park is home to the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes and the famous caribou migration routes.

With no trails or access roads to the park , visitors must arrive by air taxi and bring all of their own gear for any backcountry camping, hiking, backpacking, boating, or dog sledding.

If you don’t plan on chartering your own plane to explore this beautiful park, you can watch some videos about the park .

Bears in Lake Clark National Park

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is a 4 million acre park about 100 miles southwest of Anchorage, Alaska.

Turquoise lakes make way for volcano steam, while bears wait for the salmon run, all with a dramatic mountainous background.

Open year-round, but with no trails or roads , visitors must arrive by float or wheeled planes to start exploring.

Learn more about this unique park with this introductory video .

Devils Kitchen hydrothermal area in Lassen Volcanic National Park

Home to the largest plug dome volcano in the world , Lassen Volcanic National Park in northeastern California is famous for its steaming sulfur vents, splattering mud pots, and boiling springs.

Visitors can swim and kayak in the spring-fed lakes, drive the Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway, and camp at one of the 8 on-site campgrounds.

Don’t wait to start exploring. Check out this incredible collection of 360-degree photos of hydrothermal areas, trails, and winter scenes.

Mamoth Cave National Park

Clocking in at over 400 miles, Mammoth Cave National Park in central Kentucky has the longest known cave system on the planet . Combined with 53,000+ acres of lush forest above ground, visitors can explore 2 very different worlds in 1 stop.

Mammoth Cave National Park has enough to keep most adventure seekers entertained, whether camping, hiking, or just exploring.

Go on an above or below-ground virtual video tour .

Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde National Park

An American national park  and  UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mesa Verde National Park is home to some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites in the U.S.

Located in Montezuma County, Colorado and serviced by 40 miles of roads, visitors can enjoy 5,000 archeological sites including 600 cliff dwellings dating back from 600 to 1300 A.D.

Explore cliff and cave dwellings, sandstone ruins, the Sun Temple, rock petroglyphs, and more thanks to an  in-depth virtual tour via Google Earth .

Mount Rainier National Park

An icon standing 14,410 feet above sea level , Mount Rainier , a stratovolcano, is the centerpiece of this Washington state park.

Surrounded by valleys, rivers, meadows, and waterfalls, there are 91,000 acres for visitors to explore year-round.

Explore the marshland and ancient cedar forests of this beautiful national park from the comfort of your home thanks to this Google Earth virtual tour .

National Park of American Samoa

The National Park of American Samoa is spread across 3 islands in the South Pacific — Tutuila, Ofu, and Ta‘ū.

These “Islands of Sacred Earth” are home to stunning coral reefs, vast rain forests, the famous Samoan fruit bat, and of course, Samoan culture.

Grab your VR goggles and check out 360-degree photos of corals and sea life, including the adverse effects of rising water temperatures, from the virtual dive gallery of the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa.

New River Gorge Bridge in the Winter

The New River — one of the oldest on the entire continent — is located in southern West Virginia.

The park spans more than 70,000 acres of land along 53 miles with a whitewater river.

Check out the park’s webcam for a view of the gorge from Canyon Rim Visitor Center!

Stehekin at Lake Chelan in North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park is a 500,000-acre park in Washington (less than 3 hours from Seattle) and is home to more than 300 glaciers and countless waterfalls.

Visitors can “hear the Cascades calling” through forested valleys and numerous waterways.

Are you ready to relax in the Cascades? Check out this stunning 4K video featuring gorgeous fall colors and nature sounds.

James Island off the Olympic Coast in Olympic National Park

With almost 1 million acres of wilderness and 70 miles of coastline, the Olympic National Park in Washington is an incredible example of diverse wildlife.

The park is home to several distinct ecosystems , temperate rain forests, and even glacier-capped mountains.

Start exploring beaches, rock faces, lakes, and forests from home, thanks to this excellent virtual tour from Google Earth .

Petrified Forest National Park

This relatively small national park only covers about 230 square miles in Arizona. It’s named for its large deposits of petrified wood .

Whether you are driving through for a backcountry hike or want to learn more about the woods, Petrified Forest National Park has plenty of exhibits that can bring stories to life.

Be sure to check out the webcam at the Painted Desert Inn Historic Landmark at Petrified Forest National Park, looking out over the colorful Painted Desert.

Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park is located in south-central California on the site of what was a volcano some 23 million years ago .

Today, visitors marvel at the unique landscape, which includes oak woodlands, canyon bottoms, towering rock spires, and unusual talus caves that house at least 13 species of bats.

Nature lovers will not want to miss this stunning 4K video timelapse of the park.

Redwood National Park

Along the rugged coast of northern California, you’ll find 40 miles dedicated to the Redwood National Park .

Redwood trees, found within the park, are the tallest trees on earth. This 39,000-acre national park is also home to vast prairies, oak woodlands, and wild river-ways.

Start exploring this natural gem’s redwood groves, including a drive through the Klamath Tour Thru Tree, thanks to this Google Earth Street View virtual tour .

Rocky Mountain National Park

Just northwest of Denver, Colorado, you will find the spectacular mountain paradise of Rocky Mountain National Park .

With more than 415 square miles of mountain environments, including 300 miles of hiking trails , wildlife, and wildflowers, visitors have plenty to enjoy when the park is open.

No need to wait for the perfect day or time to visit — you can enjoy an in-depth Google Earth virtual tour of impressive peaks, alpine lakes, and expansive views.

Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park is a 92,000-acre park in Arizona that consists of 2 separate areas: the Tucson Mountain District and the Rincon Mountain District. Both parks preserve a delicate desert landscape with plenty of wildlife as well as the famous giant saguaro cacti .

With 165 miles of trails, hiking, biking, and horseback riding are all popular activities.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating cacti and wildlife with this incredible video tour .

Hiker on the High Sierra Trail in the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

Located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the central valley of California, these 2 national parks host more than 2 million visitors per year.

Kings Canyon got its name due to a giant glacier that carved its way through the valley more than 1-mile deep.

Sequoia National Park is named after  the world’s largest stands of giant sequoia trees, which tower over the valley.

Check out this virtual tour by Google Earth . Highlights include the ~275-foot-tall General Sherman Tree, a tunnel log, Moro Rock, and Crystal Cave.

Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park

Located in Virginia, Shenandoah National Park is just a 75-mile drive from downtown Washington, D.C. The long and narrow park has its valley and rolling hills split down the middle by the scenic Skyline Drive.

With more than 200,000 acres of protected lands, visitors are likely to see waterfalls, deer, songbirds, black bears, and more.

Take a Google Earth virtual tour of hiking trails, waterfalls, and vistas, or visit Shenandoah’s own virtual tour of its historic buildings.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Named after the former president, Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s 70,000 acres of badlands are split across 3 sections in Noth Dakota.

Spectacular multicolored rock formations, dramatic canyons, and sweeping plains are home to elk, prairie dogs, and about 500 bison .

About 750,000 annual visitors come for wildlife spotting, birdwatching, hiking, horseback riding, stargazing, and scenic drives.

Take a peek at what is going on via the park’s webcam of Painted Canyon , a virtual tour of Maltese Cross Cabin , or the park’s multimedia content .

Honeymoon Beach in the Virgin Islands National Park

Known as “America’s Paradise,”  Virgin Islands National Park preserves about 60% of the island of St. John , about 5,000 acres of ocean, and almost all of Hassel Island.

Besides the beautiful beaches and pristine snorkeling, the park attracts visitors for its history of sugar plantations and ancient petroglyphs carved by the Taino Indians.

Explore this island’s tropical forests, petroglyphs, ruins of a 1700s Danish sugar plantation, and white sand beaches via a Google Earth virtual tour .

Voyageurs National Park

Located in northern Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park is 218,000 acres of outstanding water resources.

Known for its maze of interconnected water highways , it is no surprise that this is a popular spot for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and boating.

Visitors can access this national park in the winter by snowmobile, ski, or snowshoe.

If you are interested in this park, you won’t want to miss this stunning timelapse video .

White Sands National Park

Inside this 145,000 acre park in New Mexico, visitors will find 275 square miles of white sand dunes composed of gypsum crystals. This gypsum dune field is the largest of its kind on Earth .

Famous among sledders and photographers, White Sands National Park receives about 600,000 visitors per year, which is the most of any national park in New Mexico.

If you would like to learn more about this incredible national park, check out these videos made by park rangers.

Boxwork in Caves at Wind Cave National Park

Wind Cave National Park in western South Dakota is home to one of the longest caves in the world , measuring in at over 149 miles explored so far. The Wind Cave is notable for its calcite formations known as boxwork, which make up about 95% of the world’s known boxwork formations .

Above ground is pretty interesting as well: with the forested hillside and rolling prairie grasslands making a lovely home for bison, elk, and other wildlife.

Go on a Google Earth virtual tour of scenic grasslands and ponderosa pine forest without leaving your couch.

Wrangell–St. Elias National Park

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is located in south-central Alaska and is, by far, America’s largest national park measuring in at over 13 million acres.

With everything from wildlife to volcanoes and glaciers, this national park has something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Take yourself on a “1-day visit” video tour of this unique piece of the American landscape.

Morning fog in the Yellowstone River Valley in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park was the very first national park and stretches across 3 U.S. states, including Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The park is centered over the Yellowstone Caldera lake, the largest supervolcano on the continent .

One of the lesser threatening attractions is the Old Faithful Geyser , known for its regularity of eruptions.

Visitors come to enjoy the thousands of other hot springs, geysers, and mud pots that dot the wild landscape each year.

Take a private Google Earth virtual tour of this famous national park — featuring geysers, waterfalls, springs, and more — from the comfort of your own home.

Yosemite National Park 1

Located in the Sierra Nevada range of central California, Yosemite National Park covers an area of 748,000 acres and receives an average of 4 million visitors per year.

Yosemite is internationally recognized for many of its features, including its granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, giant sequoia groves, lakes, mountains, meadows, glaciers, and incredible biological diversity.

Thanks to Google Earth’s virtual tour , start exploring this park, including the iconic Half Dome and El Capitan.

Kolob Canyons Road in Zion National Park

Zion National Park was Utah’s first national park and is relatively small compared to other parks, measuring in at only 229 square miles.

But that small size doesn’t mean there is any less to explore. Massive red sandstone cliffs create canyons that traverse for miles and create a unique ecosystem for native plants and animals.

Explore this gem, including Court of the Patriarchs, Temple of Sinawava, and Kanarraville Falls, on a virtual tour by Google Earth ,

There are so many stunning and educational national parks that it could take a lifetime to see them all. With the help of technology, we can enjoy these natural wonders from the comfort of home.

Use these online resources to scratch that travel itch, gain some extra wanderlust, and start planning your next trip to one of these national parks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many national parks are there.

There are 63 sites that are considered national parks in the U.S. These parks are world-renowned for their history, natural beauty, and unique wildlife. These parks are generally open for recreation for free or for a small fee.

Which national parks offer virtual tours?

Many of the U.S. national parks offer virtual tours online for free. While some of the more popular parks have excellent production thanks to Google Earth, others can still show you the park via video or 360-degree photos. We have compiled the best way to see each park online — just click the name of the park you are interested in.

Are virtual tours free?

Yes! Every virtual tour that we have linked to in this article is completely free of charge. On top of that, every national park has its own website full of unique and specific information about that location. With everything from ranger videos to gorgeous photography, the amount of free content is incredible.

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About Chris Hassan

Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a passion for making content catered toward family travelers.

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17 national parks you can take virtual tours to

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Recently updated on May 1st, 2020 at 05:38 pm

Bored of lockdown strolls at your local park? Why not take it up a notch by hiking to Everest, scaling El Capitan, or walking the sand dunes of Namibia, the glaciers Patagonia and the trails of the Grand Canyon? With dozens of the world’s best national parks offering interactive tours online, you can now go exploring in your pyjamas! Here are our top 17 national parks you can discover with a virtual tour.

