9 Things to Do at Crater Lake in the Summer

Crater Lake National Park is Oregon’s only national park, and it is truly unique. This pristine lake is the deepest in America and was formed when Mount Mazama erupted and collapsed. The lake is filled solely by rain and snow precipitation. These things to do at Crater Lake are the perfect way to spend 1-2 days in this truly special national park.

Fun Facts About Crater Lake

Crater Lake is the deepest in America at 1,943 feet, and it is so clear that you can see over 100 feet down into the water.
No one knows where the water in Crater Lake goes. The amount of precipitation is double the evaporation rate, so the water in the lake has to be going somewhere, but there is no water source exiting the lake. Water has to seep out at 2 million gallons an hour to maintain its water level. But where is it going?!
On average, Crater Lake gets 43 feet of snow each year, making it one of the snowiest places in America.
The Klamath Indian tribe describes the collapse of the volcano and the formation of the caldera as a colossal battle between spirit gods.
Crater Lake was once called Blue Lake in 1862 and then Lake Majesty in 1865. In 1869, a newspaper editor visited the lake and referred to it as “Crater Lake” in his article. And the name stuck!
Two islands rise out of the lake, Wizard Island (because it looks like a wizard’s hat) and Phantom Ship (because it looks like an old, creepy ship).
There is a vertically floating log in Crater Lake, named The Old Man of the Lake, that has been floating upright for over 120 years.

The Best Time to Visit Crater Lake

Crater Lake National Park is open 24 hours a day, year round. However, the Rim Drive and other roads in this park do not open until mid-July to mid-October. Generally, the park starts clearing snow off the roads in April. Specific road opening and closing dates vary year to year depending on snow fall. I visited the week of July 4th, and only half the Rim Drive was open. So consider this when planning your visit.

How to Get to Crater Lake

The closest major airport is Portland, Oregon and will take you a little more than 4 hours to drive to the national park. Other smaller and regional airport options you can fly into and their distance away are listed below:

Eugene – 2.5 hours
Redmond/Bend – Less than 2 hours
Medford – 1 hour, 15 minutes

Entrance Fee for Crater Lake

The entrance fee to Crater Lake is $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass May 22 – Oct 31 and $20 Nov 1 – May 21, or you can buy an annual pass for $55 . You may want to consider purchasing an America the Beautiful park pass, which will allow you into all national park services lands for a year for one single fee. The American the Beautiful Interagency pass is $80. Also, if you have a 4th grader in your household, you can get a family pass for free to the national parks that is good for a year. Find out more about that benefit here.

Where to Stay at Crater Lake

Crater Lake National Park is not located near any large cities or towns, so finding lodging may be a challenge especially during the summer months. The two accommodations that are loosely affiliated with the park are Crater Lake Lodge and The Cabins at Mazama Village. Or you can camp inside the park at Mazama and Lost Creek (not open in 2023) Campgrounds.

Outside the park, Klamath Falls is the nearest town with the most hotel options and is located about an hour away. I stayed at Diamond Lake Resort located just 15 minutes from the north entrance. No matter where you stay, book your stay well in advance of your arrival because lodging does fill up.

Where to Eat at Crater Lake

I really prefer to pack a picnic lunch when visiting national parks, so I can eat at a picnic area or on a hike without interrupting my daily itinerary. However, I know sometimes that doesn’t work out for people. If you are one of those people who will not bring a picnic lunch with you, there are some dining options inside the park. Rim Village Café and Gifts sell quick service items like sandwiches, salads, and snacks. At Mazama Village, Annie Creek Restaurant & Gift Shop offers sandwiches, soups, pizza, and more, and Mazama Village Store sells groceries and camping needs. For a more formal meal, consider eating at Crater Lake Lodge Dining, which may require reservations.

What to Pack for Crater Lake

Water!! I recommend bringing a refillable water bottle or two. Oregon charges a tax on plastic bottles, so it is best if you use a refillable one. Not to mention, it is better for the environment!
Bug Spray – Keep those pesky bugs away!
Sunscreen – Protect your skin from the sun, and do not forget to reapply.
Hat – More sun protection to block the sun from your face, but the hat can also keep rain off your face.
Hiking shoes/boots – These are waterproof so walking on the beach or in muddy areas will not be a problem. Here are the men‘s version of the hiking shoes I love.
Hiking socks – The best way to prevent blisters is by keeping your feet dry. Moisture-wicking socks are the best way to do that.
Backpack – A backpack is a necessity when hiking to carry your water, snacks, sunscreen, etc. that you may need on your longer hikes.
RTIC Soft-Sided Cooler – Keep your drinks and your picnic lunch cool in this soft cooler.
Packing Cubes – Keep your stuff organized in your luggage with these packing cubes.
Rain Jacket – Rain can (and probably will) occur at some point while in Oregon, so make sure to pack your men’s or women’s rain jacket.
Jacket – Even in warmer months, the temps can be cool so pack a light men’s or women’s jacket.

