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Crater Lake National Park
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Crater Lake National Park
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Crater Lake National Park

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See all things to do
Crater Lake National Park
5
About
Beautiful lake which is the centerpiece of Crater Lake National Park.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Top ways to experience Crater Lake National Park and nearby attractions

Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
3,111 reviews
Excellent
2,710
Very good
309
Average
60
Poor
14
Terrible
18
B & C
11 contributions
One of the great wonders of the world !
Sep 2022
Beautiful scenery, rustic lodge, nice but pricey..... The trip around the lake is very worthwhile and fun.
Written March 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Leonard
Roseburg, OR1,367 contributions
Crater Lake in the Winter
Feb 2023
This was our annual snowshoeing trip to Crater Lake. There was about 6 feet of snow at the Rim. Many other couples were snowshoeing. The favorite "trail" is to follow the snow covered road to Discovery Point, about 1.3 miles each way. Dogs are only allowed around the parking lot. It was a clear day, warm for February.
Written February 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Von1287
Albany, NY771 contributions
We really loved this place!
Sep 2022
Unreal! Like quite honestly felt like another world. Steep going down and back up, but so worth it. We drove the loop first and stopped off way too many times lol! We thought the Tamolitch pool was blue but heck this blew it away! It is so vast and so mesmerizing. We took pics of all the must see things like phantom ship and pumice castle. We also caught shots of the smoke from the wildfires in CA. Our favorite though was Watchman Point. We went early in the evening and had it mostly to ourselves. People came and went but super cool because you are the closest to Wizard Island which is pretty awesome! I was able to use a super zoom on my camera and could see the volcano top and everything! We really loved this place!
Written February 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joe D
Charleston, SC2 contributions
National Park Reservations SCAM
Jan 2023
Beware.. National Parks Reservations hijacks your reservations search and then adds an extra 10% fee on top. If you change reservation, you're still on the hook for the 10%...even if you reduce the number of nights.
Written January 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
legend1409
3 contributions
Crater Lake must see
Sep 2022 • Couples
Don’t miss going here if you can swing it. We almost didn’t go but decided to. Definitely a must see and drive all the way around the lake. Best to bring a picnic lunch. Plan to spend 3-4 hours.
Written December 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marion D
Greensboro, NC119 contributions
Incredible!
Aug 2022 • Friends
Off the beaten path, but absolutely worth it. The rim loop is the way to go, so many breathtaking views. It’s “just a lake” but wow, is it incredible!! Such deep dark blue. Pair that with a clear ski day and there just aren’t words!
Written November 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Melaney68
Chesapeake Beach, MD9,482 contributions
Dining, Hiking, and Lodging Considerations
Aug 2022
I spent a week at Crater Lake and found myself truly falling in love with the entire place because we truly explored the entire perimeter. The entrance to the park had the most affordable restaurant, Annie Creek, with the most choices and a nice gift shop attached. The pizzas were probably the best deal as they were very large. Across the back parking lot you will also find a post office, a gas station, and a general store where you can check in for the Mazama cabins (make reservations early!) or the campground. We stayed in the cabins and they were roomy but did not have a refrigerator or microwave. The cabins closest to the general store had spotty wifi connectivity. The best connectivity was at or near the Annie Creek Restaurant or at the lodge. Once you drive up to the rim you will find another gift shop that has quick bites such as pork sandwiches, salads, and chicken fingers. The prices were a bit high so if you are on a budget bring food with you. There is a third shop that is more of a book store right on the rim. There are often ranger talks held there and there is a water filling station at that location. Trolley Tours were available for a fee and they will take you part of the way around the lake. Be sure to take some time to just sit on the rim and take it all in. It was hard for us to comprehend the incredible beauty of the blue water. Crater Village dead ends at the lodge which makes you feel as though you have gone back in time. I ate breakfast and dinner there for their buffet offerings. The breakfast buffet had the typical breakfast choices and the dinner buffet had prime rib,mac & cheese, a delicious apple, blue cheese, and walnut salad, and an empanda dessert that was excellent. I hiked Watchman's Tower twice and it is a must! You will get great photos from that altitude. I also recommend early morning and sunset pictures from Rim Village. We hiked Pinnacles Trail to the end and back. It actually takes you to the park boundary. The pinnacles were an interesting sight to explore. My favorite, and the most difficult hike, was the trek down to the lake called Cleetwood Cove Trail. (Use the bathrooms located in the parking area before you start the hike and bring hand sanitizer or wipes because there is not running water.) I went twice and highly recommend good shoes because of the incline and uneven ground. Pace yourself on this trail and make sure you have plenty of water. Fishing is an option as long as you only use lures and no bait. There were originally six species of fish introduced into the lake and two remain- the Kokanee Salmon and the Rainbow Trout. We saw the trout and they jumped at our lure but never took it. They were small so next time we would bring smaller lures. You also need to bring a bathing suit because you will want to tell all of your friends that you jumped in Crater Lake, or better yet into a volcano!
Written November 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
nickss1
Southend-on-Sea, UK4,562 contributions
Stunning scenery
Oct 2022 • Friends
This is an amazing place. The lake is stunning, and the rim drive makes viewing so simple. We went on October 19th and it was that busy so parking am the overlooks was easy. The small visitor centre (which seem to be in a temporary building) showed a short film about the creation of the lake; it’s well worth watching. The Rim Visitor Centre had closed for the season, but the gift shop and cafe were still open. The star of the show is Crater Lake; and it didn’t disappoint. We had truly excellent views throughout the park. It is definitely worth the drive up to see it.
Written October 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jck1376
Mooresville, NC263 contributions
Cocktails on the Rim of a Volcano
Sep 2022 • Couples
You have to plan ahead to go here. Make sure you have plenty of gas and there are no bathrooms within an hour of the park.

It is a gorgeous drive. Beautiful trees. We stayed at the lodge. It was wonderful. There are no televisions, phones or air conditioning.

We had dinner and breakfast in the lodge restaurant. The food was very good. There was a buffet for both meals. Staff was very nice and attentive. The costs was reasonable

We had cocktails on the veranda and watched sunset.

Just a wonderful visit. The water is so blue. We drove around the lake. There are several overlooks. Many choices for hikes. The hike down to the boat ride is steep. You'll need to make reservations for the boat.
Written October 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
expat326
San Francisco, CA1,464 contributions
Well worth the drive
Oct 2022
Enjoyed our visit especially since it was fall. The lodge had closed for the winter and there was little traffic. The Watchman Overlook is especially nice for pictures. Recommend driving the rim road and hiking one or more of the falls if you have time. The damage from the recent fires was evident but there has also been considerable regrowth. The real star of the park is the beautiful blue lake. The gift shop and visitors center is a bit run down and think the park service ought to invest in some better maintenance. The buildings themselves have a historic charm.
Written October 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Crater Lake National Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Crater Lake National Park
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