Wizard Island
Wizard Island
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Garrideb
Los Angeles, CA222 contributions
Wizard Island is a cinder cone on Crater Lake. The island offers several hikes, allowing you to climb to the top of the cinder cone (and into its caldera) and to work your way around the island. There is also swimming (brrrr!) and fishing.
The only way to get to the island is via one of the early morning boat tours. Boat tours departing after noon don't allow hikers to disembark on the island. Consequently, the island is an excellent place to find solitude, beauty, and a unique view of the lake. My children (8 and 11) were thrilled with the entire experience.
That said, the Wizard Island visitor needs to be prepared for the day:
Rangers and the boat guides caution prospective hikers that return seats on the boat are on a space-available basis, though everyone is guaranteed a seat back on the last boat of the day (around 4:30). During the busy summer months, that means it's unlikely you'll be leaving before that last boat. Return priority is based on first-off-the-boat, first-back-on, so if you'd like to try for the chance of spending only an hour or two on the island, take the 10 AM tour (get to the trailhead around 8 AM when the boat tour ticket window opens, to make sure you get tickets), be one of the first off the boat at the island, and then be back at the dock in time for the 11 AM tour, when the next big load of hikers arrives. Alternatively, take the 12 noon boat tour (still arrive at 8 to buy tickets), and spend the early morning doing something else.
Since there are no services on the island other than pit toilets, make sure that you have enough water and food for the day AND for the hike back up the crater at the end of the day!!!!! We saw two families with no or little water; they were not happy at all. Sunscreen and a hat are just as necessary. Add a book or a pack of cards to your daypack if you'd like some other amusement, wear sturdy shoes (flip-flops are not a good idea when hiking over the rocky trails), and bring a jacket just in case the weather cools down.
The hike back up the crater at the end of the day was, in our opinions, nowhere near as tough as advertised. The switchbacks are gentle, and if you've spent the day on the island, you're climbing in the cool and shade of early evening. The boat arrived back at the dock at 5:45; after bathroom breaks, we were at the top of the trail by 6:30.
The only way to get to the island is via one of the early morning boat tours. Boat tours departing after noon don't allow hikers to disembark on the island. Consequently, the island is an excellent place to find solitude, beauty, and a unique view of the lake. My children (8 and 11) were thrilled with the entire experience.
That said, the Wizard Island visitor needs to be prepared for the day:
Rangers and the boat guides caution prospective hikers that return seats on the boat are on a space-available basis, though everyone is guaranteed a seat back on the last boat of the day (around 4:30). During the busy summer months, that means it's unlikely you'll be leaving before that last boat. Return priority is based on first-off-the-boat, first-back-on, so if you'd like to try for the chance of spending only an hour or two on the island, take the 10 AM tour (get to the trailhead around 8 AM when the boat tour ticket window opens, to make sure you get tickets), be one of the first off the boat at the island, and then be back at the dock in time for the 11 AM tour, when the next big load of hikers arrives. Alternatively, take the 12 noon boat tour (still arrive at 8 to buy tickets), and spend the early morning doing something else.
Since there are no services on the island other than pit toilets, make sure that you have enough water and food for the day AND for the hike back up the crater at the end of the day!!!!! We saw two families with no or little water; they were not happy at all. Sunscreen and a hat are just as necessary. Add a book or a pack of cards to your daypack if you'd like some other amusement, wear sturdy shoes (flip-flops are not a good idea when hiking over the rocky trails), and bring a jacket just in case the weather cools down.
The hike back up the crater at the end of the day was, in our opinions, nowhere near as tough as advertised. The switchbacks are gentle, and if you've spent the day on the island, you're climbing in the cool and shade of early evening. The boat arrived back at the dock at 5:45; after bathroom breaks, we were at the top of the trail by 6:30.
