Unwind and enjoy the stunning lake views while experiencing Oregon’s only National Park, Crater Lake. With breath taking views of one of the bluest and deepest waters in the United States, this blog is all you need and more for a weekend trip to Crater Lake National Park.

First off, what is Crater Lake? Over 7,000 years ago, Mount Mazama exploded and formed Crater Lake. It is now considered the deepest lake in the United States. There are NO inlets or outlets into Crater Lake, meaning the lake is fed entirely through rain and snow. This is also a reason for its bright blue, clear water.

Before planning your trip to Crater Lake, here are some things you should know:

First, YES.. this can be done in a day IF you plan it out ahead of time and know your commute time! The most amazing thing about Crater Lake is the sunrise or sunset, so I would try your hardest to see one of those. If you’re not staying in the park, you could stay in southern Oregon like Ashland, Grants Pass or Medford, or Ashland. You can also visit from Bend or Roseburg, but you are looking at about a 2 ½ to 3 hours commute each way. If you’re coming from Portland, you ar looking at 4.5 hours each way.

Secondly, while Crater Lake is STUNNING, I don’t suggest more than two full days.

Third, there is only one gas station at the visitor center. Fuel up and start with a full tank of gas.

Crater Lake holds a ‘Ride the Rim‘ event for FREE annually where you can bike or walk around the lake! You will want to avoid Crater Lake during this time as the road is closed for cars.

If you want to camp or stay IN the park you need to make your reservation WELL in advance. There are a variety of overnight accommodations for any person.
-Places to camp within the park would be: Lost Creek Campground and Mazama Lake
-Other camp places within 30-60 minutes would be: Diamond Lake, South Shore Pavilion, Thielsen View, Broken Arrow, Lemolo Lake/ Crater Lake North KOA, and Lemolo Lake My personal favorite thing was experiencing both the sunrise and sunset at this park. I HIGHLY suggest it!

Moreover, dogs are not allowed on the trails, but they can be in the park during your rim drive. They can also be out at the viewpoints on cement and near the visitor center. If you do bring your dog, I would stick to the one-day itinerary provided below!

There’s a $30 entrance fee for vehicles, but the park also accepts the America the Beautiful pass 

If you are coming with animals or people who are unable to hike, the Rim Drive is an AMAZING substitute! It is a 33-mile-long drive circumnavigating the lake and is accessible for all cars. Allow for 2 hours.

Importantly, always check road conditions ahead of time to assess for fires or restrictions nearby. Crater Lake National Park is open in the winter, but expect a snow filled lake! You can visit Rim Village in the winter and check out the vista views or rent snowshoes to explore the magical snow-filled lake. Hint: the sunset views are spectacular in the winter! You will want to check snowfall and road restrictions prior to planning your winter trip as some entrances and roads are closed.

Lastly, don’t forget your snacks!

Here are your details below for a one- or two-day itinerary (with preference for two days).

One Day Itinerary:
1. First, visit the Crater Lake Visitor Center! Assuming you left your town early morning, you will likely get to the lake by 10 AM. Once you have arrived at the visitor center, you can get a map and general idea of the park.
2. After that, complete the Rim Drive! This is a 33-mile drive around the park with many photo opportunities and a chance to see the entire park. With the many beautiful stops, you should plan for at least two hours.
3. Thirdly, if you are dog free* and wanting to go for a hike, I suggest Mount Scott which should take about three hours or Watchman Peak Trail which should take about one hour.
3. Importantly, if you are NOT dog free, your hiking options will be:
Lady of the Woods (as long as the trail is free of significant snow)
Godfrey Glen (as long as the trail is free of significant snow)
Annie Spur Trail (connects PCT hikers to Mazama Village)
Pacific Crest Trail (the official PCT, not the “alternate” PCT along the rim of the lake)
4. Depending on the time, if you are close to sunset, stay in the park to watch sunset! With or without your dog go to Watchman Peak Trail parking lot.
5. Lastly, it is time to say your goodbyes to the park!


Full Weekend Itinerary:
Day One
1. First, visit the Crater Lake Visitor Center! Assuming you left your town early morning, you will likely get to the lake by noon. Once you have arrived at the visitor center, you can get a map and general idea of the park.
2. After that, complete the Rim Drive! This is a 33-mile drive around the park with many photo opportunities and a chance to see the entire park. With the many beautiful stops, you should plan for at least two hours.
3. Thirdly, if you are dog free* and wanting to go for a hike, I suggest Mount Scott which should take about three hours or Watchman Peak Trail which should take about one hour.
3. Importantly, if you are NOT dog free, your hiking options will be:
Lady of the Woods (as long as the trail is free of significant snow)
Godfrey Glen (as long as the trail is free of significant snow)
Annie Spur Trail (connects PCT hikers to Mazama Village)
Pacific Crest Trail (the official PCT, not the “alternate” PCT along the rim of the lake)
4. Depending on the time, if you are close to sunset, I highly recommend staying in the park to watch sunset! With or without your dog go to Watchman Peak Trail parking lot.
5. Lastly, it’s time to set up camp!

Day Two:
1. First, if you were unable to hike on day one, start your morning with a hike to the top of Mount Scott. This will take roughly 3 hours.
2. After that, check out Cleetwood Cove with a boat tour departing from Cleetwood Cove (dogs NOT allowed).
-The Standard Lake boat tour leaves from the Cleetwood Cove Boat Dock at the north side of Crater Lake. You will need to hike the Cleetwood Cove Trail, one of the park’s steepest trails, to access the boat. The trail is 2.2 miles long roundtrip, strenuous and has a 700-foot elevation change (700 ft down to the dock). To reach the dock, you will need to hike the Cleetwood Cove Trail. The trail can take 30-45 minutes.
3. Finally, drive back home and say goodbye!

Like what you read? Check my travel blog for more itineraries, PNW destinations, PNW hikes, PNW travel and vacation, road trip ideas and overseas travels!