Only have one day to explore Crater Lake National Park? No problem! There is plenty you can fit in during a day trip to the park.
Located in southern Oregon, Crater Lake became a national park in 1902. Formed after the eruption of Mount Mazama, the crater filled with snowmelt and rainwater over thousands of years to become what we see today. This deep-blue lake surrounded by sheer cliffs offers an awe-inspiring experience. It is a fascinating place to see while visiting the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or just looking for a day of adventure, Crater Lake has something to captivate every visitor. On our one-day journey, we drove the scenic Rim Drive, explored Rim Village, and hiked the Sun Notch and Pinnacle trails.
Planning Your Visit
The park is open year-round but be sure to check the NPS website before visiting. Especially during the late fall and winter months as snow and weather affect entrances and road closures. Crater Lake is less than an hour drive from Klamath Falls, and about 1.5 hour drive from Bend, Oregon, where we were staying.
We visited Crater Lake in late summer, during wildfire season. We only had one day planned for the park, and despite the threat of wildfire smoke, we made the trip. Luckily the smoke cleared up enough for us to truly appreciate the beauty of this amazing park.
Exploring Rim Drive
A great way to see Crater Lake is to take the scenic loop- Rim Drive. This 33-mile road offers a scenic drive that surrounds the lake. Like most national parks, there are many overlooks and viewpoints along the way to stop and take in the sights. You can also access multiple trailheads, picnic spots, and parking areas along the drive. You can drive your own vehicle, ride your bike, or even take the Crater Lake Trolley!
Our first stop on the loop was Discovery Point where you find amazing views of Crater Lake and the famous Wizard Island.
Other popular stops along Rim Drive are Watchman Overlook, Cloudcap Overlook, and Vidae Falls.
Crater Lake Rim Village and Visitor Center
Be sure to make a stop at Rim Village, which offers a large parking area and access to the Rim Village Visitor Center, the Crater Lake Natural History Association Park Store, a café, and restrooms. We explored the Visitor Center to learn more about the very interesting natural and cultural histories of Crater Lake, and of course, get our National Park books stamped! From the parking area you can also take a self-guided walking tour of the Rim Village and Promenade.
Hiking at Crater Lake
If you have time, plan for a couple of hikes to explore the spectacular natural surroundings. Crater Lake offers something for everyone, from easy to strenuous hikes.
Sun Notch Trail
Our first hike was the Sun Notch trail, a short, easy trail that offers beautiful views of the lake and another iconic feature, the Phantom Ship. The hike starts out walking through a forest of giant trees before spilling out into a meadow full of wildflowers! The trail then takes you along the edge of Crater Lake, where you can find multiple places to stop, take pictures, and see Phantom Ship. It was stunning and maybe even a little earie with the wildfire smoke adding to the ambiance. This easy hike is perfect for little ones and remains one of our favorite National Park hikes.
The Pinnacles
Our final stop of the day was a worthwhile detour off Rim Drive to the less visited, yet equally impressive Pinnacles. From the parking area, a brief and easy walk brings you to the Pinnacles Overlook. This viewpoint offers striking views of the tall spires formed from ancient volcanic gas and ash.
The Pinnacles trail itself is a short, easy trail that offers up close views of the Pinnacles and the surrounding landscape. This area of the park was much less crowded and a great place to slow down, meander, and take in the quiet scenery.
Other popular easy hikes in the park include:
- Plaikni Falls Trail: a short hike leading to a beautiful waterfall.
- Lady of the Woods: a serene trail with interesting rock carvings.
- Discovery Point Trail: offers amazing views of Wizard Island and the lake.
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake offers a unique blend of natural beauty, fascinating history, and outdoor adventure, even if you only have one day to explore. From scenic drives and stunning viewpoints to family-friendly hikes and volcanic formations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. If you only have one day at Crater Lake, this is a great introduction to the park. Next time, we’ll plan a two-day trip, add in a ranger program, and take on some of the longer hikes now that the kids are a bit older.
Make sure to plan your visit in advance, check the weather conditions, and embrace the adventure that awaits at this incredible national park. Our day trip was an unforgettable experience, and we can’t wait to return for a longer stay and deeper exploration.
Check out some of our other favorite national parks to visit.
Happy Travels!