1. Los Glaciares National Park, Argentinian Patagonia

perito moreno glacier patagonia argentina

If you’re looking for incredible wilderness, it’s got to be Patagonia. The region stretches over Chile and Argentina and is filled with natural wonders, like the Perito Moreno Glacier of Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina. Covering 250 km2, it’s big – and getting bigger !

Check out these interactive images on 360cities to get an insight into the sheer scale and dazzling blue of the glacier. Then watch this immersive video of the landscapes beyond the glacier with beautiful rivers, rainbows and a pack of guanacos. 

RELATED CONTENT: These are the places our Trafalgar team are dreaming of visiting right now

2. Grand Canyon National Park, USA

red rocks south rim grand canyon united states

At 445,000 kilometres in length, 1,857 metres deep, and with rocks dating back around two billion years ago, it’s easy to see how the Grand Canyon got its name. You can hike along the Bright Angel Trail along the Colorado River to the South Rim all from your home with Google Street View Trek .

Explore even more with Google Earth view where you can see iconic sights like Angels Window or Wontons Throne. If you’re after a bird’s eye view, head to AirPano , a VR project offering 360-degree images of the beautiful Red Rocks.

3. Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal

blue imja river himalayas everest south base camp nepal

Few people can say they’ve scaled Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, but now you virtually can when you visit Sagarmatha National Park, all from the comfort of your lounge. Go e-exploring at an altitude of 5,380 metres, with interactive 360-degree views of Everest’s south base camp in Nepal.

You can see the towering 8,848-metre summit and more of the Himalayas with this interactive map and if you click on the human-shaped icon, you can explore more of the mountain range below. Click on the blue dots for close-up views of mountain villages, colourful prayer flags, and the stunning Imja River. You can also get a bird’s eye view of the base camp and river with the 360-degree images at AirPano .

4. Abisko National Park, Sweden

green northern lights abisko national park sweden

Seeing the aurora borealis, or the Northern Lights, is on almost everyone’s travel bucket list. These mystical lights can only be seen in countries at high northern latitudes, like Canada, Iceland, Russia and Scandinavia. But you don’t have to travel too far to catch them.

Head to the Norwegian Lights over Lapland project for a five-minute journey through a 360-degree video. You’ll start in Abisko National Park in Sweden and travel through Arctic birch forest and Lake Torneträsk on a reindeer sleigh, before stopping at a wooden Sami hut near Mount Nuolja. You’ll then watch an amazing time-lapse video of the dancing green streaks and arcs of the Northern Lights.

5. Kenai Fjords National Park, USA

glacier kenai fjords national park alaska united states

Take a virtual tour through the beautiful fjords, icebergs and glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska. It’s got to be one of the most beautiful places on earth and luckily for us, they’ve taken their national park online. Dive through an icy crevasse, kayak past glittering icebergs and marvel at the sweeping views of the fjords. You can even see how a glacier melts and learn about the effects of climate change on this region. 

lake mountains denali national park alaska united states

For more Alaskan viewing, check out the Nationals Parks service virtual tour of Denali National Park or visit Denali through Google Earth . The park covers six million acres of wilderness, including the spectacular Savage River and Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America.

RELATED CONTENT: 47 ways you can keep your love of travel alive without leaving the house

6. Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia

red sand dunes namib desert sossusvlei namibia

Namib-Naukluft National Park in Namibia is home to the famous red sand dunes of the Namib. It’s the oldest desert in the world, dating back 80 million years ago. It’s also one of the most remote places on earth, but you’ll have it all in the palm of your hands with these interactive 360-degree images by AirPano . You’ll see some of the largest dunes in the iconic Sossusvlei area, including Dune 7 at 338 metres, Big Daddy at 325 metres and Big Mamma at 198 metres. Don’t forget to check out the spectacular Deadvlei and a starlit sky showing the Milky Way. Simply stunning!

7. Yosemite National Park, USA

forest river el capitan yosemite united states

Yosemite is one of the most famous and most beautiful national parks in the United States. It’s home to the Sierra Nevada mountains, gorgeous meadows, rushing rivers, magical forests, and the iconic El Capitan, a 900-metre tall vertical cliff face.

You can scale El Capitan with US climber Lynn Hill, the first person to free climb the route in 1993. Learn about the skills and techniques as you make your way to the top… just don’t look down! Once you’ve finished your climb, you can explore more of Yosemite with these 360-degree images . Don’t forget to check out Bridalveil Fall, Ahwahnee Meadow and Yosemite Falls!

8. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia

uluru red sunset australia

Uluru is the largest rock monolith in the world and you can take an interactive tour with 360-degree visuals and audio clips around this incredible place. You’ll hear the desert birdsong, discover important sites and listen to the traditional owners sharing stories and cultural knowledge. 

pelicans marshland Kakadu national park australia

If you want to see more beautiful Australian terrain, check out these 360-degree views of Kakadu National Park . Cruise along Twin Falls gorge, take a virtual dip at Gunlom and marvel at the rock art of Ubirr.

9. Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland

basalt columns giant's causeway northern ireland

The National Trust of the UK protects thousands of hectares of nature reserves and historic landscapes. You can explore some of the most iconic sights like the stunning Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. Take this virtual tour to see more than 40,000 geometric, interlocking basalt columns.

Legend says they were made by giants as a stairway to Scotland, while scientists believe they were formed by lava flowing into the sea 60 million years ago. However they originated, you’ll marvel at views from Aird Snout Headland and the bay of Port Noffer. You can even get a bird’s eye view of the Carrick A Rede trail with these incredible images from AirPano .

RELATED CONTENT: How it was formed, and other fascinating Giant’s Causeway facts

10. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China

misty forested pillars Zhangjiajie China

One of China’s most famous national parks can now be visited online. You’ll likely recognise this one from James Cameron’s Avatar film as the mystical quartz-sandstone pillars were used as inspiration for the floating peaks of the Hallelujah Mountains. We’re sure you’ll be equally inspired as you fly around the soaring columns on this interactive video tour and marvel at these beautiful 360-degree images from the sky . You can also explore the park’s ancient temple from 870AD and the Bailong glass elevator, the world’s longest and highest glass bridge, through these 360-degree images .

11. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, USA

volcano eruption hawai'i volcanoes national park

Ever wanted to see an active volcano? Now you can, since the Hawai’i’ Volcanoes National Park is now online with this virtual tour . Fly over an active volcano, marvel at the volcanic coastal cliffs, and see the effects of a 1959 volcanic eruption. You can even take a look at the Nāhuku Lava Tube, a cave which drains lava during a volcanic eruption.

12. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam

cave Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Vietnam

Online national parks tours don’t get much better than this. You can virtually wander through Hang Sơn Đoòng, the world’s largest cave located in Vietnam’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. It was first explored by scientists in 2009 after it was discovered by a local man in 1991.

National Geographic created the Sơn Đoòng 360 project to preserve the cave before it potentially becomes overrun with tourism development. You can see it in all its glory with this trek, complete with 360-degree images and atmospheric sound effects. Pass the 70-metre tall Hand of Dog stalagmite and stroll through huge sinkhole jungles. Don’t forget to zoom in on the cave to spot hidden plants and animals.

13. Yellowstone National Park, USA

old faithful geyser yellowstone united states

Lace up your virtual walking boots and get your US national park fix online with this virtual tour of Yellowstone. Not only does the park have the title of the first national park in the world (established on 1 March 1872), but it’s also home to some of the world’s greatest natural wonders. If you’re lucky, you’ll even spot the iconic eruption of the Old Faithful geyser.

RELATED CONTENT: That longing for the great outdoors you’re feeling right now has a name – it’s called ‘fernweh’

14. Stonehenge Landscape, England

sunrise at stonehenge england

The Stonehenge World Heritage Site has mystified people for decades and is a protected archaeological site under the National Trust. You can scratch your head in amazement and learn more about the secrets of Stonehenge with this interactive tour . There’s also Google Street Views , where you’ll get a 360-degree look inside the famous stone circle.

15. Dry Tortugas National Park, USA

sandy beaches blue waters Dry Tortugas Florida United States

You can travel underwater in a national park online! This virtual tour of Dry Tortugas National Park takes you off the coast of Florida and you’ll get to explore protected beaches and 19th-century Fort Jefferson. Watch for sea turtles at Loggerhead Key and explore the wreck of Windjammer near Loggerhead Reef. You can even virtually swim through the third-largest coral reef in the world. Who says you can’t get tropical when on lockdown?

16. Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania

elephants mount kilimanjaro tanzania

Did you know you can conquer the highest peak in Africa without even breaking a sweat? Head to Google Street View to get all the spectacular views from the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. 

views from mount elbrus russia

While you’re there, you can scale other massive mountains, like Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas. There’s also Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe. This virtual tour of Elbrus in Russia’s Prielbrusye National Park will have you feeling like you’re actually on top of this snowy mountain!

17. Crater Lake National Park, USA

crater lake national park united states

You’ll find the deepest lake in the US at Crater Lake National Park and you can do it all online. This video tour was produced by the National Park Foundation and National Park Service. It features 360-degree views over the massive Crater Lake, the sunrise over Garfield Peak and Phantom Ship, an ancient rock formation. 

Have you visited any national parks online? Let us know in the comments below!

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West Coast Wayfarers

How to Plan an Amazing Crater Lake National Park Itinerary

As the only national park in the state of Oregon, Crater Lake gets a lot of attention by locals and tourists alike. So what’s the big fuss? Oh, it’s only the deepest lake in the United States, unbelievably clear and blue, and was formed when a 12,000 foot volcano erupted over 7,000 years ago! Y’all—it’s very cool and if you find yourself in the vicinity you should have to check it out. 

As you might expect, a place like this is very popular so you’ll need to put a little effort into planning a trip. I’ve put together a top notch Crater Lake itinerary that takes you to all the cool spots so you won’t miss a thing. So, while you may not be able to avoid the crowds, you can ensure an action-packed, awe-inspiring visit! Below you’ll find everything you need to know about this majestic lake and how to make the most of your visit.

Confession: the first time I visited Crater Lake was less than ideal, and even as a near-native Oregonian it wasn’t until I was an adult that I finally made it there.

The plan was to hike the Oregon portion of the PCT, and it would have been epic if not for the mosquitos. I have spent countless days and nights living in the woods and can handle a fair amount of pests, but these were downright tortuous. It was pure misery. They were SO BAD that we were forced to abandon our plans just a day away from Crater Lake!

Instead we hitchhiked to Medford, got a hotel room and the next day rented a car and headed up to Crater Lake. Would have been a lot cooler if we hiked in, huh? It wasn’t a total bust because we got to see the lake and hike around.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to plan your Crater Lake itinerary – when to visit, how to get there, and the best things to do in Crater Lake National Park (with detailed guides to one or two days in the park).

Planning a trip to Crater Lake National Park? Don’t miss our guide to hiking in Crater Lake National Park , and our guide to planning an incredible Seattle to Crater Lake road trip .

virtual tour crater lake national park

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel and vacation rental links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would absolutely never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

What Exactly is Crater Lake? 

Some 7,700 years ago, Mount Mazama (then 12,140 feet tall), blew her top and the resulting caldera was filled in with melted snow and rain. The Makalak people, native to the land, had revered this mountain and the area was believed to be a temporary camp for the tribe and its later descendants, the Klamath.

Mazama’s eruption was seen as the end of a bitter fight between the Chief of the Above World and Chief of the Below World. Archeologists have since found various artifacts including sandals buried under the eruption.

It wasn’t until 1902 that Crater Lake officially became a national park and received protection from the federal government to ensure its wildlife and natural land are preserved for future generations to enjoy.

