Discovering Southern Oregon – August 2024
CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK is the “Gem of the Cascades” and a marvel that can be explored in a single day with a well-planned itinerary. The lake is considered the cleanest large body of water in the world; its water is exceptional for its clarity and intense blue color. There are no rivers or streams feeding the lake—it’s all fed by rain and snow. The lake rests inside a caldera formed 7700 years ago when the 12,000-foot-tall volcanic mountain, Mt. Mazama, collapsed following a major eruption. The lake’s depth is approximately 1943 feet, and the width varies from 4.5 miles to 6 miles and the highest point is Mount Scott, at an elevation of 8929 feet.
To discover the highlights of Crater Lake in one day, start by looking at the park’s webcams on their website and check the availability of boat tours on the lake. There is a camera focused on the entrance of the park that will show you how many cars are waiting in line to get in, and you can also look at the camera focused on the lake to see the weather before heading up. Weekdays and non-holidays are the best time to go, and keep in mind that the Rim Drive is usually closed due to snow from October to late June or early July. Start your journey early with a two-hour drive from Medford via Hwy 62, heading straight to the historic Crater Lake Lodge. Upon arrival, explore the lodge’s lobby and historical exhibits, and enjoy the views of the lake from the rocking chairs on the porch. If tickets for the boat tour are sold-out online, don’t worry, they only sell about half of them online with the other half held for walk-ups at the registration desk at the Crater Lake Lodge or at Cleetwood Cove.
Before you head out to drive around the lake, take a short walk to the Kiser Studio Visitor Center to buy souvenirs and support the park. Visit the Sinnott Overlook for sweeping views and geological exhibits. Next, drive along the West Rim Drive, making stops at Discovery Point to learn about the first European-American to see the lake, and Watchman Overlook for views of Wizard Island.
Continue your drive on the East Rim Drive and park at Cleetwood Cove then hike 45 minutes down a steep trail to the lake. This is where you board the boats, swim, fish or just enjoy the view on the lake. The narrated boat tours give you a close look at Liao Rock, the Devil’s Backbone, Wizard Island, the Old Man, Garfield Peak, Waterfalls, Phantom Ship, Pumice Castle and, most of all, up-close views of the clear, deep-blue waters of Crater Lake. This is an experience not to be missed. The hike back up is strenuous, stopping to see the views is always a good excuse to take a rest. Once back on the East Rim Drive, proceed to Cloud Cap Overlook, the highest paved road in Oregon, and then to Pumice Castle Overlook to spot the colorful pumice rock formation. At Phantom Ship Overlook, see the island that resembles a sailboat, made of 400,000-year-old lava. Take a detour to Pinnacles Overlook to see the 100-foot-tall spires formed by volcanic gases, then stop at Sun Notch for more spectacular views.
Pass Videa Falls and return to the Historic Crater Lake Lodge for a late lunch. There is also food service in the lobby served after lunch beginning at 3pm. The lodge itself is one of the highlights of the park and the restaurant is in a tall dining room held up by Douglas Fir trees complete with the bark. Walls of windows let in the lake views and a large fireplace warms the room when cold. The restaurant serves gourmet cuisine and doesn’t require reservations for breakfast and lunch.
With this guide, you’ll cover all the major highlights of Crater Lake National Park in one day and can head back down the mountain as the day ends, reflecting on the beauty and wonder of Crater Lake. See https://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm for details.