Written August 19, 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
etweeden
London, UK750 contributions
Jun 2015 • Family
Crater lake is a unique experience, but the boat tour of the lake and 3 hour visit to Wizard Island is a unique experience within this unique experience! You need to make sure that you have plenty of time to get to the Cleetwood trailhead (90 minutes commute time recommended). For example, if you think of Crater Lake as a clock face, the trailhead is at 12-o'clock. The Villages are at 6 O'clock! Morning and afternoon departures. $57 per adult, $35 per child. Next, printout your boat reservation paperwork. You can get reservations from the Lodge at Rim Village, or from the Annie Creek Gift Shop in Mazama Village. Do not rely on cell phone reception in the area to display your paperwork. Present the paperwork to the ticket booth at the Cleetwood trailhead to obtain your actual tickets. Next, carry bug repellent, sunscreen, a hat, a waterproof jacket and your camera, of course. Wear sturdy footwear. The boat is not covered, and there are no covered structures on Wizard. The trail to the boat dock descends around 600 feet. The boat ride travels counter clockwise toward wizard island (at 8 on the dial) and drops you off for 3 hours of exploration. There is a fairly level but poorly marked trail to Fumarole Bay, and a well marked trail with a 750 foot ascent to the peak of Wizard Island. The key to both these trails is sturdy hiking shoes, because both have relatively sharp volcanic rocks that tend to give way underfoot. The weather is very changeable, so be prepared! There are no meals or refreshments available on the cruise, but there are toilets (poorly maintained) on the boat dock and island. Once you are picked up, the boat will continue on counter clockwise around the lake back to the boat dock on the rim. Enjoy!
Written August 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justin P
Raleigh, NC4,557 contributions
Sep 2013 • Couples
Wizard Island is a volcano inside a volcano! It is a volcanic cinder cone that formed inside the Mount Mazama crater that rises above the surface of the lake and forms an island. It's only accessible via the boat tours through Xanterra. When booking a boat tour, you can optionally add on a side trip to Wizard Island. The boat will drop you off at the dock about half way through the tour and then pick you back up three hours later. From the dock, there are two trails to hike and explore the island. The Wizard Summit Trail is a steep trail that leads up to the summit. It's only about 1 mile up to the top, but gains more than 700 feet in elevation. A series of switchbacks lessen the slope and you will likely be so enthralled by the beautiful scenery from the trail that you won't even notice. The crater at the top of Wizard Island is called Witch's Cauldron, in keeping with the mythological names of park features and the trail makes a loop around the crater. Dead trees line the crater - these trees were killed by dwarf mistletoe, a parasitic plant. The other trail on the island is Fumarole Bay Trail, which leads to the beautiful bay on the west side of the island. This trail isn't too steep, but very rocky and can be difficult to follow. Fumarole Bay is absolutely beautiful, with turquoise water the color of lagoon in Polynesia. If hiking isn't your thing, you can go fishing or swimming in the water near Fumarole Bay. Just be warned, the water is extremely cold - way too cold for me to get in. The boat tours and stops on Wizard Island are only available during the summer - late June to mid September - so be sure to get tickets in advance. This is a can't miss tour.
Written December 23, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MLJ
Bend, OR135 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
We booked our overnight stay a year ahead so we could do this boat ride and hike. We booked the boat ride as soon as they emailed us that we could submit a 'request for reservation'. When the Bybee fire started a week before we were concerned, but it turned out to be a non-issue the day we went--blue skies, calm wind and no view or smell of smoke thankfully!
Timing this hike can be confusing, so here is our 'summary' as it pertains to the 12:45 boat ride (there is also a 9:30am option) --the drive from Bend to the Park entrance was 1 3/4 hrs; the drive to the Cleetwood Cove trailhead was about 20 minutes. You check in there and get your boat passes. (There are porta potties there as well as at the boat dock). Bring HIKING POLES (we are glad we each had TWO), LUNCH, and lots of WATER (I had 3 good size bottles which just lasted me the 6-7 hours we were gone). The 1 mile hike down to the Cove/boat dock took about 45 minutes and is a very nice trail, not too hard of a hike down (but back up at the end of the day feels tough!). It was more shaded and wooded that we thought--really lovely with views, etc. We were about an hour early but enjoyed watching people jump off a cliff into the COLD water of Crater Lake! You check in at the dock for the boat ride, and they leave on time so it is good to be down there timely.
The boat trip to Wizard Island is shorter on the front end than the end of the day (75 minutes). We left at 12:45 and arrived at the Island to start our hike up at about 1:30. We had to be back at the dock at 4:15 for a 4:30 departure, which is plenty of time to hike up to the caldera (45 minutes, 700' el gain over 1.1 miles). It is a pleasant hike--not too strenuous and with LOTS of views! It starts out over lava rock, but soon turns to a nice trail.
At the top you hike around the rim, sit on a log and have your lunch with fantastic views, then hike 45 minutes back down. There are lovely trail potties ;) near the dock. Be sure and dangle your hot, achy feet in the cold water off the dock!!