The lake itself (the deepest in the U.S., and 7th deepest in the world) was originally found to be 1,996 feet deep back in 1886, but as this was done by some dudes with a weight attached to a piano wire, the more commonly accepted max depth is 1,943 feet taken in 2000. Either way—that’s deep! 

The actual depth from year to year varies though since the lake is fed entirely through rain and snow melt. Because of its location no inlets run in or out of it, contributing to its crystal clear waters.

The surface of the lake sits at 6,176 feet with Mount Scott reigning over the park at 8,934 feet (but, man—what it must have been like to see Mazama in all its glory!).

virtual tour crater lake national park

How Many Days Do You Need in Crater Lake?

Ideally, you should spend at least one full day and one night at Crater Lake. Getting here can be a bit of a hassle (far away and long lines to get in the actual park), so once you actually do make it, you don’t want to worry about getting back in your car and heading back if you can help it. 

Can You Do a Day Trip to Crater Lake National Park? 

Yes, but it depends on your definition of “day trip,” and where you’re coming from.

If you’re not staying in the park, I wouldn’t recommend more than a two hour commute to get here.

That means you need to start out (ideally) in one of the southern Oregon towns like Grants Pass , Medford , or Ashland (and of the three I’d recommend Ashland—it’s hella cute).

Roseburg and Bend are also doable, but you’re looking at 2 ½ to 3 hours each way and that sounds exhausting to me.

If you only have one day at Crater Lake and have to make it back to a city like Medford or Bend, get there as early as possible.

While Crater Lake is incredible and there are some stellar hikes to check out, it’s really only a two-day-tops kind of trip. I think this makes planning what to do in Crater Lake National Park a bit easier since you won’t be overwhelmed with options.

Tips for Visiting Crater Lake National Park

  • Just because you’re in the park doesn’t mean you can always see the lake (the whole park is over 180,000 acres and there are lots of things to do at Crater Lake that don’t involve the actual lake). 
  • It’ll take you longer to get there than you think because of wait times to get through the entrances. Make sure you’ve got good tunes or podcasts to keep you entertained.
  • Start with a full tank of gas. There’s only one gas station in the park.
  • Bring snacks! There are places to get food but they may be closed and/or too busy and you don’t want to get hangry. Plus . . . none of them are anything to write home about. 
  • If you want to camp or stay in the park, make your reservation waaaaaaay ahead of time.
  • Don’t be fooled by the “short” hikes. Short ≠ easy.
  • There’s a $30 entrance fee for passenger vehicles, but the park also accepts the America the Beautiful pass that can get you into national parks across the country—road trip! 

virtual tour crater lake national park

A Complete Guide to Planning Your Crater Lake Itinerary

Alright, let’s get into the actual itinerary.

We’re going to give you two versions – one that covers the best things to do in Crater Lake with 2 days, and a version with what to do in Crater Lake in one day.

There is some overlap between the two – some of my favorite things to do show up in both – but we wanted to give you a detailed option for both amounts of time in the park.

The Best Things to Do in Crater Lake National Park in 2 Days

The best part about spending more than one day at Crater Lake is getting to experience it either early in the morning or at sunset. However , finding a place to stay in the park is easier said than done.

The last section outlines your options and while there are walk-up tent sites, with the amount of visitors the park sees every year someone’s going to get the shaft. 

Here’s your two-day Crater Lake National Park itinerary:

Day 1: Visitor’s Center, Rim Drive, Sunset Hike Up Watchman

On your first day, get acquainted with the park by stopping at the visitor center on the south rim and circumnavigating the lake along the rim road. Finish by watching the sun dip below the horizon from the Watchman.

Stop by the Visitor Center

Once you get to Rim Village, stretch your feet and take in the oh-so-blue water of Crater Lake. Then hit up the Rim Visitor Center if you’re there in the summer (it’s closed the rest of the year, but you can always go to the Steel Visitor Center which is open year round.

Steel is not right next to the lake, but is still worth a visit.) Maybe it’s just me, but I love chatting up rangers and seeing those big relief maps of the area and buying tacky tchotchkes. 

Drive the Rim

virtual tour crater lake national park

After you’ve had some lunch (or bring your lunch in the car), it’s time to drive the rim! This is the scenic drive that puts all other scenic drives to shame.

Plenty of opportunities for oooing and ahhing and getting those Insta shots. Plus it will give you a good lay of the land.

There are over 30 pull-outs along this route, and you won’t have time (nor will you want to) stop at all of them, so here are some highlights. I’ve laid these going clockwise from Rim Village: 

  • 6.6 mile marker – Watchman overlook is a great option for sunset, gives you access to the hike up to the top, and looks straight out onto Wizard Island.
  • 13.1 mile marker – Cleetwood Cove is a great spot for views, hikes, swimming, and it has bathrooms!
  • 19.6 mile marker – The Mount Scott trailhead takes you to the highest point in the park.
  • 23.5 mile marker – The Pinnacles Road turnout is a 7 mile detour but well worth it to see Plaikni Falls and Pinnacles Overlook (which are these hella cool “fossil fumaroles”)

Sunset Hike Up to the Watchman

virtual tour crater lake national park

The Watchman trail is only 1.7 miles and is best done at sunset for unbelievable views. If you don’t feel like lingering too long at the top, you can probably watch the sunset then scramble back down before you lose daylight but I wouldn’t recommend it.

Bring a headlamp and a jacket because the temperature will start dropping after the sun goes down. 

There are also ranger-led sunset hikes up Watchman if you’re at all nervous about navigation. If you’re traveling in the summer this means you’ll be heading out on your hike around 8:00 pm and coming down late. 

Day 2: Mount Scott Hike, Cleetwood Cove + Boat Tour, Drinks with a View

On your second day, do two of the best hikes in Crater Lake that will take you to both the highest and lowest accessible points in the park. If you’re up for it, hop on a boat ride out to Wizard Island, the island in the middle of the lake, and then finish your day with some drinks with a view.

Hiking Mount Scott

virtual tour crater lake national park

Start your day hiking up to the top of Mount Scott , probably the most challenging hike in the park (but not terribly difficult at 4.5 total miles).

The whole trail has very little tree cover, so if you’re visiting in the summer go early in the day to avoid the worst of the heat. Even so, you’re also likely to find patchy snow even in the summer.  

The trail starts off fairly level, but then starts climbing steeply. In total you’ll be climbing 1,259 feet up to the summit but there are quite a few switchbacks that level out the grade.

virtual tour crater lake national park

If you’re a photographer (and I’m not), I’ve heard this is the best location to get the entire lake into one frame. If it’s a clear day, you’re in for some spectacular views up and down the Cascades!

Cleetwood Cove with Optional (But Very Cool) Boat Tour

virtual tour crater lake national park

You’ll then go from the highest point in the park to the lowest! Become one with the lake by hiking down into Cleetwood Cove .

I’m always a fan of jumping into natural bodies of water and Crater Lake is no different. You’ll (almost) never regret it even though in summer the lake averages 57 degrees.

If semi-frigid water swimming isn’t your thing, maybe you should just jump in anyway so you can say you swam in the waters of an extinct volcano caldera? 

If you can time the boat tour right you should do it, but remember to bring a jacket (and preferably a raincoat). It can be significantly colder out on the water and you’ll likely be splashed by the wake.

There’s an option to get dropped off at Wizard Island and hike around there, but then you have to wait until another boat comes by to pick you up and if they’re full you could be stuck for a while. It’s a cool idea, but is better reserved for those Crater Lake regulars who have done all the other hikes.

Drinks (and Dinner) With a View

Crater Lake Lodge only does a buffet style dinner and it’s pricey ($47). Is it the best meal I’ve ever had? Well, no. But, it’s all part of the experience.

AND, the real clincher about the lodge is their patio where you can get a drink, sit in a rocking chair and stare out over the lake (or if you’re lucky watch the sunset). What a great way to end your visit!

What to Do in Crater Lake National Park in a Day 

Rest assured, you can enjoy the wonders of Crater Lake in one day, but you’ll have to stay focused! Aim to get there as early as possible to maximize your activities and decrease traffic. You’ll start seeing lines at the entrances around 9:00 am. 

Get Oriented and Take a Hike!

When you get to the main parking area (called Rim Village), you’ll be right next to the lake and all the Visitor Center-y stuff. Do this first. There are incredible views just steps away from your car and checking out the maps in the Visitor’s Center will help orient you.

Next, you’re off to a hike! What you choose will depend on the weather and how much you want to exert yourself.

virtual tour crater lake national park

  • For the best views , I recommend the 4.5 mile Mount Scott hike . Climb up to 8,934 feet and get sweeping views of the lake and surrounding area south to Mt. Shasta and north to Three Sisters. I’d say this hike is moderately difficult, but the trail is well graded and although there are a lot of switchbacks, it never gets too steep.
  • For a good view but not as long of a hike , try the Watchman Trail . This shorter (1.7 mile) hike takes you up to around 8,000 feet for great views of the lake and especially Wizard Island. A good choice if you don’t have a ton of time, but want to move your body and take in the scenery. 
  • I love a good view, but when people ask me what to do at Crater Lake my first response is always the Cleetwood Cove trail . So, if you’d rather get up close and personal with the crystal blue water (and take an icy dip!) opt for the surprisingly difficult Cleetwood Cove trail. This is the only trail in the park that takes you down to the water and it’s straight down with no shade and loose rock underfoot. Only do this if you have good footwear (no flip flops!) and are in reasonable shape because the mile hike back up is brutal! It’s super cool to see the lake from this vantage point and if you can time it right you can take a boat tour either around the lake or over to Wizard Island. 

virtual tour crater lake national park

Rim Drive is a 33 mile long road that circumnavigates the lake. The road is split into the east and west portions, and they open at different times of the year depending on snowfall.

The west side typically opens a few weeks earlier (end of May or early June) than the east (late June or early July).

The only two months that you’re guaranteed the whole road will be open are August and September, but July and October you’ll have pretty good luck. Always check conditions .

I love a good road trip but I’m generally more of a get-out-there-and-explore-on-foot kind of gal. However, I thoroughly enjoyed driving around the rim. It’s one of the best things to do in Crater Lake National Park by far, and it’s accessible to anyone!

virtual tour crater lake national park

Do it after your hike and bring a snack to enjoy as you make your way around the lake. It sticks pretty close to the edge of the lake for countless views (more on the west side), and there are several pullouts to stretch your legs and take pictures. 

Be aware that this road is narrow and windy and there’s no shoulder. If you’re driving a big RV or towing be very careful and consider unhitching first in the parking lot.

Rim Drive is also used heavily by bicyclists in the summer (and if you’re a cyclist you should check out Ride the Rim , two days in September that the east rim drive is closed to vehicles!)

If you don’t feel like driving, you can also take a trolley tour around the rim while a park ranger regales you with Crater Lake trivia!  

More to Explore in Oregon

Enjoying this guide? We’ve got more Oregon travel guides to help you explore the best of Oregon and fall head-over-heels in love with it like we have.

  • 25 Incredible Places to Visit in Oregon, the Best State in the Union
  • How to Plan An Unforgettable Oregon Road Trip
  • A Complete Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary
  • 16 Incredible Hikes in Oregon
  • One Day in Portland: The Best of Portland in a Day
  • A Weekend in Portland: A Portland Itinerary for First Timers (Local’s Guide)
  • Where to Stay in Portland: A Local’s Guide to 8 Areas to Stay
  • The Best Hikes Near Portland (Local’s Guide)
  • The Best Day Trips from Portland
  • Amazing Weekend Getaways from Portland, Oregon
  • The Best Things to Do in Hood River, Oregon
  • What to Do in Cannon Beach: A Complete Getaway Guide
  • How to Plan an Amazing Crater Lake Itinerary (1 or 2 Days)
  • 24 Amazing Cabins in Oregon (Coast, Mountains, and More)
  • Glamping in Oregon: 23 Cool Glamping Spots to Book for your Next Getaway

Where to Stay at Crater Lake

Camping in the park or staying in the lodge are the two best options by far, but there are a few solid alternatives if they’re booked.

