Visiting Crater Lake is a must when going to southern Oregon, but there are many other fabulous attractions to explore while there. Crater Lake has many hidden offerings in and around the national park that you will want to add to your itinerary. The stunning view points around Crater Lake can oftentimes be crowded during the summer season, leaving many areas unexplored. To help you sort out some of the best offerings, we have put together 6 attractions near Crater Lake.
Crater Lake Zipline
The Crater Lake Zipline nestled in the Fremont-Winema National Forest is an interactive option for all those who love an adventure. Located 40 minutes away from Crater Lake, this thing to do near Crater Lake will keep you entertained all day long. The Crater Lake Zipline is Oregon’s longest zipline series and the only one that traverses a National Forest in the entire United States. This adventure is guided and will take you approximately 3 hours to complete. While doing this, you will see outstanding views of Mt. McLoughlin, Upper Klamath Lake, and the nearby Cascades. With 9 ziplines, 2 rappels, and 2 skybridges, this high flying adventure will keep you spellbound. Groups of 10 will be escorted along the zipline by a trained guide that will make sure they are educated on zipline etiquette and safety before they begin. There is even a smaller zipline course, Sasquatch Hollow, for the little adventurers that don’t meet the weight or height requirements for the bigger one. The check-in location remains the same for both. Be sure to follow all of the rules set before you and listen carefully to your guide so you can make the most of this fun adventure. Of attractions near Crater Lake, this is definitely one for the whole family to enjoy.
Train Mountain Railroad Museum
The Train Mountain Railroad Museum, located in the picturesque Klamath County near Crater Lake, is a must-visit for train enthusiasts and families alike. Home to the world's longest miniature railroad, the museum boasts over 36 miles of meticulously maintained track that winds through beautiful, forested landscapes. Visitors can explore an impressive collection of model trains and railroad memorabilia, take guided tours, and even enjoy a ride on the mini trains. The museum offers a unique blend of history, engineering marvels, and scenic beauty, making it a fascinating destination for all ages
Upper Klamath Canoe Trail
The Upper Klamath Canoe Trail offers an enchanting journey through some of Southern Oregon's most pristine and ecologically rich wetlands. This 9.5-mile waterway meanders through the Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, providing paddlers with an up-close look at diverse bird species, aquatic plants, and tranquil waters. The trail features well-marked routes suitable for all skill levels, from novice canoeists to experienced kayakers. Along the way, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and marshlands, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers seeking a serene escape.
Located about 20 miles from Crater Lake, Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site is a 19-acre park established in 1955. It features a forested landscape with ponderosas, lodgepoles, and quaking aspens, as well as the Wood River headwaters. Named after a local forest warden, the site offers camping, picnicking, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Anglers can find brook, brown, and rainbow trout in the Wood River. The park has ten basic camping sites and a short trail connecting the campground to the headwaters. Open from mid-April to October, it's an ideal family-friendly destination in southern Oregon.
Annie Creek Sno-Park
Annie Creek Sno-Park, nestled near Crater Lake in Oregon, offers a winter wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts. This scenic park is a popular destination for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, providing well-groomed trails that wind through the serene, snow-covered landscape. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful escape amidst towering trees and pristine white vistas, making it an ideal spot for both adventure and tranquility. The Sno-Park also serves as a convenient starting point for exploring the nearby Crater Lake National Park in its winter splendor, providing ample opportunities for breathtaking views and memorable experiences in the heart of nature.
The Pinnacles
Much like the Pumice Desert in that it is a geological feature that has been shaped due to the collapse of Mount Mazama, the Pinnacles offer an entirely different sightseeing option. The Pinnacles are located in the southeastern corner of Crater Lake National Park. These attractions near Crater Lake are a group of pumice spires, with varying colors of gray and brown, that were formed by erosion. Some of the cones you will see are extremely tall and sharpen to a point, whereas others are more slim. Also known as fossil fumaroles, the Pinnacles are surrounded by the vibrant forests providing a stark contrast with their vegetation free appearance. The best description of the Pinnacles is from one of the interpretive boards at Crater Lake National Park, where it says:
“The history of the Pinnacles began when the eruptions of Mount Mazama were reaching their climax 7,700 years ago. Floods of red-hot, gas-charged pumice poured down Mazama's slopes at speeds reaching up to 100 mph (160 kph). In addition to pumice, flows of heavier rocks called Scoria also tumbled out. These glowing avalanches flooded down slope for miles, leaving deep deposits in their wake. Temperatures in the deposits may have exceeded 750 F (400 C). Plumes of vapors appeared, and gasses escaped from the settling rocks through vents called fumaroles. In the extreme heat, minerals in the gasses welded the sides of the fumaroles in the shape of slender cones. Since then, streams have eroded a canyon through the deposits, exposing the cones. Many of these fossilized fumaroles are hollow."
You can get some of the best views of the Pinnacles from overlooks at the end of the access road as well as along the Pinnacles trail that follows the valley. The Pinnacles hike is short in length, but due to popularity among visitors can be busy. Most times you should not have to deal with large crowds.
Not Too Far From Crater Lake
These 6 attractions near Crater Lake and many other options are all within a half day’s drive and worth the exploration. For some other great attractions near Crater Lake, consider spending some time in nearby Klamath Falls, Chiloquin, or Fort Klamath. These local areas offer many events centered around the surrounding landscape, along with local arts and culture. Whether you choose to take advantage of the Crater Lake Zipline or prefer to see geological wonders, the area surrounding Crater Lake has attractions for everyone. Head over to any of these locations for a great addition to your southern Oregon trip.
If you’re planning your first trip to Klamath, we’d understand if you’re not sure where to begin. You can, after all, visit Oregon’s only national park, hike through a lava tube, and spy migrating birds while paddling Upper Klamath Lake—the largest freshwater lake west of the Rocky Mountains—all in the same day. And that’s to say nothing of the great museums and refreshing brewpubs in the heart of downtown Klamath Falls. That’s why we’ve put together a first-timer’s guide to Klamath—complete with essential activities, what makes each so special, what you’ll enjoy all year long, and how to get started. There’s a lot to love, and we’re excited to inspire a memorable trip with some of our most beloved destinations. So as you start planning, here’s a guide to the best things to do in Klamath Falls and across the region for first-time visitors.