Then you get to rest 75 minutes as the boat tours the rest of the Lake perimeter--viewing Phantom Ship, the floating log, Palisades, Pumice Castle, etc. (We spotted the fire behind the Lodge about 5pm, but again even that evening the wind shifted and they were getting a hold of it so all was pretty still.)
We hoofed it back up to our car in 30 minutes--and it felt strenuous as it was the 4th part of our 2 hikes, each 700+ el gain and 1+ mile). We arrived at the Lodge at 7pm (20 miles from the trailhead) for a much needed clean up and 8:30 rev for dinner in the Lodge!
We would do this again--the views and perspective from the boat and the Island are spectacular. The boat ride is fun and informative--Ranger Pat was great, and the captains too. Just hiking down and back to the Lake would be fun and different too, although it is somewhat rugged down there.
Timing this hike can be confusing, so here is our 'summary' as it pertains to the 12:45 boat ride (there is also a 9:30am option) --the drive from Bend to the Park entrance was 1 3/4 hrs; the drive to the Cleetwood Cove trailhead was about 20 minutes. You check in there and get your boat passes. (There are porta potties there as well as at the boat dock). Bring HIKING POLES (we are glad we each had TWO), LUNCH, and lots of WATER (I had 3 good size bottles which just lasted me the 6-7 hours we were gone). The 1 mile hike down to the Cove/boat dock took about 45 minutes and is a very nice trail, not too hard of a hike down (but back up at the end of the day feels tough!). It was more shaded and wooded that we thought--really lovely with views, etc. We were about an hour early but enjoyed watching people jump off a cliff into the COLD water of Crater Lake! You check in at the dock for the boat ride, and they leave on time so it is good to be down there timely.
The boat trip to Wizard Island is shorter on the front end than the end of the day (75 minutes). We left at 12:45 and arrived at the Island to start our hike up at about 1:30. We had to be back at the dock at 4:15 for a 4:30 departure, which is plenty of time to hike up to the caldera (45 minutes, 700' el gain over 1.1 miles). It is a pleasant hike--not too strenuous and with LOTS of views! It starts out over lava rock, but soon turns to a nice trail.
At the top you hike around the rim, sit on a log and have your lunch with fantastic views, then hike 45 minutes back down. There are lovely trail potties ;) near the dock. Be sure and dangle your hot, achy feet in the cold water off the dock!!
Then you get to rest 75 minutes as the boat tours the rest of the Lake perimeter--viewing Phantom Ship, the floating log, Palisades, Pumice Castle, etc. (We spotted the fire behind the Lodge about 5pm, but again even that evening the wind shifted and they were getting a hold of it so all was pretty still.)
We hoofed it back up to our car in 30 minutes--and it felt strenuous as it was the 4th part of our 2 hikes, each 700+ el gain and 1+ mile). We arrived at the Lodge at 7pm (20 miles from the trailhead) for a much needed clean up and 8:30 rev for dinner in the Lodge!
We would do this again--the views and perspective from the boat and the Island are spectacular. The boat ride is fun and informative--Ranger Pat was great, and the captains too. Just hiking down and back to the Lake would be fun and different too, although it is somewhat rugged down there.
Written August 8, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom B
Berkeley, CA399 contributions
Sep 2014 • Family
Wizard Island is a cinder cone located inside Crater Lake. Wizard Island is located to the southwest side of the lake. Wizard Island can be enjoyed in various ways. First, of course, is the view from the lodge.
Second, is the view from one of the trails that circles around the rim of Crater Lake.
Third, is from a boat. A computer terminal, located in the lodge, can be used to make reservations for the boat ride. Travelers will need to drive to the northern rim of Crater Lake, where there is a large parking lot, and then they will need to take a zig-zag trail to the dock. From, the dock, a boat will take tourists to a dock on Wizard Island, and let tourists out for a couple of hours (and then pick them up).
Fourth, is the hike on Wizard Island to the top of the cinder cone. Once on top, tourists will enjoy the curiously twisted trees that populated Wizard Island, and will also enjoy gazing into the crater in the center of the cinder cone. The crater is not dangerous, and it is not deep. If you wanted to scoot down to the center of the crater and then inch your way up again, it would be easy to do in the time frame of several minutes.
And fifth, one more beautiful aspect of Wizard Island takes the form of the other sights that can be enjoyed from boat that takes you to Wizard Island and to other parts of the lake. The tour guide provides a narration using a loudspeaker. The tour guide is also a careful listener, and he paused to answer questions from elementary school children on the boat.