Staying In the Park

Inside the park, you have a few options available, both camping and a historic lodge. They’re extremely competitive, so book as early as humanly possible.

Hotels and Cabins

Crater Lake Lodge is cool because it’s right there and certainly makes an early morning hike more doable. The rooms are nice and clean, but they’re not especially “lodge-y” to me (I want plaid and antlers everywhere).

The restaurant is fine and overpriced, but that’s kind of expected. However, the lounge and patio make up for the substandard fare. If you want to stay here, you have to book like a year in advance and that’s only a slight exaggeration. 

There’s also the Cabins at Mazama Village which I’m a big fan of. No, they’re not right next to the lake, but they’re comfortable and honestly after a day elbowing your way through tourists at the lake, it’s nice to have a quieter place to sleep for the night. 

Ideally you can snag a spot in the very large Mazama Campground . Both the cabins and the campground are about a 15 minutes drive from the lake, but they’re all well maintained and super convenient. You can reserve one online ahead of time, but they do hold back 25% of spots as first-come, first-served. 

Lost Creek Campground is another good option if you can’t get into Mazama. Lost Creek is much smaller (16 sites compared with Mazama’s 214), and it’s entirely walk-up so there’s no way to reserve ahead of time. They’re considerably closer to the lake and more rugged than Mazama but still have picnic tables and bear boxes at each site.

Outside of the Park

If you can’t find a place to sleep inside of the park, there are still some good choices that are fairly close. All the options below are about a 30 minute drive from Crater Lake. 

The Union Creek Resort is cute and rustic but not super fancy (read: no A/C or TVs, and the lodge rooms have shared bathrooms). I like this place because many of the cabins come with kitchenettes and as I’ve noted before the food options around the park are a bit underwhelming.  

Another decent option is the Crater Lake Resort (note—not actually on Crater Lake). This place offers cabin rentals as well as glamping, tent sites, and RV sites and has a cute general store on site.

Diamond Lake Campground is an excellent choice if the campgrounds in the park are all overrun. There are 238 campsites and you’ll need a reservation for staying June 13 through August 31, but it’s first-come, first-served the rest of the year. The lake there is also lovely and less cold than Crater Lake. 

Where is Crater Lake?

Crater Lake is in southern Oregon and sits in the Cascade range about 60 miles north of Klamath Falls and 90 miles south of Bend. And, if you were taking your road trip 8,000 years ago, Mt. Mazama (RIP) would have beat out Mount Hood as the tallest mountain in Oregon. 

Getting to Crater Lake 

Crater Lake is out of the way, but you’re visiting a national park so you kinda have to accept you’ll be spending some time in the car getting to your destination.

The park has three main entrances: the north , south , and west .

The north entrance is closed during the “winter,” and I have that in quotes because it’s actually closed seven to eight months out of the year. I’ve seen it closed clear into late June, so check conditions before you head out.

The south and west entrances are open year round barring extreme snow.

If you’re traveling outside of the summer months, be aware that the park gets a LOT of snow and if it’s been especially heavy, the roads may not be plowed for a week or more and you won’t be able to get to the top.

Again: check conditions . Many services will also be closed during the winter including the park’s only gas station, so fill up before you get here and bring snacks.

You should also schedule extra time for sitting in traffic waiting to get through the park’s entrances. On a nice summer day this could be upwards of an hour.

Pro tip : If you’re looking for directions and enter “Portland to Crater Lake,” or “Bend to Crater Lake,” you’ll get an inaccurate time estimate. For some reason this will only take you to the gate to get into the park, but to get up to the actual lake can often take you at least an hour longer. I recommend plugging in “Crater Lake Lodge” or “Rim Village” as your destination for the most accurate directions.

Driving From Portland

From Portland, take the 5 south down to Eugene, head east on the 58, then south on the 97. Stop for lunch at ​​Stewart’s 58 Drive-In in Oakridge for a delicious grass-fed burger and sweet potato fries. Plan on at least five hours of drive time.

Note: from the 97, your route will depend on whether the north entrance is open. If it is, you’ll only be on the 97 a short while before heading west on the 138 which takes you to the north entrance. If it’s closed, you’ll have at least an hour more to drive as you continue down the 97 past Crater Lake and then backtrack up the 62 (also called Crater Lake Hwy).

Driving From Seattle

Another l ong day and you’ll likely want to head straight to your lodgings when you get there. Basically you’ll use the same directions from Portland but add 3 ½-ish hours to get from Seattle to Portland. Your main objective with this drive will be to avoid traffic .

I’ve made it between the two cities in 3 ¼ hours and I’ve done it in 4 ½.

If you wait for lunch until after you’re south of Portland there’s an In-N-Out Burger just north of Salem—just sayin’!

Driving From San Francisco

As you may expect this is a longer drive, but still doable in a day if you ask me! Plan on at least seven hours of drive time if you’re doing it in a straight shot.

The fastest route is unfortunately and predictably not the most scenic. The coastal route is absolutely gorgeous , but would probably require an over-nighter as you’d be looking at around 10 hours on the road.

From the Bay Area, head north on the 80 until you get to Vacaville, then continue north on the 505 until it intersects with the 5. You’ll stay on the 5 until you veer right onto the 97 north at Weed.

I recommend lunching in Mt. Shasta ( about 4 hrs from San Francisco) either at Seven Suns Coffee and Cafe or Pipeline Craft Taps and Kitchen . From Weed, stay on the 97 north until you get to the Crater Lake Hwy and you’ll enter the park at the Annie Springs south entrance.

Flying to Crater Lake

If you choose to fly, you’re likely planning a longer vacation than just seeing Crater Lake. This probably means you’ll be flying into PDX (best airport in the country! Holla!), and you’ll need to rent a car to get down to the lake.

Technically there’s a closer airport in Medford ( Rogue Valley International Medford Airport (MFR) ), but unless you plan on spending more time in Southern Oregon, it might be easier just to drive from Portland. From MFR it’s about a two hour drive to the lake. 

There’s also a small airport just north of Bend ( Redmond Airport ) but annoyingly there are no direct flights to it from PDX. There are direct flights from Seattle and San Francisco, so maybe you wanna plan a little vacay to Bend and incorporate a couple days down in Crater Lake? Sounds fun to me! From Bend to the lake is a two to three hour drive.

When to Visit Crater Lake?

The best time of year to visit depends on what you’re looking for and whether or not you have 4WD. The park is open year round, but visitation drops off steeply during the snowy months. And really, that’s the best way to think about your options for visiting: snow or no snow.

The busiest months of the year to visit Crater Lake are July, August, and September . These are also the months where you’ll get the best weather, almost-zero chance of snow, but it also means you’ll be fighting crowds.

That said, if you plan to spend more than a day here, it shouldn’t be too much of a drag since you’re ideally camping or staying nearby, and you can pop up to the lake first thing in the morning or stay for sunset without worrying about a long drive home.

Visiting in the winter months can be a serene and spectacular experience, much different than the bustling crowds of summer. See snow-covered Wizard Island (the volcanic cinder cone in the middle of the lake) and spend your day snowshoeing or cross country skiing around the park.

The downside of winter is that you might not get the best views of the lake as storms and fog can get in the way of your postcard worthy views. 

While the south and west entrances are regularly plowed, you’re still likely to encounter icy and snowy conditions November through May (or June) as the lake sees an average of 42 feet of snow a year. Also note that Rim Drive (the road that circles the lake) is closed during the winter months or anytime there’s been heavy snowfall (which could be in June!). Again: check conditions .

MORE TO EXPLORE IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

If you’re planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest, we’ve got you covered with all sorts of super detailed travel guides to our favorite places in Washington and Oregon.

  • Seattle : Find the perfect place to stay in Seattle , use our itinerary and complete Seattle city guide to plan your weekend in Seattle (we also have a guide to one day in Seattle for shorter trips), find a new hike near Seattle to tackle, and plan your next day trip or weekend getaway .
  • Portland : Get a local’s take on what to do in Portland and where to stay in Portland , plan your weekend itinerary (we also have a guide to one day in Portland for shorter trips), find the best hikes in and around Portland , and discover the best day trip and weekend getaway destinations.
  • Road Trips : Explore the best of the Pacific Northwest on a 14 day Pacific Northwest road trip . Plan an amazing Washington road trip or Oregon road trip with our detailed guides, including a couple of itineraries that you can copy/paste.
  • The Oregon Coast : Explore the best of the Oregon Coast on a 7 day Oregon Coast road trip . Discover the best hikes on the Oregon Coast , and figure out what to do in Cannon Beach and Astoria .
  • Hiking in Oregon : Get a local’s take on the best hikes in Oregon , the most spectacular Oregon waterfalls , and dive deeper into each region with our guides to the best hikes at Mt. Hood , in the Columbia River Gorge , and more.
  • Hiking in Washington : Add to your Washington hiking bucket list with our guide to the best hikes in Washington . Then dive into our regional hiking guides to discover the best hikes near Seattle , hiking at Mount Rainier , in Olympic National Park , in the North Cascades , and at Mount Baker .
  • Mount Rainier National Park : Plan the perfect trip to Mount Rainier with our guides to the best things to do , the best hikes , and how to plan a perfect day trip to Rainier .
  • Olympic National Park : Explore the best that Olympic National Park has to offer – the best hikes , a complete itinerary , and exactly where to stay in Olympic National Park .
  • North Cascades National Park : The least visited of the National Parks in Washington , learn how to plan a perfect itinerary , and figure out the best hikes to add to your list.
  • Crater Lake National Park : Discover the best that Oregon’s only national park (isn’t that crazy?) has to offer with our guide to planning your Crater Lake itinerary , and our guide to the best hikes in Crater Lake . Plus, a guide to planning an amazing Seattle to Crater Lake road trip .

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Diana lives in Portland with her delightful son and her crotchety cat. Growing up in the area, family vacations were often to nearby destinations reachable by car. She has since expanded that love of local road trips and has been all over the great state of Oregon and throughout the Pacific Northwest, frequently pairing backpacking trips with exploring new towns and regions.

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January 3, 2006; by Igor Polk, San Francisco Click

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Here are more tours containing wiggle stereo images, pictures, and photos: SBC Park (110 photos) | Conservatory of Flowers in the Golden Gate Park (37 stereo pictures) | Robot Exhibition (50 stereo images) | Crater Lake (8 stereo photos) | Embarcadero Center (9 stereo images) | University of San Francisco (4 stereo)

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10 Best Things to do at Crater Lake National Park

10 Best Things to do at Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park is shockingly the only national park in the state of Oregon. But with its postcard-worthy lake, blood-pumping hikes, and stunning views, there’s no question of why this piece of land was awarded its “national park” title.

There are loads of things to do at Crater Lake National Park – from hiking to cliff jumping to camping to stargazing. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll be able to stay entertained for days on end.

*Pro Tip: Like all national parks in the United States, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee to visit Crater Lake National Park. If you plan on visiting a few different national parks during your trip, you may want to consider buying the America the Beautiful Annual National Park Pass instead.

virtual tour crater lake national park

Hop on a Boat to Wizard Island

The highlight of Crater Lake National Park is the perfectly circular Crater Lake. And right in the middle of Crater Lake lies Wizard Island.

Wizard Island is an especially cool natural feature, because it’s a volcano within another volcano! Don’t worry, neither volcano has erupted for thousands of years, but it’s still quite a unique site to see.

To explore Wizard Island, you have to take a designated boat tour. You’re not allowed to boat, kayak, or swim there on your own. These designated boat tours leave from the Cleetwood Cove Trail and give guests three hours to explore Wizard Island.

