A 2-day ultimate itinerary for Crater Lake, Oregon

I had a difficult time up front deciding how many days we needed to stay in and around Crater Lake to experience it all. I was thinking about 4 days initially, but in the end I think 2 days would be enough time for you for a superb trip to this deepblue area!

Crater Lake has been established as a national park in 1902, making it the 6th national park in the States. Noteworthy it is indeed. The crater is huge and created out of the cataclysmic volcanic eruption of Mt. Mazama. It really is so big, that it’s just hard to picture it all at once I noticed :). Estimated is that Mt. Mazama erupted some 8000 years ago – eventually forming Crater Lake by blowing off its top. That must have been an enormous moment of natural violence for sure. 

At 592 meters / 1,943 feet deep, Crater Lake is known as the deepest lake in the States. But apart from that, I’m pretty sure it’s one of the bluest ones as well! Looking at it almost hurts the eyes from time to time, that’s how intense its blue colour scheme is. Or the shimmering of the sun on it. 

The lake – also nicknamed Lake Majesty – doesn’t have any other direct water sources than the rain or snow. This basically means that no sediments or minerals are being carried into the lake, helping it being one of the clearest lakes. I was quite surprised that despite all of this pristineness you’re still allowed to swim in it. Though you might not be able to stay for long in the water as it’s usually freakishly cold.. 

Of course, with so many hiking trails and blue beauty views that’ll never bore you there’s no punishment in staying a bit longer than 2 days. In fact, you could even hike some miles of that famous Pacific Crest Trail if that’s something you’ve always wanted to do. The PCT leads in the valley right next to the crater. But if I had to visit Crater Lake again, or if I’d recommend anyone my ultimate itinerary, this 2-day ultimate trip would be it, enjoy! 

Day 1

9 am – A jump in Crater Lake

Upon arrival, I just couldn’t believe how blue the lake was. Especially on a sunny day your photo might seem like photoshopped. See for yourself:

A great way to start your trip is a descent to the caldera. There’s only one trail that leads to the water: the Cleetwood Clove Trail, on the northern side of the crater. The road down obviously isn’t much of a problem, but going up again might be a little tough on the legs :). 

Therefore I’d recommend you to do this hike in the early morning, also because the sky around Crater Lake tends to get cloudy in the afternoon. And you really want to take a dive when the sun is out! 

It took us (30 something and quite fit) around 2,5 hours going down and up with a big swimming break in between. 

If you have some extra time you could also decide to visit Wizard Island. Yes, that’s a volcano within the caldera. In summer boats leave every 15 minutes.

I’d almost went there just because of the epic name, but roundtrips are around $50,- USD more or less. I personally thought this was a lot of money for a small boatride, but if you really want to cruise the caldera or hike that weird little island, it might be worth it. In that case, count yourself some extra hours in here. Here’s another blog specifically about the trip to Wizard Island. 

11:30 am – Cruising around the edge

After this steep hike, sit back and relax while driving along the edge of the caldera. By now, the sky should still be clear enough to enjoy the pristine views both in- and outside the caldera. 

Make sure to stop at:

• Cloudcap Overlook (east side) 

• Victor View (east side) ↓

• Pumice Castle (east side)

• Phantom Ship Overlook (east side) ↓

• I also loved the stop at the eastern picnic area (close to the trailhead of Mount Scott with views on the other side of the crater) as we saw some (baby)deers over there ↓

• Rim Village (southwest side – there are several beautiful overlooks over there)

• Merriam Point (northwest side) ↓

• The Watchman Overlook (west side) ↓

Especially around the north rim there are several other pullouts in case you can’t get enough!

We also hiked from the Watchman Overlook to the Watchman Peak itself. The view from up there ↓

The hike took us another hour in total (roundtrip, with a loooong break at the top). If you’re limited in time, the Watchman overlook itself will do, but otherwise, it’s a fairly steep but short hike up. One that’s totally worth it, especially if you decide not to do any other big hikes later on. 

2 pm – Late lunch at the Crater Lake Lodge

I think the food at most of the cafeterias in the National Parks is quite, well.. gross. There, I said it. Moreover, it’s super expensive too!

For just a couple of dollars extra the restaurants in the National Parks will provide you such better meals and often the ambiance is impeccable in these lodges too. Take the Crater Lake Lodge for example. It has meals for around $15,- USD, a fireplace and a lovely terrace right on the edge where you can chill out in the sun. Perfect in case you need a well-deserved break between it all. 

4 pm – Plaikni Falls Trail

Fueled up? Time for a last hike. Relax… it’s a small one!

I really loved the trail towards the Plaikni Falls. It’s flat and during the late hours of the day you can enjoy the beautiful light that shines through the leaves. Did you know there’s a word for this kind of light in the Japanese language? It’s called ‘komorebi’ over there and I totally understand that they gave this phenomenon a name. 

You’ll find the trail quite close to the crater rim loop on the eastern side. The water of the fall is quite cool and fuzzy marmots love the area too – so try to spot them while you’re there!

7 pm – Sunset and picnic

Obviously, the best side to see the sunset at Crater Lake would be at the eastern ridge. We drove to several lookouts and I think Cloudcap Overlook is the best spot to enjoy the orange and rosy colours at the end of the day.

Bring a coat though – it can be super cold in here, also during the summer days!

Day 2

8 am – A hike to Mount Scott

Mornings are for tough hikes. At least they are in this itinerary :). If you want the best overview of the area, lace up your sturdy hiking shoes and take a few hours for this 8 miles roundtrip to the highest mountain in the area. You may be treated with some wildlife sightings in the early morning along the road too! 

1 pm – Pinnacles overlook

Close to Mt. Scott, the Pinnacles Overlook is worth a little detour in the afternoon. At the end of the Pinnacles Road you’ll directly see the odd spires popping up above the valley. They’ll show you what effects longterm raindrops and wind flows can have, even on the biggest rocks. All in all the pinnacles are quite something to behold. 

If you’re up for more exercise, a small trail (1 mile) next to the overlook leads along the pinnacles and the canyon. 

3 pm – A hike either to Garfield Peak (long hike) or Annie Creek Canyon (short hike)

After lunch it’s time for a last fresh breath of special Crater Lake air during this trip. If you’re in dire need of more Crater Lake views, I’d suggest to to hike the steep but lovely Garfield Peak Trail (3 hours roundtrip). 

But you may have had enough of climbing hillsides after that Mt. Scott trail. In that case I’d opt for the Annie Creek Canyon Trail (1 hour roundtrip). This canyon is spread out along the Mazama campground (because of that this campground is a beautiful place to stay for sure, especially if you’re able to conquer a spot along the canyon). 

The Annie Creek Canyon trail leads along a river with many wildflowers, wooden bridges birds and the occasional mammal. Very lush indeed it was. Before the trail start, grab a leaflet as it  provides some information for along the way. 

Although it may sound though (because ‘canyon’), the road is actually quite easy. It only requires a short hike up (5 minutes) at the very end. The best thing of all is that showers are nearby at the campground! Perfect after a long day of hiking and exploring. 

7 pm – Time for another sunset

Because… can you ever get enough of these? I don’t think so either. 

I hope this helps and wherever you go, enjoy the beauty of the lake and the forest! 

Here’s where to find those highlights! ↓