How to Plan the Perfect Day Trip to the Deepest Lake in the US This Summer

Looking to make the most of your one day around the deepest lake in the USA?

In this one day in Crater Lake itinerary, I will give you a play-by-play to one of the most incredibly blue lakes in the country. Explore the full rim drive, hit the hiking trails, and even venture on a boat trip through the crater. I’ll share the route I took in the park during my epic 3 month road trip up the Rockies and down the West Coast.

The park isn’t particularly large, and the main attraction is being around the crater lake. Therefore, one day here is totally enough. However, if you plan on taking the boat trip, it only leaves a few times a day, so you want to make sure you plan well.

Note! This itinerary is for those who visit between late spring to early fall, as most of the park is closed in winter.

Sample One Day in Crater Lake Itinerary

Assuming you are coming in the summer, I’ve put together a sample itinerary that covers the best things to do, from where to stop on the scenic drive to boat tours and hiking trails. Here’s my suggested one day itinerary for Crater Lake National Park:

• Take the Rim Drive and stop at popular viewpoints like Discovery Point and Watchman Overlook.
• Hike down the Cleetwood Cove Trail to the lake itself (Note: This is the only access to the lake’s shore).
• Take a boat tour on Crater Lake to Wizard Island (available mid-June to mid-September).
• Explore the park’s East side, including the Pinnacles Overlook and the Phantom Ship Overlook.

Recommended Places to Stay Overnight:

• 📍Luxury: Crater Lake Lodge
• 📍Mid-Range: Aspen Inn in Fort Klamath
• 📍Budget: Crater Lake Gateway Rocky Point Falls in Klamath Falls

Winter Travel! If you come in the winter, you’re limited to the viewpoints around Rim Village. So, you might only be in the park for a couple of hours. But if you’re into winter activities, you can go snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and activities like that.

Quick Facts To Visiting Crater Lake

Crater Lake National Park, set in a dormant volcano, is home to America’s deepest lake. Established in 1902, it’s the fifth-oldest national park in the US and the only national park in Oregon, covering a vast 183,224 acres of mountains, peaks, evergreen forests, and the cerulean blue lake itself.

Quick Facts	Information
Entrance Fee	$30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass or $80 for the America the Beautiful Annual National Park Pass
Operating Hours	Open 24 hours a day, year-round. Some roads, trails, and facilities are closed seasonally due to snow.
Visitor Center Names	Steel Visitor Center, Rim Village Visitor Center
Park Entrances	West Entrance, South Entrance, North Entrance (Closed in winter)
Main Activities	Hiking, Biking, Fishing, Wildlife viewing, Snowshoeing, Cross-country skiing
Number of Campgrounds	2 (Mazama Campground and Lost Creek Campground)
Hotels	Inside the park ( Crater Lake Lodge and The Cabins at Mazama Village) Although limited, the best nearby lodging options are: 📍Luxury: Crater Lake Lodge 📍Mid-Range: Aspen Inn in Fort Klamath 📍Budget: Crater Lake Gateway Rocky Point Falls in Klamath Falls
Best Time to Visit	July – September
Nearest Cities & Distances	Medford, OR (75 miles); Eugene, OR (125 miles); Bend, OR (90 miles)
Nearest Airports & Distances	Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (80 miles); Crater Lake-Klamath Regional Airport (60 miles)

It’s always a good idea to check the official website of Crater Lake National Park before heading in.

Morning: West Rim Drive and Hike to the Water’s Edge

West Rim Drive

No matter which entrance you are coming in, start your day bright and early with a spin around the West Rim Drive. This 33 mile scenic route is like a compilation of the greatest hits of Crater Lake.

I was so impressed once I finally got my first glimpse of the unbelievably blue-colored lake. There are several good viewpoints to stop and admire the views, like Discovery Point and Watchman Overlook. You can also walk all along the edge.

Hiking the Cleetwood Cove Trail

If you’re coming from the north entrance, you may have to double back up to the north to reach the Cleetwood Cove Trail. This is the only trail in the park that takes you all the way down to the water’s edge of Crater Lake.

This 2.2 mile round trip hike is a bit of a workout, steep, and with a 700 feet elevation change.

Starting from the Cleetwood Cove parking area, the trail descends into a forest of Ponderosa Pines before opening up into a magnificently blue landscape. Traverse a long series of switchbacks that wind down to the lake.

Here, enjoy a perfect spot for a picnic or a refreshing dip in the lake (it’s very chilly!). And, while you’re down there, catch a boat to Wizard Island.

Afternoon: Boat Tour and East Rim Drive

Boat Tour to Wizard Island

Boat tours are available from mid-June to mid-September and can bring you to Wizard Island, the cinder cone that juts out from the sapphire blue waters of Crater Lake.

You can choose from three different tour options, and at most, the boat leaves four times a day. This is the boat tour website for more information on what the daily schedule is.

You can either cruise around the water or land on Wizard Island. The island itself has around 2.5 miles of trails, including a moderately challenging trek to the summit.