As for what to do when you actually reach Wizard Island, you have a few different options. The most popular option is to hike the Wizard Island Summit Trail. This moderate 3.5-kilometre hike rewards visitors with 360-degree views of the bright blue Crater Lake!

If you don’t have enough energy to hike (after all, you have to hike the Cleetwood Cove Trail to get to the Wizard Island boat tour in the first place), that’s okay! You can also swim, fish, or simply relax on the shore. Regardless of which option you choose, you’re bound to enjoy your trip to Wizard Island.

*Note: Boat trips to Wizard Island are only available in the summer.

Take a Boat Tour Around Crater Lake

Many people know about the boat ride to Wizard Island, but most don’t know about the boat tours that sail around the perimeter of the lake. And that’s a shame, because these boat rides are just as cool!

Often called the standard lake tour, these boat rides give guests an up close view of the sheer cliffs surrounding Crater Lake. You’ll also get to see loads of striking rock formations, including the famous Phantom Ship. And we certainly can’t forget to mention the incredible views you’ll get to enjoy of Wizard Island and Crater Lake.

*Note: Like the boat trips to Wizard Island, the boat tours around Crater Lake only take place in the summer and only depart from the Cleetwood Cove Trail.

virtual tour crater lake national park

Hike One of the Many Trails

By far the most popular thing to do at Crater Lake National Park is hike. There are dozens of hikes scattered all throughout this national park, so you’ll have no shortage of options to choose from.

But we’re not going to leave you without a few of our own hike recommendations! One of the most popular hikes in Crater Lake National Park is the Garfield Peak Trail . This trail is a steep and difficult 5.8-kilometre hike. But the effort is all worth it at the end when you get to take in the jaw-dropping views of Crater Lake and Wizard Island.

Another popular option is the Watchman Peak Trail . This 2.7-kilometre hike takes about an hour to complete. And at the peak of the hike, you’ll get to see panoramic views of Crater Lake, the rim, and Wizard Island. Simply put, it’s definitely worth an hour of your time.

Last but not least, there’s the Cleetwood Cove Trail. This particular path is special, because it’s actually the only hike in the entire park that provides access to Crater Lake. Once you hike the 3.4 kilometres, you’ll have the opportunity to dip your towns in this sparkling body of water – but it’s absolutely freezing! If you decide to test it out anyways, don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Cliff Jump into Crater Lake

Like we just mentioned, the water at Crater Lake is very cold throughout the year. Even in the summer, it only reaches about 19 degrees Celsius. But sometimes the chilly water is a nice reprieve from the hot summer sun. That’s why quite a few people choose to hike the Cleetwood Cove Trail and then cliff jump into Crater Lake!

For safety purposes, be sure to only cliff jump where others are already jumping. You don’t want to hit anything below the surface.

virtual tour crater lake national park

Check Out Plaikni Falls

While Crater Lake is obviously the highlight of Crater Lake National Park, there are other noteworthy water features in the park as well, including Plaikni Falls.

Plaikni Falls is a 6.1-metre waterfall that can only be accessed after an easy 3.2-kilometre hike. With the rock cliffs and thriving greenery around it, Plaikni Falls looks like it was plucked out of a fairytale. You can stick around and enjoy the magic of nature for as long as you’d like.

Pop by Vidae Falls

But Plaikni Falls isn’t the only noteworthy waterfall in Crater Lake National Park. Vidae Falls deserves a spot on this list as well!

Unlike Plaikni Falls, you don’t have to hike to Vidae Falls. Rather, you can just drive up and see this massive, 35-metre cascade. That’s what makes Vidae Falls the most viewed waterfall in Crater Lake National Park. After all, the only thing you have to do is take as many pictures as your heart desires.

Drive (or Bike or Take a Trolley) Along Rim Drive

Along with hiking, one of the most popular things to do at Crater Lake National Park is drive along Rim Drive. This 53-kilometre road boasts so many amazing viewpoints of towering forests, blooming meadows, and of course the sparkling Crater Lake.

But driving isn’t the only way you can experience this awe-inspiring road. If you’d like to get your blood pumping, you can actually bike the entire distance. Or you can just do a section of it, because biking 53 kilometres will take a few hours.

And if you don’t want to have to focus on the twists and turns on the road, you can hop aboard a trolley tour! This adorable brown and green vehicle makes a handful of stops along Rim Drive. And as your trolley ambles along, your park ranger will also tell you loads of fun facts about this gorgeous national park.

virtual tour crater lake national park

Watch the Sunrise from the Discovery Point Trail

If you’re an early bird, catching the sunrise may be one of the best things to do at Crater Lake National Park for you. There are a few different places to watch the sunrise in this national park, but Discovery Point Trail is our personal favourite.

To reach the peak of the Discovery Point Trail, it’s about 1.9 kilometres. Since it’s a bit of a walk, you’ll have to make sure to wake up early enough to beat the sunrise. Then, once you reach the end and see the sun crest over the horizon, it’ll be incredible. The golden glow will shine over the crater rim, onto the lake, and through the scattered trees. It’s absolutely picture-perfect.

*Note: If you’re looking for alternative sunrise spots, Garfield Peak and Cloudcap Overlook are both wonderful options as well.

Camp at the Mazama Campground

It’s widely known that the Mazama Campground is the best campground in Crater Lake National Park. This campground is the most developed camping spot in the park, which means you’ll have access to everything you need and more. As a matter of fact, the Mazama Campground has showers, a gas station, a grocery store, and even a cafe!

*Pro Tip: Reserve your campground far in advance! Despite the fact that the Mazama Campground has over 200 campsites, it often gets booked up weeks ahead of time.

Do a Little Stargazing

One of the most underrated things to do at Crater Lake National Park is stargaze. This area is so isolated that there’s practically no light pollution. This means that you can get unobstructed views of the beautiful Milky Way! All you have to do is take a seat and enjoy it.

For the best views of the stars, you’ll just want to stay close to the rim of Crater Lake. The area near the North Junction (Diamond Lake) parking lot is particularly breathtaking.

*Pro Tip: The best stargazing at Crater Lake National Park is on nights with minimal clouds and without a full moon.

And there you have it! All of the best things to do at Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below!

Ready to check out some other epic parks along the west coast? Check these out!

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Complete Guide to Crater Lake National Park

C rater Lake National Park is located in southern Oregon and has views that are so incredible and so worth visiting! We are excited to share this Crater Lake National Park Travel Guide to help you plan the best trip possible to the park. 

Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake is located in the Mount Mazama caldera or volcanic basin. It was created when the 12,000 foot Mount Mazama last exploded 7,700 years ago then fell in upon itself.

Today we see the remnants of this glorious volcano that towers over the area. What remains from the old cone of the caldera sits inside the lake known as Wizard Island and rises roughly 900 feet above the level of the lake.

It is surrounded by some of the purest water in the States up to 1943 feet (590 meters) deep! . The lake itself is held in by 2000 foot towering cliffs surrounding the lake at an average of over five miles wide. 

Since there are no rivers to feed into the crater, the water in this lake is 100% snowmelt and rain. Luckily for Crater Lake, they receive on average 43 feet of snow each year which incidentally makes it one of the snowiest places in the US. 

About Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake was formed following several eruptions on Mount Mazama, with the main eruptions occurring approximately 7,700 years ago. The eruption produced over 150 times as much ash as did Mount St. Helens in Washington State, on May 18, 1980.

Ash scattered over eight states and three Canadian Providences. Six inches of ash covered over 5000 square miles. When all the eruptions settled down, a huge bowl-shaped caldera had been formed.

Over time water from springs, snows and rain began to collect and fill the caldera, producing what is thought to be the cleanest large body of water in the world, ranging from four and a half to six miles wide and 1,943 feet deep.

The mountain is full of history and the lake is the main attraction, however, there is so much more that is available to do and see once you arrive.

As a visitor, you can see all Crater Lake has to offer in a day but the more adventurous can take advantage of campground facilities , hiking trails, and ranger-guided activities.

Is Crater Lake National Park worth visiting?

YES! The park is so amazing you may even see a dinosaur enjoying the view.  On our last visit, we just so happened to see the indigenous Homo Sapienius ala dressesupasa Tyrannosaurus rex! What a day at the park!

On a serious note, Crater Lake is located in southern Oregon approximately 100 miles from the Pacific Ocean, and is a must-visit for any park lover. It is one of those places you have heard and seen in photos but the real thing far exceeds your expectations! It's kinda like the Grand Canyon for the fact they are both hard to capture their sheer size in a photo.

I have to admit that every time I go and see this park, there is just something so beautiful about that first moment you see the lake. The size, the deep blue color, and the views are simply amazing! It is much more than a big beautiful lake. Sightseers from far and wide stand in awe of its beauty from the moment they arrive in the park.

History of Crater Lake National Park

There was once a volcano called Mount Mazama where Crater Lake is today. Mount Mazama took roughly 500,000 years to reach its estimated peak height of 12,000 feet.

Around 7,700 years ago the volcano suffered a massive collapse after a particularly explosive eruption.

The collapse caused a large depression. That depression is now home to Crater Lake. Volcanic activity continued in the caldera following the collapse.

One of the most notable formations that were caused by this post-collapse activity is Wizard Island,  a cinder cone volcano that is thought to have been formed before the caldera filled with water.

There are other similar formations that are hidden beneath the surface of the lake.

Crater Lake is not connected to any other sources of water and is only able to fill itself with water because of the heavy snowfall in the area.

Because Crater Lake is cut off from other water supplies there are no naturally occurring fish in the lake however, in 1888 people began stocking the lake with various types of trout and salmon.

Crater Lake was not officially discovered until 1853. However, there is evidence that the native American Klamath tribe was aware of the area as far back as the collapse of the volcano. The tribe has passed down legends of the collapse of the volcano for thousands of years. 

The first settlers to come across Crater Lake were a group of men that were prospecting for gold in the area.

One of the men suggested naming the lake "Deep Blue Lake," but the name never stuck. A second group came across the lake nearly ten years later. They were also prospecting for gold.

One of these men suggested calling it "Blue Lake," but once again the name did not stick.

Three years later a group of U.S. Army soldiers came across the lake. The name suggested this time was "Lake Majesty." The name persisted until 1869.

In 1869 a newspaper editor visited Crater Lake and even went to Wizard Island by boat.

When he wrote the story of his adventure, he called the lake "Crater Lake" after the crater that sits atop Wizard Island. This time the name stuck.

In 1902, president Theodore Roosevelt officially named Crater Lake National Park.

Depth and clarity

At approximately 1,943 feet deep, Crater Lake is recognized as the deepest lake in the United States, and the seventh deepest in the world.

Due to the exceptional purity and the depth of the water, the lake appears very deep blue.

General statistics

Crater Lake is the fifth oldest national park in the nation, and the park contains the deepest lake, for which the park is named, in the United States.

The deep blue lake is more than 1,943 feet deep, according to the U.S. Park Service, which estimates that it holds more than 4.5 trillion gallons of water.

The water owes its dark blue color mostly to the depth and purity of the lake, the water primarily coming from snow melt-off and rain.

The park itself isn't large in comparison to some other national parks and it contains a little more than 183,000 acres.

It became a national park when President Theodore Roosevelt signed a bill for that purpose on May 22, 1902.

The surface of Crater Lake is at an altitude of more than 6,100 feet, with the rim, overlooking the lake, at about 1,000 feet higher.

The highest point in the park is Mount Scott, the top of which is nearly 9,000 feet in elevation.

Things to know before your visit to Crater Lake National Park

Entrance fee  .

7-day single-vehicle park pass - $30 in the summer (May 22-October 31), $20 in the winter (November 1-May 21). 

7-day individual park pass - $15 per individual. Admits one individual with no motor vehicle (bicyclist, hiker, pedestrian). 

7-day motorcycle park pass - $25 in the summer (May 22-October 31), $15 in the winter (November 1-May 21).