1. Drive the Rim

The 33-mile Rim Drive that circles the caldera is one of the best things to do at Crater Lake and is generally open between mid-July and mid-October. The drive has 30 named and unnamed pullouts where you can get different views of the vibrant blue lake. Rim Drive ranges in elevation from 6,500 feet to almost 7,900 feet. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can bike the 33-mile circle. Every second and third Saturday in September, the East Rim Drive is closed to vehicles so bicycles can traverse the road without sharing it with motorists. You should allow at least 2 hours to drive the full rim and have time for the overlooks.

2. Take a Hike

You will likely want to stretch your legs a few times while driving around the park. That is why taking a hike is one of the great things to do at Crater Lake. Whether you choose to do easy, moderate, or difficult hikes, this park has you covered. Listed here are some recommended easy hikes for you to take:

Castle Crest Wildflower Garden Trail (1.3-mile loop)
Sun Notch Trail (0.8-mile loop)
Pinnacles Valley Trail (0.8-mile out and back)
Plaikni Falls Trail (2.0-mile out and back)

For moderately difficult trails, try:

Cleetwood Cove Trail (2.1-mile out and back)
The Watchman Peak Trail (1.7-mile out and back)
Discovery Point Trail (2.1-mile out and back)

3. Tour Wizard Island by Boat

During the summer, one of the most unique things to do at Crater Lake is take a boat tour. There are several options when booking your boat tour. You can exclusively get great views of the caldera and islands, or you can take a boat tour that also allows time to hike or swim from Wizard Island. It is important to note the only way to get to the boats is by hiking down the rim to the lake via the Cleetwood Cove Trail (1.1 miles each way). This trail is fairly steep and could be difficult for some to traverse.

4. Swim in the Lake

Swimming in this giant lake is one of the coldest things to do at Crater Lake. The only way to get to the lake’s shoreline is by climbing down the rim on the Cleetwood Cove Trail. Find a good spot along the rocky trail, and make sure to pack your water shoes. If you are in the lake longer than a few seconds, I’d be impressed because that water is freezing! Not literally, but it sure feels like it! If you stay on the trail past the boat docks, there are places where people cliff jump.

5. Catch a Fish

Believe it or not, there are fish in Crater Lake! Specifically, kokanee salmon and rainbow trout. Sun Creek and Lost Creek are the only 2 streams where fishing is not allowed due to the endangered bull trout habitats. You do not need a fishing license to fish inside park boundaries. To avoid an infestation of invasive species, organic bait, live or dead, is not permitted. Likewise, no waders, wetsuits, boats, or other gear are allowed. There are no size restrictions or catch limits for the salmon or rainbow trout.

6. Stay the Night at Crater Lake Lodge

Staying the Night at Crater Lake Lodge is one of the most historic things to do at Crater Lake. The hotel first opened in 1915 and was re-constructed in 1995 to make it more earthquake-stabilized. The lodge was built 1,000 feet above the lake and has magnificent views of the caldera rim.

7. See a Waterfall

Seeing a waterfall is one of the most majestic things to do at Crater Lake, and this park has 3 of them. Plaikni Falls, Vidae Falls, and Duwee Falls are the three located inside park boundaries. However, if you are willing to drive a short distance from Crater Lake, Umpqua National Forest has several tremendous waterfalls for you to see. Toketee Falls (pictured above) and Watson Falls are the two most impressive waterfalls in the region. Other nearby waterfalls include Lemolo Falls, Clearwater Falls, and Whitehorse Falls.

8. Watch the Sunrise or Sunset

If you are willing to get up early or stay up late, watching the sunrise or sunset is one of the most magical things to do at Crater Lake. During the summer months, the sun rises between 5:30 and 6:30 am, and the sun sets between 7:45 and 8:45 pm. Make sure to check the specific times during your visit so you don’t miss it! Also, be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise or stay 30 minutes after sunset to witness the lake at twilight.

9. Star Gaze at the Lake

One of the coolest things to do at Crater Lake is stargaze and get views of the Milky Way. The best times to stargaze is during the summer months when humidity is high, the sky is clear of clouds, and there is no full moon. The air is so pristine, visibility is around 190 miles. I just happened to visit during a full moon, so stargazing wasn’t really an option for me. But moongazing was still really amazing as the bright moon lit up the lake.