Wizard Island is best known to most people as a feature of fine art photographs of Crater Lake. In particular, I like photographs of snow-covered Wizard Island in the winter. What I also enjoyed, was the hike to the top of Wizard Island, and the appealing "crunch, crunch, crunch," sound of the red-colored gravel, as I hiked along the trail that spirals around the cinder cone and takes you to the top. The weather-beaten curiously twisted trees on Wizard Island make for fine photos, especially when the background includes the deep blue waters of Crater Lake, and the curved shore of Crater Lake, situated at the base of a steep cliff.
I rank my the hike to the top of Wizard Island, as one of the finest natural-landscape experiences in North America. The accompanying photos show: (1) Withered tree atop Wizard Island; (2) View of Wizard Island from rim of Crater Lake; and (3) View of geologic feature residing in Crater Lake, taken during boat trip to Wizard Island.
Second, is the view from one of the trails that circles around the rim of Crater Lake.
Third, is from a boat. A computer terminal, located in the lodge, can be used to make reservations for the boat ride. Travelers will need to drive to the northern rim of Crater Lake, where there is a large parking lot, and then they will need to take a zig-zag trail to the dock. From, the dock, a boat will take tourists to a dock on Wizard Island, and let tourists out for a couple of hours (and then pick them up).
Fourth, is the hike on Wizard Island to the top of the cinder cone. Once on top, tourists will enjoy the curiously twisted trees that populated Wizard Island, and will also enjoy gazing into the crater in the center of the cinder cone. The crater is not dangerous, and it is not deep. If you wanted to scoot down to the center of the crater and then inch your way up again, it would be easy to do in the time frame of several minutes.
And fifth, one more beautiful aspect of Wizard Island takes the form of the other sights that can be enjoyed from boat that takes you to Wizard Island and to other parts of the lake. The tour guide provides a narration using a loudspeaker. The tour guide is also a careful listener, and he paused to answer questions from elementary school children on the boat.
Wizard Island is best known to most people as a feature of fine art photographs of Crater Lake. In particular, I like photographs of snow-covered Wizard Island in the winter. What I also enjoyed, was the hike to the top of Wizard Island, and the appealing "crunch, crunch, crunch," sound of the red-colored gravel, as I hiked along the trail that spirals around the cinder cone and takes you to the top. The weather-beaten curiously twisted trees on Wizard Island make for fine photos, especially when the background includes the deep blue waters of Crater Lake, and the curved shore of Crater Lake, situated at the base of a steep cliff.
I rank my the hike to the top of Wizard Island, as one of the finest natural-landscape experiences in North America. The accompanying photos show: (1) Withered tree atop Wizard Island; (2) View of Wizard Island from rim of Crater Lake; and (3) View of geologic feature residing in Crater Lake, taken during boat trip to Wizard Island.
Written January 13, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom B
Berkeley, CA399 contributions
Apr 2017 • Family
WIZARD ISLAND takes the form of a small volcano, with a tiny caldera, situated in the middle of a humongous volcano, known as Mount Mazama which has a humongous caldera, known as Crater Lake. The tiny caldera on Wizard Island does not contain any pond of its own. Wizard Island is actually not anywhere near the middle of Crater Lake. Instead, it is near the western shore. WIZARD ISLAND is arguably the ultimate in scenery on or near the Pacific Coast, because Crater Lake itself is beautiful, where this lake's majesty is enhanced by the symmetrical nature of Wizard Island. Wizard Island is beautiful, because the hike to the top takes you through a landscape of pretty brick-red colored lava cinders.
Wizard Island is accessed by modern motorboats that are run by the national park system. To arrive at the boat dock, you need to be able to climb up and down a relatively steep zig-zagging trail. The trail is easy for children and seniors alike, but if you have arthritis or multiple sclerosis, then I would think twice before taking the trail down to the boat (not to mention climbing back up). The boat lets you off at Wizard Island, where there is another dock, and during the boat ride the driver speaks into a microphone and tells you a geology story. The driver pauses to respond to questions from the passengers, and children will thrill to the fact that their intelligent questions will receive intelligent answers. I have posted two pictures, one of them taken inside of the boat, showing passengers, and my other picture is from a pose taken at the very top of Wizard Island's cinder cone.
The trip to Wizard Island, and the Island itself, is something magical, because tourists will know that they are experiencing something rare and special that few other persons in the United States, or even in California, even know about. A similar chunk of majesty is Secret Beach, which is found in Oregon's Boardman Corridor, and which features some of the most photogenic seastacks on the entire west coast.