Annual Park Pass - $55

Valid for one year through the month of purchase. Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle or its pass holder.

The Annual Park Pass covers both Crater Lake NP and Lava Beds National Monument . 

Planning a National Park vacation? America the Beautiful/National Park Pass covers entrance fees for an entire year to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites.

The park pass covers everyone in the car for per vehicle sites and for up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

Buy on  REI.com  and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

Free Entrance Days   -Find the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually. 

Time Zone  

PST - Pacific Standard Time

Pets  

Pets are welcome at Crater Lake National Park, but only in certain areas.

Pets on a leash are allowed on paved roads and in parking lots, and up to 50 feet away from paved areas. 

Leashes must be no more than 6 feet in length, and only one pet per person is allowed.

Pets are also allowed on a few of the park's hiking trails, none of these trails have a view of the lake:

- The Godfrey Glen Trail

- The Lady of the Woods Trail

- The Grayback Drive

- The Pacific Crest Trail (the official PCT, not the "alternate" PCT along the rim of the lake)

There are no kenneling services in the park. The closest kennels are one hour away in Klamath Falls.

In the winter and spring, pets are allowed only on one park trail: the Pacific Crest Trail, which is open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. 

Cell Service

Cell reception in the park and surrounding areas is limited. 

The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day.

But many of the park's roads, trails, and facilities are closed seasonally due to snow.

Wi-Fi can be found at Crater Lake Lodge, Rim Café, Mazama Cabins, Annie Creek Cafe, Mazama Convenience Store (no charge for lodging guests)

Insect Repellent

Insect repellent is always a great idea when outdoors, especially if you are around any body of water. 

We use  permethrin bug spray  that can be applied to your clothes before you leave for your trip.  

Water Bottle  

Make sure to bring your own water bottle and plenty of water with you. Plastic water bottles are not sold in the park.

Large RV's, Trailers, Buses

There are no restrictions on the size of RVs, trailers, or buses allowed in the park. 

Food/Restaurants

The park has three restaurants. The Rim Village Café is open year-round. The other facilities are open seasonally.

Rim Village Café -  grab-and-go sandwiches and salads

Annie Creek Restaurant - Located in Mazama Village. Grab-and-go sandwiches and salads for lunch and serves pizza, burgers, and other entrees for dinner.

Crater Lake Lodge Dining Room -  casual dining with a lake view. 

Groceries/Stores

The Mazama Village Store sells groceries, camping supplies, firewood, and gasoline.

Unleaded gas is available seasonally at the Mazama Village Store. 

The closest gas stations are in the towns of Prospect (33 miles west of Park Headquarters) and Chiloquin (34 miles south of Park Headquarters).

Drones are not allowed to be used within the park. 

National Park Passport Stamps

National Park Passport stamps can be found in the visitor center.

Make sure to bring your  National Park Passport Book  with you or we like to pack these  circle stickers  so we don't have to bring our entire book with us. 

Crater Lake NP is featured in the 1989 Passport Stamp Set  

Crater Lake's stamp is currently available during business hours at the Rim Village Café & Gift Shop and at the Post Office at Park Headquarters. 

It's the same design at each location.

Electric Vehicle Charging

There are EV Chargers available at Mazama Village. 

1 Tesla Connector, up to 16kW.

Available to the public. Self-park.

Details about National Park

Size - 183,224 acres

Crater Lake is currently ranked at 34 out of 63 National Parks by Size . 

The lake is situated in the center of the park and comprises just a small part of the park which is 183,224 acres large.

Some 95 percent of the park is a wilderness of mountainous peaks and dense forests with only a handful of hiking trails.

Date Established  

Established on May 22, 1902

Established in 1902 as the nation's sixth National Park .

Visitation  

In 2021, Crater Lake NP had 

In 2020,  Crater Lake NP had 670,500 park visitors. 

In 2019,  Crater Lake NP had 704,512 park visitors. 

Learn more about the most visited and least visited National Parks in the United States . 

National Park Address

The park does not have a physical street address, so it can be hard to locate us using GPS.

Try entering "Crater Lake" or "Rim Village" as a town or waypoint, or entering the coordinates for Park Headquarters, which is 3 miles south of Rim Village:

42° 53' 48.91" North

122° 08' 03.08" West

Crater Lake National Park Map

For a detailed map of the park, we use the National Geographic Trails Illustrated Maps available on Amazon . 

Where is Crater Lake National Park?

Crater Lake is located in central Oregon approximately 75 miles from Medford, Oregon.

Estimated distance from major cities nearby

Klamath Falls, Oregon - 69 miles

Bend, Oregon - 130 miles

Eugene, Oregon - 139 miles

Portland, Oregon - 236 miles 

Seattle, Washington - 405 miles

San Francisco, California - 397  miles

Estimated Distance from nearby National Park

Redwood National Park - 206 miles

Lassen Volcanic National Park - 238 miles

Olympic National Park - 462 miles

Mt. Rainier National Park - 387 miles

North Cascade National Park - 511 miles

Yellowstone National Park - 791 miles

Glacier National Park - 745 miles

Where is the National Park Visitor Center?

There are currently two visitors centers located within the park.

Both are staffed with park rangers that can aid you in planning your trip as well as obtaining the weather forecasts. Books, maps, and other educational materials are available for sale at both locations.

The Steel Visitor Center is located at Park Headquarters and is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.

It was named after William Steel who first viewed the lake in 1885 and was instrumental in the campaign for National Park status.

The Rim Village Center is located at rim Village, with operational hours of 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day from June through September.

Getting to National Park

Closest airports .

We flew into the Medford, Oregon airport which is 75 miles from the park. You can also fly into Klamath Falls which is 63 miles from the park.

The North Entrance is closed for about 7 months each year. It closes on November 1 (or earlier, if there is significant snowfall).  The entrance normally opens from Mid-May to Late June depending on snowfall during the winter.

The Rogue Valley-Medford Airport is served by Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, and United.

International Airports

Portland International Airport - PDX

Regional Airports

Klamath Regional Airport - LMT

Closest Train Service

Amtrak provides daily service to Klamath Falls, Oregon (63 miles from Park Headquarters). From July to early September, a  shuttle  runs from the Amtrak station to Rim Village.

Public Transportation

There is no public transportation in the vicinity of the park.

Driving Directions

From the west  (Medford) - Follow Highway 62 to the park's West Entrance. Open year-round.

From the south  (Klamath Falls) - Take Highway 97 to Highway 62 and the park's South Entrance. Open year-round.

From the north  (Eugene, Portland) - Leave Interstate 5 just south of Eugene. Take Highway 58 to Highway 97. If the North Entrance is open, turn west on Highway 138 to the park's North Entrance. If the North Entrance is closed, continue south on Highway 97 toward the town of Chiloquin. Take Highway 62 to the park's South Entrance.

From the northwest  (Roseburg) - Follow Highway 138 east to the park's North Entrance. If the North Entrance is closed, continue on Highway 230 to Highway 62, entering the park through the West Entrance.

Best time to visit Crater Lake National Park. 

The most popular months to visit Crater Lake are July, August, and September.

While there are crowds during this time most of the park services are open and available to explore.

May and June are the slow progressions to summer. Lingering snow can prevent the entire rim road from being open.

With all of this being said the best time to visit the park is when you can get there and have time to explore.

Even if the entire Crater Rim Road isn't open you will still have amazing opportunities to view the lake. 

Crater Lake National Park Weather and Seasons

Crater Lake receives on average 43 feet of snow at the park headquarters. In 2017 they experienced over 48 feet of snow. Crater Lake receives so much snow because of its position at the crest of the Cascade Mountains.

For the most up-to-date weather report check out the National Weather Service .

Spring in Crater Lake is still winter. The park will still be covered in snow and many trails will be closed.

In May the average daily high is 50 degrees. The snow is slowly melting. On average the park still gets 20 inches of new snow in May. 

There is normally at least 6+ feet of snow at the park headquarters. 

By June the daily average temperature rises to 58 degrees. The snow continues but is down to 4 inches on average during the month.

It is worth noting that the lake is completely invisible about 20% of the time in May and 10% in June.

Autumn/Fall

Crater Rim Drive is usually open into October depending on the weather.

The lodges and campgrounds within the park will close by mid-October. 

The National Park Service closes much of Crater Lake down during the winter, but the parts that remain open are ideal for snowshoe hiking, cross country skiing, and a variety of other winter sports.

During periods of fair weather, trails and viewing points are accessible to the public. The NPS does monitor for heavy snowfall and will shut the park down if the accumulations reach dangerous levels.

It's estimated that over 530 inches of snowfall in a year's time at Crater Lake. That is an annual average of 43 feet of snow!

This makes it one of the heaviest hit areas of the country when it comes to winter precipitation. Even though much of the park is closed during the winter months, the park still offers many opportunities for education.

Crater Lake National Park is one of the most popular scenic vistas in the country. Almost 500,000 people visit the park each year. A fifth of those, almost 100,000 people, do so in the offseason.

The winter months offer some of the most beautiful vistas in the country.

The national forest surrounding the lake itself is full of hiking and skiing trails that lead to scenic viewpoints. 

Visiting during the winter months provides a scenic view that reminds one of a picturesque winter wonderland.

Best Things to do in Crater Lake National Park

There are so many amazing things to see and do while visiting Crater Lake NP! 

From the Rim Road drive to taking a great boat tour you can see the lake in a few different ways. 

Crater Rim Drive

The historic Crater Rim Drive includes 33 miles of epic views! There are more than 30 scenic pullouts on the drive around Rim Road. 

The Rim Drive mostly circles the edge of the caldera, affording spectacular views of the lake that lies over a thousand feet below.

Partway around the drive, a parking lot allows people to stop and walk down Cleetwood Cove trail to the lake itself.

The speed limit is 35 mph but you will want to plan a few hours to complete the drive. 

The full loop of Rim Drive (East and West) is typically open from July through October. 

During the summer, there are regular boat tours around the lake and to Wizard Island. On those tours, Park Rangers explain the history of the lake.

A person can get a boat schedule from the Rangers at Rim Village or from the information center.

Visitors should allow themselves plenty of time to walk down to the water, and much more to walk back up.

To reach the dock for boarding the boats, visitors must be capable of descending and ascending the Cleetwood Cove Trail. It is a one-mile trail that drops 700 feet (213 meters) to the lakeshore. The steep, dusty trail is challenging.

Trolley Tours

Crater Lake Trolley, a concessioner for the park, offers daily trolley tours.

Tours typically begin in July and run through mid-September.

The trolley tours travel the 33-mile Rim Drive making five to seven stops at main overlooks during the tour.

A Park Ranger provides information on the lake, history, and fun.

Trolleys are wheelchair accessible and seat 25 passengers. The tours are 2 hours and there are no bathroom stops.

What birds can I see while visiting Crater Lake?

The most common birds seen within the park include Raven, Clark's Nutcracker, Gray Jay, Steller's Jay, Dark-Eyed Junco, and Mountain Chickadee.

What animals/wildlife can I see while visiting Crater Lake?

The most common wildlife seen within the park includes Roosevelt Elk, Mule Deer, Black Bear, Coyote, Bobcat, Porcupine, Yellow-bellied Marmot, Pine Marten, Snowshoe Hare, Pika, Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel, and Townsend Chipmunk.

Crater Lake is also home to a huge number of animal species.

Black bears, deer, and elk frequent the park and it is hard to find a place inside the park boundary where there aren't golden-mantled ground squirrels and chipmunks, at least in warmer weather.

Ravens, hawks, owls, and eagles tend to be plentiful. If a person is exceptionally lucky, they might even glimpse a cougar, though these shy but majestic animals rarely stick around long enough to be photographed.

Steller's Jays, Clark's nutcrackers, and ravens are common.

Small and inconspicuous animals are also abundant, though sometimes not noticed: Hummingbirds, mice, chickadees, pine martins, lemmings, voles, and pikas.