Travel Tip! Make sure you leave at least 90 minutes from the entrance to be able to do the hike and make it to your boat. Some boat tour options only leave once a day.

East Rim Drive

As of summer 2023, you can’t circumnavigate Crater Lake as it is under construction, so you’ll have to double back near Rim Village if you choose to do the east end of the lake. That is, after hiking back up the caldera rim.

Covering a distance of 21 miles, the East Rim route is generally less crowded. This road drives through the Pumice Desert, a vast, barren landscape from the region’s volcanic past.

Your first major stop on this drive will be at the Cloudcap Overlook, the highest accessible point in the park at 7,865 feet. Further along the route, take a break at the Pinnacles Overlook and Phantom Ship Overlook.

End your afternoon at the Vidae Falls, a cascading waterfall best viewed in late spring or early summer. Vidae Falls is easily accessible and a perfect way to wrap up your East Rim Drive.

Other Places to Visit with More Time

If you have more time to explore Crater Lake National Park, there are several other places worth visiting.

• Plaikni Falls: This easy 2.8 mile round-trip hike leads to a beautiful waterfall surrounded by wildflowers.
• Sun Notch Viewpoint: A short steep trail leads to an incredible view of the Phantom Ship, a rock formation in the lake that resembles an old sailing vessel.
• Watchman Peak Trail: This moderate 1.6 mile round-trip hike gives panoramic views of the lake and mountains.
• Rim Village’s Trolley Tours: a guided way to go around the rim instead of driving yourself.

Where to Stay

Best Hotels in and around Crater Lake National Park

📍Luxury: Crater Lake Lodge: If you’re looking to splurge a bit, wake up in Crater Lake Lodge with a view of the shimmering Crater Lake right from your room. It’s rustic but has all the modern amenities you need, including a top-notch dining room.

📍Mid-Range: Aspen Inn in Fort Klamath: For a solid mid-range option, Aspen Inn is close to the National Park. The place is clean and friendly, and there’s a great garden where you can unwind.

📍Budget: Crater Lake Gateway Rocky Point Falls in Klamath Falls: If you’re on a budget, Crater Lake Gateway Rocky Point Falls in Klamath Falls has cozy cabins in a woodland setting. It’s in an in-between location, so you can visit both Crater Lake and Lava Tubes National Monument.

Campgrounds in Crater Lake

• Mazama Campground: This place is a dream for anyone who loves easy access to the lake surrounded by an old-growth forest. There are 214 sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire pit.
• Lost Creek Campground: It’s smaller and more secluded.
• Diamond Lake Campground: With 238 sites available for both tents and RVs, it’s a versatile option for all sorts of campers near Diamond Lake.

Plan Ahead! Make your reservations well in advance, especially if you’re looking to stay at the Crater Lake Lodge. Availability can be limited weeks before.

Can you Do Crater Lake in a Day?

Crater Lake National Park is a beautiful destination that can be explored in less than a day. If you come in the winter or you don’t want to go on a boat trip, this park is easily seeable in half a day. Of course, with more time, you can delve deeper into the park’s hidden gems and hiking trails.

Best Time to Visit Crater Lake

Summer is by far the best time to visit Crater Lake, particularly from July to September. During this period, the weather’s nicer, more facilities are open, and you can do more activities.

However, during my first visit to the area, I couldn’t go because of the summer wildfires. Late summer is the strongest risk for them and may cause unhealthy air pollution and even lead to the park’s closure. Check for any fire warnings before you go.

The North and West Rim Drives typically close by the end of October and open in late May to early June. The East Rim Drive will close for longer, between mid-October to mid-July.

Weather Warning! The snowy landscape is amazing, but if you come during the winter, most areas will be off-limits because of heavy snowfall and closed roads.

Spring and fall can also be great times to visit

Spring brings blooming wildflowers and cascading waterfalls as the snow melts, while fall offers beautiful foliage colors. However, both seasons can be unpredictable in terms of weather, and you may encounter rain or chilly temperatures.

How to Get There

The most convenient way is to drive to the park by car. Crater Lake is located in Southern Oregon, and there are three main entrances. the North Entrance is closed for about 7 months of the year. The West Entrance and South Entrance are open all year-round and lead towards Mazama Village. The park is well-connected by highways from places like Portland, Medford, Eugene, or Bend.

If you don’t have a car or prefer not to drive, another option is to take an organized tour. Many tour companies offer guided trips to Crater Lake National Park, with transportation to and from the park.

Final Thoughts: Crater Lake Day Trip

I’ve yet to see a blue that’s like Crater Lake; it’s just such a deep, piercing blue. Whether you are going on a day trip from Portland or a larger road trip, this park is definitely worth the drive. And if you plan on going to other places in Oregon, check out my other posts for where else to check out in the state.

Don’t close that tab just yet…Where to Next in Oregon?

I’ve vanlifed up, through, and about all of West Oregon three times now. If you’re looking for more information on Oregon, check out these other destination itineraries.

• Perfect One Day In Crater Lake Itinerary For First-Timers
• One Day in Portland Itinerary: Best of the City in 24 Hours

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.