Wizard Island is accessed by modern motorboats that are run by the national park system. To arrive at the boat dock, you need to be able to climb up and down a relatively steep zig-zagging trail. The trail is easy for children and seniors alike, but if you have arthritis or multiple sclerosis, then I would think twice before taking the trail down to the boat (not to mention climbing back up). The boat lets you off at Wizard Island, where there is another dock, and during the boat ride the driver speaks into a microphone and tells you a geology story. The driver pauses to respond to questions from the passengers, and children will thrill to the fact that their intelligent questions will receive intelligent answers. I have posted two pictures, one of them taken inside of the boat, showing passengers, and my other picture is from a pose taken at the very top of Wizard Island's cinder cone.
The trip to Wizard Island, and the Island itself, is something magical, because tourists will know that they are experiencing something rare and special that few other persons in the United States, or even in California, even know about. A similar chunk of majesty is Secret Beach, which is found in Oregon's Boardman Corridor, and which features some of the most photogenic seastacks on the entire west coast.
Written April 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve5863
Avon, OH12,818 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
Wizard Island is the volcanic cinder cone rising from the caldera that forms the bottom of Crater Lake and gets its name from its resemblance to a pointy sorcerer’s hat. Rising 760 feet (232m) above the surface of the lake, it is the iconic geological formation that has probably been included in virtually every image ever made of Crater Lake.
Excellent views of Wizard Island can be had from a number of locations along the rim with some of the best at and around Sinnott Memorial Overlook in Rim Village and from Discovery Point and Wizard Island Overlook, 1.3 mile (2.1k) and 4.0 miles (6.4k) west on Rim Drive from the Sinnott Overlook respectively.
During the short summer when the boat tours are running, it is possible to visit the island for fishing, hiking and picnicking but this is probably best left for multi-day visits or a return trip as the process of getting to the boat dock to the island and back would leave little time to see the rest of the park on short visits; however, if this is your goal, reserve tickets well in advance for one of the two boat tours, with quite limited seating, that stop at the island to avoid disappointment.
If one wishes to get a better look at Wizard Island, as well as other feature of the park from lake level, a more practical option may be to take the two hour volcano boat tour around Crater Lake which cruises up close to the island. While same day tickets are possible, reserving tickets well ahead of your visit will help to avoid disappointment. Even though the boat tour is only two hours, the whole adventure will take much longer as one needs to drive 10.7 miles (17.2k) from Rim Village to the Cleatwood Cove trailhead and hike down 1.1 mile (1.8k) to the boat dock; the real challenge is the hike out, a strenuous 700 foot (213m) climb up, over the same 1.1 mile (1.8k) trail taken down.
Excellent views of Wizard Island can be had from a number of locations along the rim with some of the best at and around Sinnott Memorial Overlook in Rim Village and from Discovery Point and Wizard Island Overlook, 1.3 mile (2.1k) and 4.0 miles (6.4k) west on Rim Drive from the Sinnott Overlook respectively.
During the short summer when the boat tours are running, it is possible to visit the island for fishing, hiking and picnicking but this is probably best left for multi-day visits or a return trip as the process of getting to the boat dock to the island and back would leave little time to see the rest of the park on short visits; however, if this is your goal, reserve tickets well in advance for one of the two boat tours, with quite limited seating, that stop at the island to avoid disappointment.
If one wishes to get a better look at Wizard Island, as well as other feature of the park from lake level, a more practical option may be to take the two hour volcano boat tour around Crater Lake which cruises up close to the island. While same day tickets are possible, reserving tickets well ahead of your visit will help to avoid disappointment. Even though the boat tour is only two hours, the whole adventure will take much longer as one needs to drive 10.7 miles (17.2k) from Rim Village to the Cleatwood Cove trailhead and hike down 1.1 mile (1.8k) to the boat dock; the real challenge is the hike out, a strenuous 700 foot (213m) climb up, over the same 1.1 mile (1.8k) trail taken down.
Written February 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Augusta_Chuck
Augusta, Georgia185 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
My wife and I recently returned from a 10-day trip to Oregon and our visit to the top of Wizard Island was not only the highlight for that trip, but was one of the best hikes we have ever had the opportunity to do. However, advance planning is required. Also, please note that the boat trips to the island end in mid-August in 2016 due to upcoming dock maintenance. I booked our boat trip 5 weeks in advance by phone for a July 4 weekend excursion and had several options to pick from. That being said, the boats only accommodate 30 people each and there are a limited number of trips per day so it is best to reserve your spots as early as possible rather than hoping to get one of the spots they save for 24-hour advance booking on a first come-first served basis.