Note: Though many of these animals appear tame and many are not concerned about people, they are still wild animals and should be treated with respect and caution.

Junior Ranger Program 

You can earn both a Junior Ranger Badge and Junior Ranger Patch at Crater Lake.

The Junior Ranger Patch is available for kids ages 6 - 12 who join a ranger-led activity. These ranger-led activities normally take about 20 minutes and happen several times during the day.

Ask at the Rim Village Visitor Center for a current schedule of activities. They are normally held from Late June to September 4th. Patches are not available outside of this date range.

Junior Ranger Badges can be earned by kids ages 6 - 12 who complete at least 7 pages of the park's Junior Ranger activity book.

The Junior Ranger books are free and can be picked up at the visitor center.

Rim Village

At the Rim Village, a visitor can purchase mementos or dine at the café, which offers a breathtaking view of the lake.

Other attractions

There are also other sites worth seeing when a person visits this park. These include Castle Crest wildflower trail, an eighth-mile nature walk near the bottom of Rim Drive that includes many of the wildflowers found in the park.

Lady of the Woods, a statuette of a sitting woman carved out of the solid volcanic rock by a lonely and love-struck worker, many decades ago.

There are also numerous streams and waterfalls to be seen within the park. Among the most beautiful are Munson Creek, Goodbye Creek, Castle Creek, and Anne Creek.

The park is home to an enormous number of wildflowers, trees, and bushes.

Mountain hemlock, ponderosa pines, towering firs, huckleberries, wild onions and chives, honeysuckle, wild columbine, and pussy willows are only a few of the many plant species living here.

An area was even set up, by transplanting some of these plants, to let visitors view some of these species. It is called Castle Crest Flower Gardens and consists of a looped trail of about one-eighth mile.

Trees at the park include enormous Ponderosa pines, sugar pines, hemlocks, noble, Shasta, Douglas, and white firs, cedars, lodgepole pines, and spruces.

The wildflowers and plants include columbine, bleeding hearts, wild chives, huckleberry, mountain cranberry, alpine lupine, Oregon grape, bearberry, trillium, and honeysuckle.

According to the park service, all of the fish in the lake itself was planted. These were fingerlings that were carried, arduously, down to the lake in collapsible canvas buckets, before a trail was created down to the lake.

The effort was discontinued after only a few years, but there appear to be breeding populations of both rainbow trout and kokanee in the lake now, and they occasionally grow to great sizes.

Hiking in Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake has 90 miles of hiking trails to explore and has everything from easy to strenuous. You can find a short half-mile trail to the Pacific Crest Trail that spans 2,650 miles one way!  Always carry the 10 essentials for outdoor survival when exploring. 

Top 10 Crater Lake Hiking Trails: 

Sun notch trail.

Trail Length: 0.8-mile loop trail

Trail Difficulty: Easy

Starting Point: 4.4 miles east of Park Headquarters along East Rim Drive

This is a short uphill hike through a meadow to the rim of Crater Lake. You will have incredible views of the lake and the Phantom Ship.

The Pinnacles Trail

Trail Length: 0.8 miles out and back trail

Starting Point: End of the Pinnacles Road

This hike gives you incredible views of the Pinnacles which are actually ash that was formed when the hot ash cooled.

Plaikni Falls Trail

Trail Length: 2 miles

Starting Point: located on Pinnacles Road 1.2 miles southeast of the Phantom Ship Overlook.

This is a nice hike taking you through an old-growth forest and leading you to an Oregon waterfall . You can also find many flowers along the way around July! 

Wizard Island Trail

Trail Length: 2.3 miles out and back trail that loops around the summit.

Trail Difficulty: Moderate

Starting Point: Take the boat shuttle to Wizard Island

This is a hike to get the blood pumping with a little scrambling and a 700-foot climb to the top. It is more than worth the hike for the incredible panoramic views of Crater Lake from the close to lake level! 

Discovery Point Trail

Trail Length: 2 miles roundtrip

Starting Point: West end of Rim Village where the paved walk becomes a dirt path. 

You can walk to the point where the first white man, a gold prospector named John Wesley Hillman,  placed eyes on this incredible lake in 1853. This trail takes you along the rim of the lake with incredible views as you hike through white bark Pines and Mountain Hemlocks. 

Watchman Peak Trail

Trail Length: 1.6 miles roundtrip

Starting Point: Watchman Overlook

Hike your way up to a historic fire lookout that is still used today! Warning, Incredible views, and spectacular sunsets await you here.

Amie Creek Trail

Trail Length: 1.7-mile loop trail

Starting Point: Mazama Campground behind the Amphitheater between camp loops D and E. 

This hike takes you through a deep canyon with rushing water, wildflowers, and wildlife.

Cleetwood Cove Trail

Trail Length: 2.2 miles roundtrip

Trail Difficulty: Strenuous

Starting Point: North side of the Lake. 11 miles from rim village if traveling clockwise on rim road.

The Cleetwood Cove Trail is a steep trail descending 700 feet to the lake itself. This is the only way to the lake and to catch the boat tours.

It is a very steep trail and will be treacherous for those with bad knees, especially going down. The way back up will give you a good workout as well, especially since the trail is mostly exposed.

The great news is there are several benches along the way back up. 

Garfield Peak Trail

Trail Length: 3.6 miles roundtrip

Starting Point: East end of Rim Village. Follow the paved Promenade behind Crater Lake Lodge

A nice but rocky climb to Garfield Peak. The trail climbs 1,000 feet and may not be clear of snow until July.

It is a great place to see yellow-bellied marmots and American Pikas, these small rodents are easily identified because of their stout bodies,  big ears, and no visible tails.

They are normally found in boulder fields above the tree line in the western US and are widely regarded as an indicator species that has had a dramatic decline in population in recent years due to a loss of habitat due to climate change. 

Mount Scott Trail

Trail Length: 4.4 miles roundtrip

Starting Point: East Rim Drive, 14 miles east of park headquarters.

Here you can climb to the park's highest peak at 8,929 feet in elevation. 

How to beat the crowds in Crater Lake?

The majority of park visitors go to Crater Lake in the summer months of June, July, and August. I feel that September is an excellent time to visit. Typically most schools are back in, and the weather is perfect while fall is creeping in. Winter is fantastic for those who enjoy winter recreation. 

Where to stay when visiting Crater Lake National Park

There are a couple of National Park Lodges located within Crater Lake NP.

Crater Lake Lodge

Crater Lake Lodge is perfectly placed at the lake's edge giving visitors sweeping views of the deep blue water of Crater Lake surrounded by tall cliffs that become covered in snow for several months each year.

This is one of the Historic Hotels of America, a title given to only six hotels in Oregon. The combination of the National Park Rustic design, also known as Parkitecture, and jaw-dropping views of Crater Lake alone will leave you wanting to come back again and again.

Crater Lake Lodge is open from May to October 15th. Opening dates depend on weather and conditions. Reservations are highly recommended. 

The lodge has 71 rooms including six which are accessible.

The Cabins at Mazama Village

There are also 40 cabins at Mazama Village that are 7 miles south of the Rim Village.

The cabins are available from May through October 1st.

There are no lodges or campgrounds open in the park between mid-October and late May.

The closest towns with lodging include Fort Klamath, Union Creek, Diamond Lake, Prospect, Chiloquin, Chemult, Shady Cove, Klamath Falls, and farther out.

Lodging near Crater Lake NP

 Eagle Crater Lake Inn - Eagle Crater Lake Inn provides amenities like a garden and a business center. Guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Dawson House Lodge - Dawson House Lodge provides a fireplace in the lobby and more. Active travelers can enjoy amenities like ecotours and rowing/canoeing at this hotel. Guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Crater Lake Resort - This smoke-free cabin features a snack bar/deli, conference space, and laundry facilities. Free Wi-Fi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, a library, wedding services, and a convenience store are onsite. All 15 individually furnished cabins feature free Wi-Fi and private yards. Other amenities that guests will find include furnished balconies or patios and sitting areas.

Edgewater Inn Shady Cove - At Edgewater Inn Shady Cove, you can look forward to laundry facilities, a gym, and a hot tub. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.

Best Western Crater Lake Highway White City/Medford - Dry cleaning/laundry services, a fireplace in the lobby, and a gym are just a few of the amenities provided at Best Western Crater Lake Highway White City/Medford. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Stay connected with free WiFi in public areas, and guests can find other amenities such as a business center.

Comfort Inn & Suites Klamath Falls - Consider a stay at Comfort Inn & Suites Klamath Falls and take advantage of a free breakfast buffet, a terrace, and laundry facilities. In addition to a gym and conference space, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Klamath Falls -  free breakfast buffet, a grocery/convenience store, and a firepit at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Klamath Falls. In addition to dry cleaning/laundry services and a gym, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Crater Lake National Park Camping

There are 2 campgrounds in Crater Lake National Park;  Mazama Village Campground  and  Lost Creek Campground . 

Both campgrounds are open seasonally as both campgrounds are located at 6000 feet in elevation. 

  Mazama Village Campground  is considered the main campground at Crater Lake National Park with 214 campsites and has most of the amenities that you would expect while camping in the front country (car camping).

The  Lost Creek Campground  has only 16 tent-only campsites that are available first-come, first-served basis.

Camping Games - Check out all of the great games you can bring camping 

A backcountry camping permit is required year-round for all overnight trips in the park. Permits must be obtained in person, during business hours, from the Ranger Station at Park Headquarters. 

For a fun adventure check out Escape Campervans . These campervans have built in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss! 

Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago, New York, and Orlando

Crater Lake National Park Travel Tips

Check for park road status before heading to Crater Lake. When we visited in late summer only 2/3 of the road was open due to snow. The road may also be closed due to fires and other weather conditions.

There is little to no cell phone reception in the park. We were able to get cell phone reception on the deck of the Crater Lake Lodge and in one of the first pull-outs as you head around the lake. Outside of those two places we did not have any service on our phones.

Make sure you have a full tank of gas. Seasonally gas is available at the Mazama Village Store but the rest of the year the closest gas is about 33 miles outside the park.

For More information on Crater Lake, visit my Things To Do Crater Lake article

Reader tips

We asked the members of the Park Ranger John Facebook group for their best tips for visiting Crater Lake. Here are some of the answers to help you plan a great visit!

We stayed at crater lake RV park - it was awesome - quick access to the park and town. Nice place to chill and enjoy a lazy river behind the campsite.~ Dave F.

I regret not planning ahead and reserving a boat trip to the island. ~ Stephen B.

Be prepared for an unforgettable experience!!! ~ Russ V.

Be sure and allow a lot of time. ~ Lona B.

We really enjoyed hiking down and taking a dip in the lake. It’s an unforgettable experience, but the water is really cold, even in the summer. ~ Chrissie R.

Go late in July. We were there in June and roads were not open due to snow. Said probably not open until around July 4. ~ Pam W.

Try to stay at the lodge . Sunset and sunrise are so amazing. ~ Anne

Wear good shoes. It is awesome to see all the lava, etc. ~ Carol 

Drive the entire rim. Be careful near the edge. Be sure to see the Pinnacles. Don't forget the viewpoint up by the Rim which pretty much overhangs the lake. ~ Joe

Get there early for parking! Take lots of pics. The last time I went we weren't able to drive the entire rim due to roads being cleared of debris. Do the trolley tour. ~ Cindy

If you can swing it spend at least one night at the lodge preferably two and do the trip down to the water's edge in the boat ride to Wizard Island. ~ Eric W

How Deep is Crater Lake?

With a depth of  1,943  feet (594 m), Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States.

Crater Lake is the ninth deepest lake in the world!

How much water is in Crater Lake?

4.486 cubic miles

4.6 trillion gallons of water in the lake

Can you swim in Crater Lake?

