Ultimate Crater Lake Itinerary: Plan Your Perfect Adventure

When we first looked at visiting Crater Lake, I really couldn’t find a lot of information about what to do, especially with kids. Luckily for you, now we’ve done the leg work and you can just follow along! Not only do we have the experience of exploring multiple national parks, but we’ve also explored Crater Lake first hand so you know what things to do while you’re there. Here’s the ultimate itinerary to Crater Lake for great time during your visit. Enjoy the beautiful panoramic views along the rim, unique geology of the area, and dip your feet in the deepest lake in the US!

This Crater Lake itinerary is the last part of our Fall 2024 trip that included Lassen Volcanic and Redwood National Parks. We spent almost two full days at Crater Lake, but this could easily be condensed or extended depending on what you are interested in. If possible, I really recommend staying overnight so you can enjoy the night sky! Before you head to Crater Lake, make sure to check out the closures.

One thing to do at Crater Lake is take a picture at the entrance sign

📸 National Park Sign

We have a tradition of a family photo at each National Park Sign, like I’m sure a lot of you do! There is a seasonal northern entrance, western entrance, and southern entrance.

🥾 Annie Creek Canyon

First hike you’ll come to from the south or west is Annie Creek Canyon.
At 2.2 miles round trip, this hike is considered moderate and takes about 90 minutes.
You’ll see wildflowers, occasional wildlife, and the deep stream-cut canyon along with Annie Creek

📍Steel Visitor Center

Up the road, stop at the Steel Visitor Center to learn about the history of the park and crater.

🥾 Lady of the Woods

Behind the visitor center, you’ll find this quick hike.
The 0.7 mile easy loop takes you past a “Lady of the Woods” carved in stone.

🥾 Castle Crest Wildflower Trail

Across the street from the visitor center is the Castle Crest Wildflower Trail.
This trail is beautiful in the early summer with tons of wildflowers in the meadow.
At 1.3 miles, it will take you 30 minutes to complete this easy trail.

📸 Vidae Falls

Turn southeast at the visitor center junction onto Rim Drive. This will take you along to Vidae Falls on the north side of the road.
Park at the pull off and walk just a few steps to see this pretty roadside attraction.

🥾 Sun Notch

A quick walk from the parking lot takes you to the edge of the rim. From here, you can see the deep blue of Crater Lake along with Phantom Ship.
This is an easy 0.8 mile loop, but there is a bit of a hill to get up (150′ elevation gain).

📸Phantom Ship Overlook

The official Phantom Ship Overlook.
This is a great alternative to seeing the Phantom Ship if you aren’t able or don’t want to do Sun Notch.
While we were there, they were repairing the small parking lot. It will look really nice when they are done.

🥾 Plaikni Falls

If waterfalls are your thing, make sure to stop here.
At 2 miles round trip, it’s a little longer, but still an easy out and back trail.
Enjoy the wildflowers in early summer on your way to see this 20 foot waterfall.

🥾 Pinnacles Trail

Quick and easy, this little hike was a surprise. The scenery is different than the rest of Crater Lake. The pinnacles, or volcanic spires, are a reminder of the long ago eruption.
Clocking in at just less than a mile and accessible to all-terrain wheelchairs, this is a can’t miss.
Continue walking past the first overlook to the second one, then look back. I think these views are better!

📸 Sinnott Memorial Overlook

After a day full of hiking, stop by the Sinnott Memorial Overlook for beautiful panoramic views of the lake while learning about its formation.

📍 Rim Village and Rim Visitor Center

At Rim Village, you can find the second visitor center overlooking the lake. This visitor center is only open in the summer, so unfortunately, we missed it.
Right next door is the Rim Cafe and gift shop. Here you can pick up to go meals for your hikes and check out the gift shop merchandise. They have some cute Crater Lake themed items.

📍 Crater Lake Lodge

If you have the chance to stay here, do it! We loved waking up with a view of the lake as well as spending time on the back porch just enjoying the view. In the evening, we sat around the fire playing cards.
This is the perfect place to spend the night before finishing out the ultimate Crater Lake itinerary!
Lodge reservations go quick! We booked ours a year ahead of time.
The restaurant requires advanced reservations. Don’t make our mistake!

📸 Crater Rim Drive

Early on the morning of day 2, we headed out to complete the Rim Drive with a few stops along the way.
Allow 2 hours to drive the whole way around the lake with some overlook stops.

📸 Watchman Overlook

A stop on the western edge of the lake where you can capture beautiful panoramic photos.
If you are looking for a moderate hike, you can head up Watchman Peak from this parking lot. 1.6 miles isn’t long, but there is a decent elevation gain at 420 feet. The top of this peak gives you 360 degree views.

Dip your toes in Crater Lake on the ultimate itinerary

🥾 Cleetwood Cove

As the only access to the lake, this hike was #1 on our list. That being said, make sure you are physically fit enough to complete it!
The round trip is only 2.2 miles. There are multiple switchbacks, but the trail is loose gravel. Getting down to the lake is the easy part. On the way up, there is a 700 foot elevation gain over 1.1 miles. The park says “walking up the trail is comparable to climbing 65 flights of stairs.” They aren’t lying! All this to say, it’s worth it. Dipping your toes in the bluest, deepest lake in the US is a once in a lifetime experience.
Of note, there are some regulations on what is allowed in the lake (like no floaties) and where you can swim.
During the summer, you can take a boat tour around the lake or to Wizard Island. We were there too late, but I highly recommend it. When we go back, we will be timing our trip so we can take one.

📸 Cloudcap Overlook

Continuing around the Rim Drive, our next stop was Cloudcap Overlook.
Here, you can witness the effect of strong winds on the trees. They are nearly bent over!

📸 Pumice Castle Overlook

Our last stop on the Rim Drive was Pumice Castle Overlook.
This is one of the only places at the Crater where you can visualize the layers of pumice that have been exposed by erosion over the years.

Bottom Line: Ultimate Crater Lake Itinerary

Crater Lake is a phenomenal National Park with so much to offer. If you are short on time, you can easily hit the high points in a day. We recommend staying at least overnight so you can enjoy the historic Lodge, get some stargazing in, and take your time with all of the sights. With this ultimate Crater Lake itinerary, you’re all set to experience the best of this stunning destination. From breathtaking viewpoints to serene hikes and unforgettable adventures, Crater Lake offers something for every traveler. Use this guide to make the most of your visit, and prepare for a journey filled with beauty, wonder, and lasting memories. And remember to wander more together.