Please note that there are spots along the Crater Lake rim where the mosquitoes are very, very active so have your bug repellent ready. They were definitely bad at the Cleetwood Cove trail-head and first third of the hike down to the dock. The hike down to the dock is 1.1 miles and took us only 40 minutes or so. It is a dusty trail. While you wait for your boat trip you can enjoy watching the brave ones jump off a 10 ft. rock into the very cold lake - this is the only place where you can access the lake as most of the rim is 600 to 2000 ft. above lake level. We then took the boat tour that drops you off on Wizard Island for 3 hours. Make sure you pack plenty of water.
We are in our middle 50's and in average shape and it took us 50 minutes to reach the top of Wizard Island. The elevation is ~7000 ft. above sea level so you need to be ready for that if you spend most of your life near sea level like we do. By the way, this trail is not for young children unless you are carrying them in a backpack most of the way! The trail is fairly narrow, has a lot of loose volcanic rock and there are no guards to prevent a very long slide down (you will get seriously hurt if you survive it). And you absolutely need good sturdy shoes (preferably hiking shoes) to navigate it safely.
The views from the top are spectacular and worth every step to get there. Plus you get to say that you were at the top of a volcano within a volcano, albeit one now filled with some of the most amazingly colored royal blue waters you will ever see. We ate lunch at the took and top a bunch of photos before hiking back down in just under 30 minutes so the 3 hours you have is plenty. The hike down does seem much more precarious even though it is the exact same trail.
The only bad part was having to hike back to the rim after the return boat trip - the trail was considerably more crowded at 4 pm than it had been in mid-morning and therefore much dustier. Plus those mosquitoes had not forgotten about us. But nonetheless, this was definitely a hike we will never forget.
Please note that there are spots along the Crater Lake rim where the mosquitoes are very, very active so have your bug repellent ready. They were definitely bad at the Cleetwood Cove trail-head and first third of the hike down to the dock. The hike down to the dock is 1.1 miles and took us only 40 minutes or so. It is a dusty trail. While you wait for your boat trip you can enjoy watching the brave ones jump off a 10 ft. rock into the very cold lake - this is the only place where you can access the lake as most of the rim is 600 to 2000 ft. above lake level. We then took the boat tour that drops you off on Wizard Island for 3 hours. Make sure you pack plenty of water.
We are in our middle 50's and in average shape and it took us 50 minutes to reach the top of Wizard Island. The elevation is ~7000 ft. above sea level so you need to be ready for that if you spend most of your life near sea level like we do. By the way, this trail is not for young children unless you are carrying them in a backpack most of the way! The trail is fairly narrow, has a lot of loose volcanic rock and there are no guards to prevent a very long slide down (you will get seriously hurt if you survive it). And you absolutely need good sturdy shoes (preferably hiking shoes) to navigate it safely.
The views from the top are spectacular and worth every step to get there. Plus you get to say that you were at the top of a volcano within a volcano, albeit one now filled with some of the most amazingly colored royal blue waters you will ever see. We ate lunch at the took and top a bunch of photos before hiking back down in just under 30 minutes so the 3 hours you have is plenty. The hike down does seem much more precarious even though it is the exact same trail.
The only bad part was having to hike back to the rim after the return boat trip - the trail was considerably more crowded at 4 pm than it had been in mid-morning and therefore much dustier. Plus those mosquitoes had not forgotten about us. But nonetheless, this was definitely a hike we will never forget.
Written July 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura N
Lafayette, CO123 contributions
Sep 2014 • Solo
The Wizard Island tour was definitely a highlight of my trip to Crater Lake.
A few tips I learned from my visit....
– If you don't have an advance reservation, buy one at the kiosk exactly 24 hours ahead of time. I was told the kiosk at Annie's (near the south entrance) is the fastest (in terms of connectivity), and was able to get in line third and secure a spot for a Labor Day boat ride / half day tour. Another option is just to show up at the boat launch (my guess is that earlier is better)... which other travelers were able to do for our tour on the busy weekend.
– Wear good, sturdy shoes.
– Take a lunch, snacks, and plenty of water for the day – you'll need it!
– Hike to the top of the volcano and take a breather – it's a surreal and amazing picnic spot.
– Bring or wear a swimsuit to take full advantage of the lake – I wish I had, and the ones who did had fun. Very refreshing!
