Guide to Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Crater Lake is the deepest lake in North America and is the 9th deepest lake in the world. It is known for its beautiful blue color. It is located in the heart of central Oregon. 

Things to know before you go: 

1. It cost $30 to enter the park-unless you have a National Parks Pass 

2. Although it's a lake it's actually about 7,000 feet elevation- so be prepared for the weather. We went over labor day weekend and it was pretty cold because I didn't realize we would be so high up 

3. If you're looking for a park with amazing hikes than this isn't your park but we still enjoyed the small hikes and taking in the beauty of the lake. This would be a great park for young hikers with little legs that can't do long distances. 

4. There is a road that goes all the way around the lake but it's currently under construction- or it was at the time that we visited and for the foreseeable future. 

5. The park is basically in the middle of nowhere Oregon so make sure you have enough gas before you go. If you are planning on going during summer try to plan on getting there in the morning to beat the crowds and to find parking in the park. Also they have a cafe in the park but it's always good to bring enough food and water. 

6. The only place to camp in the park is south of the lake in Mazama village. 

Hikes: 

Sun Notch Trail 

This was a very easy but very pretty 1/2 mile hike. Easily done by families. You get great views of "Phantom Ship" which is a really neat rock formation that sticks out of the lake and can only be seen in certain parts of the park. You also get nice views of Wizard Island. 

"Phantom Ship" 

Rim Trail

This is more of a choose your own adventure kind of hike. We were able to do about a mile of it before it started pouring rain and we had to turn around and head back because I was worried my child would freeze to death with the cold and then the rain. You hike alongside the rim of the lake and get very pretty views. This is by far the most popular trail. 

Vidae Falls

Ok this really technically isn't a hike but it is a neat waterfall right off the road on the way to Sun Notch Trail. Worth a quick stop and exploring. 

Other things that we wanted to do but didn't have time for 

-Wizard Island 

To get to wizard island you have to take a ferry but there is plenty to explore and there are small hikes on the island itself. 

-Cleetwood Cove 

This is the only way you can actually get to the water itself. Everywhere else in the park you are elevated above the water. Apparently the water is absolutely freezing- I'd believe it. We didn't have time to get to this part of the park but would love to explore it if we have a chance to return. 

Overall 

Overall we didn't get to spend much time in this park because the weather kind of ruined it but we really enjoyed it. We are hoping to come back again in a few years and have more time to spend in the park. This is a great park for families. We really enjoyed it!