There is only one place in the park where you can swim in Crater Lake. The Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only access to the lake and shoreline where you can swim.

The trail is 1.1 miles long and drops nearly 700 feet down to the lakeshore. 

The average temperature (below 300 feet deep) is 38°. In the summer, the surface can warm up to 55° or 60°

How was Crater Lake Formed?

Crater Lake was formed by the collapse of a volcano causing a caldera.

It is worth noting that a crater or moon rocks did not cause the crater to form. I have read a lot of people believe it the lake was formed by a giant meteor but this is not true.

Are there fish in Crater Lake?

The lake did not originally have fish but was stocked with six types of fish from 1888 to 1941.

Currently, there are two fish species that thrive in the lake, Kokanee Salmon and Rainbow Trout.

Can you go fishing in Crater Lake National Park?

No fishing license is required within park boundaries.

There are no size restrictions or catch and possession limits for rainbow trout or kokanee salmon from the lake, or brook trout and brown trout from streams.

Crater Lake National Park Facts

Crater Lake National Park was established in 1902

The park averages 44 feet of snow a year

Crater Lake is 1,943 feet deep, the deepest in the USA and one of the 10 deepest in the world

Parks near Crater Lake National Park

Oregon Caves National Monument 

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area  

Tule Lake National Monument  

Check out all of the  National Parks in Oregon  along with neighboring  Washington National Parks ,  National Parks in California, and Idaho National Parks

Complete Guide to Crater Lake National Park

THE BEST Crater Lake National Park Tours & Excursions

Crater lake national park tours.

  • Historical & Heritage Tours
  • Sightseeing Tours
  • Private Tours
  • Multi-day Tours
  • Up to 1 hour
  • 1 to 4 hours
  • 4 hours to 1 day
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

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1. Crater Lake Day Shared Tour

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2. Crater Lake Full Day Private Tour and Hike

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3. 5-Day Exploration of Southern Oregon

virtual tour crater lake national park

4. Private Crater Lake Day Trip from Eugene

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

virtual tour crater lake national park

Ashland Team Trivia Hunt: New 2024 Mobile Game App!

virtual tour crater lake national park

Rogue River Scenic Float & The Discovery Park

virtual tour crater lake national park

Rogue River Gold Nugget MidDay

virtual tour crater lake national park

Nugget Falls class IV Half-Day Rafting on The Rogue River

virtual tour crater lake national park

Full-Day Tour of Rogue Valley Wineries

virtual tour crater lake national park

Guided Half-Day Kayak Tour

virtual tour crater lake national park

Half Day Rogue River White Water (Class I- IV)

virtual tour crater lake national park

Full Day Rogue River Experience Class (I-IV)

virtual tour crater lake national park

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virtual tour crater lake national park

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virtual tour crater lake national park

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virtual tour crater lake national park

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virtual tour crater lake national park

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Experience Crater Lake National Park like never before with a snowshoeing tour

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) – Oregon is home to only one national park located five hours south of Portland: Crater Lake.

And though snow can make getting to, and through the area this time of year, one of the best ways to explore the park is by snowshoeing .

Medical examiner rules ‘suspicious death’ a homicide in Powellhurst-Gilbert

Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures Owner Mark Cobb joined AM Extra Monday morning to discuss the best sights to see and what makes the experience so fun.

To visit, make your way to 565 Rim Drive Crater Lake any day through April 31. The area is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., though you’ll need to arrive 30 minutes before your departure.

Moped rider, 74, dies from injuries weeks after crash

The cost of a ranger-guided hike through one or two miles of terrain is $79 per person, and space on tours are limited. Further details can be found on the Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures’ website .

Watch the video player above for more information about the experience.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.

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IMAGES

  1. Virtual: Exploring Crater Lake National Park

    virtual tour crater lake national park

  2. What to See and Do in Oregon's Crater Lake National Park

    virtual tour crater lake national park

  3. What to See and Do in Crater Lake National Park

    virtual tour crater lake national park

  4. Crater Lake National Park

    virtual tour crater lake national park

  5. Crater Lake 3-Day Tour From Portland 2023

    virtual tour crater lake national park

  6. Guide to Visiting Crater Lake National Park

    virtual tour crater lake national park

COMMENTS

  1. Crater Lake National Park 360 Tour

    If this Oregonian gem isn't already on your bucket list, check out this 360-video created in partnership with multi-platinum singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley! This virtual experience - or Crater Lake 101 tour - will give you an introduction to the marvels you can experience while exploring this treasure of the National.

  2. Crater Lake National Park 360 Video Tour with Dierks Bentley

    #FindYourPark at Oregon's Crater Lake National Park with this 360 video tour! Hosted by multi-platinum singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley, this virtual visit w...

  3. Crater Lake Virtual Tour

    Explore Crater Lake National Park, in the US State of Oregon!For more 360 videos of the American Northwest, checkout our playlist:https://youtube.com/playlis...

  4. Crater Lake Virtual Tour by Cicada Studio

    Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, USA. Crater Lake is a caldera lake located in the U.S. state of Oregon. It is the main feature of Crater Lake National Park and famous for its deep blue color and water clarity. The lake partly fills a nearly 1,958 foot (597 m) deep caldera that was formed around 7,700 years ago by the collapse of the volcano ...

  5. Virtual Tour: Crater Lake

    Crater Lake is one of Willamalane's most popular trip destinations — for good reason! Let's celebrate National Park Week with a quick tour of the U.S.'s deep...

  6. Take a Virtual Visit to a National Park

    Go on a tour of the park with Dierks Bentley and park ranger Charlie in this 360-degree video produced by the National Park Foundation and the National Park Service. Catch the sunrise over Garfield Peak and cruise around Phantom Ship, a rock formation that predates the lake. Watch the video on a mobile device and move around to see the ...

  7. Plan Your Visit

    There are two very distinct seasons at Crater Lake National Park, winter and summer, but the months in between—May, June, and October—offer a quieter, less hectic experience. In 2016, more than 750,000 people visited Crater Lake National Park, mostly between July and mid-September. Visitation decreased in 2021 to 647,751 due to hazardous ...

  8. The Ultimate Guide to Crater Lake National Park [2023]

    The drive from Medford to Crater Lake National Park takes approximately an hour and 45 minutes, just 80 miles apart. Travelers arriving from the Medford area in the west will follow Highway 62 to the west entrance. The park's west entrance is open year-round.

  9. Crater Lake National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

    Crater Lake inspires awe. Native Americans witnessed its formation 7,700 years ago, when a violent eruption triggered the collapse of a tall peak. Scientists marvel at its purity—fed by rain and snow, it's the deepest lake in the USA and one of the most pristine on Earth. Artists, photographers, and sightseers gaze in wonder at its blue water and stunning setting atop the Cascade Mountain ...

  10. Virtual Tours of the 63 Iconic U.S. National Parks [2024]

    Crater Lake National Park (Oregon) Wizard Island in Crater Lake National Park in Winter. Image Credit: National Park Service. Crater Lake is located in south-central Oregon and is quite simply awe-inspiring. Formed from a volcanic eruption 7,500 years ago, this lake is not fed by rivers or streams but only by rain and melted snow.

  11. 20 EPIC Things to Do in Crater Lake National Park (+ Itinerary)

    Interesting Facts About Crater Lake. Established: Crater Lake National Park was established in 1902 by Theodore Roosevelt. Color of Crater Lake: The deep blue color of Crater Lake is caused by the water's high purity and the lack of suspended sediment. How Crater Lake Was Formed: The lake was formed when the Mount Mazama volcano erupted and collapsed, creating a caldera that filled with ...

  12. Find Your "Virtual" Park

    You are also invited to find your virtual park and stay connected wherever you are in the world. National parks offer extraordinary experiences, but it's not always possible to get to a park in person. Fortunately we have ways to connect with national parks from a distance through digital opportunities and activities to do in your own home or ...

  13. Crater Lake Virtual Tours

    Crater Lake National Park Established: May 22, 1902 Visitors in 2018: 720,659 Size: 183,224 acres Crater Lake stats: 1,949 feet deep Deepest Lake in the United States ... Back to Crater Lake Virtual Tours. 0. Visitor Centers and Lodging . 0. Cleetwood Cove . 0. Wizard Island. 0. Mount Scott . 0. Watchman Peak. 0.

  14. Crater Lake Guided Tours Oregon

    Crater Lake National Park. Experience Oregon's National Park at its best with a professional naturalist guide! Our visit begins at the Pumice Desert, a remnant of Mt. Mazama's tremendous blast. We'll next ascend the north flank of the volcano (with snowshoes, if it's winter), and arrive on the rim for incredible views down to Crater Lake.

  15. Crater Lake Virtual Drone Tour

    The beauty of Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is revealed by 3D virtual drone technology. The unique view angles and smooth camera movements give the vi...

  16. 17 national parks you can take virtual tours to

    You'll find the deepest lake in the US at Crater Lake National Park and you can do it all online. This video tour was produced by the National Park Foundation and National Park Service. It features 360-degree views over the massive Crater Lake, the sunrise over Garfield Peak and Phantom Ship, an ancient rock formation.

  17. How to Plan an Amazing Crater Lake National Park Itinerary

    Day 1: Visitor's Center, Rim Drive, Sunset Hike Up Watchman. On your first day, get acquainted with the park by stopping at the visitor center on the south rim and circumnavigating the lake along the rim road. Finish by watching the sun dip below the horizon from the Watchman.

  18. Crater Lake, Oregon Virtual Tour

    Crater Lake, Oregon Virtual Tour. - This October heading from San Francisco toward Portland, Oregon, I have passed a unique place on Earth - Crater Lake. Here is a small virtual tour of the lake and surrounding Crater Lake National Park. It has 111 pictures. 8 of the pictures are stereo. South Oregon. 1-2 hours drive from freeway 5.

  19. 10 Best Things to do at Crater Lake National Park

    One of the most popular hikes in Crater Lake National Park is the Garfield Peak Trail. This trail is a steep and difficult 5.8-kilometre hike. But the effort is all worth it at the end when you get to take in the jaw-dropping views of Crater Lake and Wizard Island. Another popular option is the Watchman Peak Trail.

  20. Boat and Trolley Tours

    Contact Crater Lake Trolley for tour times, reservations, and ticket prices or call 541-882-1896. During Summer, Crater Lake Trolley, a concessioner for the park, offers daily trolley tours. The tours typically begin in July and run through mid-September. The many benefits of a trolley tour include the luxury of enjoying the scenery while the ...

  21. Complete Guide to Crater Lake National Park

    Crater Lake National Park. Crater Lake is located in the Mount Mazama caldera or volcanic basin. It was created when the 12,000 foot Mount Mazama last exploded 7,700 years ago then fell in upon ...

  22. 4K ! Stunning Crater Lake National Park , Four minutes of Relaxing

    Take a virtual tour through the dreamlike landscapes ... ehold the gorgeous views in 4K nature relaxation video! You will be taken to Crater Lake National Park!

  23. THE BEST Crater Lake National Park Tours & Excursions

    3 places sorted by featured. 1. Crater Lake Day Shared Tour. 22. Historical Tours. 6-8 hours. This tour offers guests a chance to experience the best that Crater Lake National Park has to offer! With an informative…. Free cancellation.

  24. Take a Boat Tour at Crater Lake National Park

    Editor's note: Tours are expected to begin in July or August 2023 — check the tour website regularly to see when booking opens.. For decades, visitors to Crater Lake National Park have taken the mile of switchbacks 700 feet down to Cleetwood Cove in pursuit of a closer look at the country's deepest lake. There, National Parks rangers have led guided boat tours, pointing out the craggy ...

  25. Experience Crater Lake National Park like never before with a ...

    To visit, make your way to 565 Rim Drive Crater Lake any day through April 31. The area is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., though you'll need to arrive 30 minutes before your departure. The cost of ...