– Don't freak out about the walk back to your car at the end. Take it slow and steady, and save some water for the walk... you'll be fine. Everyone makes it.
– Take a ton of pics – the views are unforgettable. HAVE FUN!
A few tips I learned from my visit....
– If you don't have an advance reservation, buy one at the kiosk exactly 24 hours ahead of time. I was told the kiosk at Annie's (near the south entrance) is the fastest (in terms of connectivity), and was able to get in line third and secure a spot for a Labor Day boat ride / half day tour. Another option is just to show up at the boat launch (my guess is that earlier is better)... which other travelers were able to do for our tour on the busy weekend.
– Wear good, sturdy shoes.
– Take a lunch, snacks, and plenty of water for the day – you'll need it!
– Hike to the top of the volcano and take a breather – it's a surreal and amazing picnic spot.
– Bring or wear a swimsuit to take full advantage of the lake – I wish I had, and the ones who did had fun. Very refreshing!
– Don't freak out about the walk back to your car at the end. Take it slow and steady, and save some water for the walk... you'll be fine. Everyone makes it.
– Take a ton of pics – the views are unforgettable. HAVE FUN!
Written September 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cqfp123
Los Angeles, CA1,122 contributions
Aug 2015 • Friends
5+ hour boat tour with 3 hours on the island, with a ranger from the National Park Service on board offering cultural and natural history information.
Tickets sell out and should be purchased way in advance. Even with a confirmed online reservation, passengers need to get actual tickets at the ticket booth located near the trailhead. Allow plenty of time to get from the park entrance to the trailhead - the roads are narrow and there are plenty of trailers and cyclists riding in groups or side by side.
The departure dock can be accessed only by descending a steep 1.1 mile (1.8 km) trail with a 700 ft (213 m) elevation gain. There are portable toilets at the trailhead and composting toilets at the dock and on the island. There is no drinkable water past the trailhead or on the island.
The boat is small and is not enclosed. There are no toilets on board.
The ride to the island takes about 40 minute. The boat rides counterclockwise. On the island one can either hike to the summit or to Fumarole Bay. I did both and highly recommend the former: the hike is steeper but the trails are well marked and the views are stunning. The trail to Fumarole Bay, while much less steep, is not well marked and runs through sharp rock fields.
After 3 hours on the island, the boat picks you up again and rides the rest of the lake counterclockwise.
After returning to the dock, you have to climb the trail back to the road level.
A few tips based on my experience:
- Wear hiking boots with good grip. Absolutely no flip-flops, sandals or open toe shoes.
- Hiking pole optional but very useful.
- Bring at least 2 liters of water and snacks.
- Wear sunscreen and a hat.
- Bring a jacket as the weather may change quickly.
Tickets sell out and should be purchased way in advance. Even with a confirmed online reservation, passengers need to get actual tickets at the ticket booth located near the trailhead. Allow plenty of time to get from the park entrance to the trailhead - the roads are narrow and there are plenty of trailers and cyclists riding in groups or side by side.
The departure dock can be accessed only by descending a steep 1.1 mile (1.8 km) trail with a 700 ft (213 m) elevation gain. There are portable toilets at the trailhead and composting toilets at the dock and on the island. There is no drinkable water past the trailhead or on the island.
The boat is small and is not enclosed. There are no toilets on board.
The ride to the island takes about 40 minute. The boat rides counterclockwise. On the island one can either hike to the summit or to Fumarole Bay. I did both and highly recommend the former: the hike is steeper but the trails are well marked and the views are stunning. The trail to Fumarole Bay, while much less steep, is not well marked and runs through sharp rock fields.
After 3 hours on the island, the boat picks you up again and rides the rest of the lake counterclockwise.
After returning to the dock, you have to climb the trail back to the road level.
A few tips based on my experience:
- Wear hiking boots with good grip. Absolutely no flip-flops, sandals or open toe shoes.
- Hiking pole optional but very useful.
- Bring at least 2 liters of water and snacks.
- Wear sunscreen and a hat.
- Bring a jacket as the weather may change quickly.
Written August 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Will there be boat tours on Crater Lake to Wizard Island summer of 2022?
Written March 14, 2022
Is there a handicap ramp to where you catch the boat? I want to know if I can ride an electric cart.
