Obviously, your first stop is to stand in awe at the edge of this vast crater filled with crystal clear water. But there’s so much more to see! Check out our recommendations to turn up the volume on your next visit.

WHERE TO STAY

Camp at the Mazama Campground

It’s named after the volcano that created Crater Lake when it erupted over 7,700 years ago. Set up your hammock in the lush old-growth forest campground, and feel the rest of your responsibilities slowly slip away. Ahh, that’s better.

WHERE TO HIKE

Plaikni is an easy two-mile hike to a waterfall etched out of glacial cliffs. It does get a bit busy, so head out to the trail early if you don't want to share your experience with crowds. Be sure to look up at the walls of petrified volcanic ash; you're inside a volcano, after all.

MUST SEE LANDMARK

Visit Wizard Island.

The only way to get to this island (named because it looks like a wizard hat), is to hop aboard the Crater Lake Boat Tour. Then take the boat around the entire lake for a different view of the stunning water.

Some say the island is haunted by spirits—spooky.

WHERE TO SEE SUNRISE/SUNSET

Cloudcap Overlook sits at one of the highest elevation points of the park and boasts panoramic views of the lake. It’s a great place to take in the sunrise, if you’re an early bird.

From the Watchman Overlook, walk a short bit up to Watchman Peak to get a higher vantage point and dramatic views of the last light over the lake. Don’t forget to sneak a few sunset beers in your pack.

QUINTESSENTIAL SCENIC DRIVE

Take a spin around the rim and stop off at the several turnouts to rub your eyes in disbelief over the stunning beauty and possibly the bluest water you've ever seen.

SECRET SPOT

Take a hike on the Annie Creek Canyon trail. This hidden gem is a low-trafficked trail that traverses a babbling creek and delicate wildflowers near the park's south entrance.

WHERE TO REFUEL

Get the pizza at Annie Creek Restaurant in Mazama Village.

WHERE TO ENJOY A COLD ONE

Pack a few brews and head down the Cleetwood Cove Trail. A steep 700 feet decent will take you to the only accessible shore of the lake. It's also the only place to legally swim in Crater Lake. Take a dip in 38-degree pristine water. Oooh—eee, now that's refreshing! Now find a warm rock to lay on, crack open a crispy boy, and try not to think about the climb back up.

SELFIE SPOT

There’s no such thing as a bad angle of the lake. Pick any spot on Rim Drive to pull over and click a selfie.

RADICAL ACTIVITY

You can bike the rim of Crater Lake when the roads are closed during their annual Ride the Rim Event. Cruise along 24 miles of scenic roadway during September for a bike ride you'll never forget.