2025 Things to do in Crater Lake National Park: How to Have an Epic Adventure

If you’re planning a trip to Oregon’s only national park, you might be wondering about the best things to do in Crater Lake National Park. From scenic drives and hiking trails to boat tours and stargazing, this destination is packed with potential for you to have unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, the activities below will help you make the most of your visit.

Crater Lake is one of those places that completely takes your breath away. I remember my first visit (during winter + requiring snowshoes) like it was yesterday. Although winter here was a total dreamland, there is definitely a special magic to the park come summertime.

{RELATED POST: Discover the Wild Winter Side of Crater Lake}

Words can’t fully describe how incredible Crater Lake is: be so blue, so pure, and so perfectly cradled inside a volcano. Also, I’d argue that they can’t cover how refreshing it feels to dive into the waters for the first time on a hot day. I hope you get to experience all of this and more for yourself!

Ultimate Guide: 11 Crater Lake National Park’s Must-Do Activities

1. Get Acquainted at the Steel Visitor Center

Start your adventure at the Steel Visitor Center. Every half hour, they play a short 22-minute documentary that does a beautiful job of setting the scene—it covers the eruption of Mount Mazama (which once stood nearly 12,000’ tall!) and how Crater Lake came to be. It also weaves in the cultural and historical significance of the area.

You’ll also find books, stickers, pins, and other fun souvenirs here.

Bestie tip: Don’t forget to grab the park’s free newspaper-style brochure outside—it has a map, trail details, and the most up-to-date info on closures. Since phone service is basically nonexistent in this remote park, you’ll be referring back to it a lot.

2. Drive the Rim Drive

Yes, you can actually drive all the way around the caldera! The Rim Drive is 33 miles of jaw-dropping views. Some of my favorite stops include:

• Cloudcap Overlook – the highest point you can drive to.
• Watchman Overlook – perched on a saddle, this stop has restrooms and sweeping views. We even saw a buck wandering through the meadow at sunset.
• Vidae Falls – a little roadside waterfall framed by bright yellow wildflowers.

If you only have one day and want to check off a few classic things to do in Crater Lake National Park, this drive is the perfect starting point.

3. Hike Down to the Shore at Cleetwood Cove

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The only way to actually touch the lake is by hiking the Cleetwood Cove Trail. It’s 1.1 miles with 700 feet of elevation gain, and it’s so worth it. We saw people of all ages tackling it, and there was a little tradition of high-fiving at the top once you conquered the climb back up.

At the bottom, you can dip in the icy-cold water (or at least splash your hat and shirt to cool off). The shoreline is rocky—think large boulders, not sandy beaches—so rock sandals were a lifesaver. For me, the Newport sandals by Keen get the job done. They are supportive enough for short hikes, and protect my feet from rocks when I’m swimming.

Keep in mind that no floaties, goggles, or paddleboards are allowed to keep the lake’s pristine water pure. Let’s do all our part to keep this lake pristine for generations to come!

Parking fills up by 9 a.m. on weekdays, but you can sometimes snag roadside parking if you pull fully off the pavement. Near the shore, there’s even a popular cliff-jumping spot if you’re feeling brave (and are a confident swimmer).

4. Ride a Boat Tour Around the Caldera

From Cleetwood Cove, you can also hop on a boat tour! There are three options: a standard scenic tour, a Wizard Island tour, or a Wizard Island shuttle. We did the standard and loved it—our interpretive guide gave so much helpful context about the lake’s geology and history.

Boat tours run from summer until mid-September. Just note: after 2025, all lake shore access (including boat tours) will be closed until about 2029 for major construction.

Bestie tip: Book early if you can, but a handful of tickets are released 24 hours in advance. We lucked out this way, though it took a few tries.

5. Look for “The Old Man”

Floating around the lake is a 500-year-old mountain hemlock log affectionately called “The Old Man of the Lake.” First spotted in 1886, he surprisingly drifts around vertically (like a bobbing log) and is most easily seen on a boat tour. Bring binoculars if you want a better chance at spotting him!

6. Go Stargazing

Crater Lake’s dark skies are unreal. If you’re camping at Mazama Campground, you can stargaze from your site. But for the best experience, pull over at one of the Rim Drive overlooks and watch the Milky Way light up the sky.

{RELATED POST: Why Mazama Campground is the Best Crater Lake Stay}

Bestie tip: It takes about two hours after sunset for the skies to truly get dark. Be sure to let your eyes adjust by putting your phone away and just soak it all in. Oh, and it is a good idea to check the moon – as when it is more full, the skies will be much brighter which will hide many stars from view.

7. Hike Watchman Overlook for Sunset

This short but rewarding trail leads to a historic fire lookout with a front-row seat to one of the best sunsets you’ll ever see. From the top, you’ll have views of both the lake and the surrounding national forests and mountains. It’s not a big summit, but sharing the moment with others makes it even more special.

Interestingly, we actually spotted a wildfire the night we caught sunset here. Thankfully, firefighters had it under control by the next morning. As our summers get drier and hotter due to climate change, it is a very good reminder to keep up with current fire restrictions, avoid parking on dry grasses, and never light fireworks in a national park.

8. Hike Mount Scott

For a challenge, tackle Mount Scott, the highest point in the park. It’s a 4.4-mile roundtrip hike with 1,250 feet of gain. We didn’t get to do it, but everyone I talked to who had absolutely raved about the views.

9. Stroll the Sun Notch Trail

If you’re looking for something quick and easy, the Sun Notch Trail is a gem. It’s only 0.8 miles with minimal elevation gain, but it gives you a killer view of Phantom Ship—a jagged little 16-story-tall island that predates the eruption of Mount Mazama. Somehow, it survived the blast! Get a lot of bank for your buck with each step.

10. See the Pumice Desert

On your way in or out of the park, keep an eye out for the Pumice Desert. It looks like a golden prairie, but it’s actually a valley filled with over 200 feet of volcanic debris from the eruption. It’s a stark, fascinating landscape that feels totally different from the rest of the park.

11. Grab a Bite at Annie Creek Restaurant

Pack in most of your meals, but do yourself a favor and make one stop at the cozy Annie Creek Restaurant. The pancakes with local marionberry syrup are dreamy, and the wood-fired pizzas are big enough to share. I couldn’t resist the brownie à la mode with Umpqua ice cream.

The wait can get long, so add your name to the list early. Also—bring an insulated water bottle to take home your ice water. Trust me, ice is a hot commodity here (we saw it selling for $12 a bag at the camp store!).

Bestie Tip: While here, take the opportunity to fill up your gas tank. We found it to be reasonably priced – yay! Note that only regular unleaded has is available within the park (and this is the only gas station).

This post was all about the best things to do in Crater Lake National Park.

From challenging hikes to roadside waterfalls and stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the U.S., every corner of this park is unforgettable. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, the things to do at Crater Lake National Park never lose their magic. Happy exploring!