Written June 22, 2019
This is about the question of driving an electric cart down to the dock in Crater Lake. I took the boat ride to Wizard Island only once, about ten years ago. There is no handicap ramp. The trail is a dirt trail. The trail is slightly steep. If your electric cart is able to drive up and down a dirt trail that has an angle with a 30 degrees slope, then I would say that your electric cart can do the job. I suggest calling the lodge at Crater Lake and asking them. Crater Lake is the second most beautiful thing in the west coast (closely following Yosemite Valley). And so, I would recommend adding the boat tour to your collection of memories that are amazing and wonderful.
Written June 28, 2019
We are planning a trip to crater lake this week. I have a few questions as a first time visitor. Hope someone can answer them.
1. Is there more than one boat tour to wizard island? Which tour would you recommend? Please advice.
2. Does this tour drop us at Wizard lake and pick us back again? I mean do we get an opportunity to walk around Wizard lake.
3. We are staying one hour North of the lake. How do we get to the location to the boat ride?
Written September 3, 2018
Dear AlexSanti, This is about your questions about Wizard Island. There is only one boat that takes you to Wizard Island. The boat gives you a tour of the lake, and it drops people off at Wizard Island and it also picks people up from Wizard Island. There is no such thing as, "Wizard Lake." At the top of Wizard Island, there is a depression in the earth that can get a little filled up with water, like a pond. But it is not at all a lake. After the boat drops off the passengers who are interested in hiking on Wizard Island, you are free to climb to the top of the volcanic peak. It only takes 30 minutes to climb up the path. I am not sure how much time they let you poke around and explore on Wizard Island. Perhaps an hour. Perhaps two hours. Perhaps three hours. This is about your question about getting to the boat ride. Okay, the rim road goes all the way around Crater Lake. At the north end of Crater Lake, a parking lot is found immediately north to the rim road, and the trailhead to the pathway that leads to the boat dock is right across the street from this parking lot. You will not have any problem with anything, except with one thing. If it snows, or if there is any chance of snow, you should not be thinking of boat tours. Actually, it is possible that the boat tours run in the wintertime, but I doubt it. Best regards, Tom Brody
Written November 26, 2018
we are travelling over to the states from wales end july/august for a month and i'm trying to get organised and booked before we go as i know it will be super busy. we're staying at diamond lake for a couple of days and want to book a half day tour to wizard island. i'm struggling to find any up to date info online. can anyone help? many thanks
Written April 16, 2017
Dear visitor from Wales. This is how to get your reservation for the boat to Wizard Island. Just go into the main lodge. In the lobby of the lodge, there is a special computer for making your reservation on the boat. It is very easy to do. It is not like Disneyland, where there are hundreds of people linking up. There is not any line of people, waiting to get their reservation. It is like buying Coca Cola from a soda pop machine. There is never any line. I do not know if you can make a reservation by telephone, but that seems too much trouble to me. Why bother? Just go into the main lodge and walk up to the computer, and make your reservation. Also, it takes about 20 minutes to drive to the boat dock. The parking lot near the boat dock is on the OPPOSITE END OF THE LAKE, and so you will need to leave 20 or 30 minutes for driving for parking. Also, it will take you about 20 minutes to walk down the pathway to get to the edge of the lake. By the way, I do not know if the term "soda pop" is used in Wales. Soda pop means, for example, a bubbly orange drink, or Coca Cola, or a bubbly grape drink, or Pepsi Cola. When you are at Crater Lake, you need to see the PINNACLES. The Pinnacles are part of Crater Lake National Park. Best regards, Tom
Written April 17, 2017
montgk09
Lewisville, North Carolina
When is the latest during the season that boat tours can be scheduled
Written April 9, 2017
A private company operates the boats. The private company is called craterlakelodges. Anyway, they provide this information: "Weather permitting, the boat cruises are scheduled to operate daily from June 23 through September 10, 2017, with limited advance reservations being accepted for tours beginning June 30, 2017." If you are traveling to Oregon from far away, then I suggest that you make a phone call a day or so before your trip, to make sure that the boats are operating.
Written April 9, 2017
HI, please, what is the price for the shuttle to get to Wizard Island? I found the prices for Standard lake cruise (Adult: $40.00) and for Wizard Island tour (Adult: $57.00) but what is the price just to go to the Wizard Island by my own? I can't even find the shuttle schedules on ww w. crater lake lodges. com/activities/ volcano-boat-cruises/
Thank you !
Written July 31, 2015
I can't find a number to make a reservation.
Written July 20, 2015
Is the boat tour good to go on with kids (7 year olds)?
Written July 3, 2015
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