So, you’ve heard the news—Crater Lake’s Cleetwood Cove Trail and boat tours will be on pause for a couple of years for maintenance. Some headlines make it sound like the whole park is shutting down (spoiler: it’s NOT). But let’s set the record straight—Crater Lake is still one of the most breathtaking places on the planet, and there are tons of reasons why it deserves a spot on your adventure list.
Here’s what you can (and should!) do instead!
Want jaw-dropping views without breaking a sweat? Rim Drive is a 33-mile scenic loop that gives you postcard-worthy views at every turn. Stop at overlooks, snap some Instagram-worthy pics, and soak in the unreal blues of the deepest lake in the U.S.
Tip from the locals: Catch sunrise or sunset for a seriously magical experience.
Hike Your Heart Out
Who needs a boat when you’ve got trails leading to breathtaking views? Crater Lake is a hiker’s dream, with 90 miles of trails and options for every skill level:
Garfield Peak Trail – A challenging but rewarding trek with the best panoramic views of the lake.
Watchman Peak Trail – Short, sweet, and leads to a historic fire lookout with insane sunset views.
Plaikni Falls Trail – An easy, family-friendly walk to a gorgeous waterfall.
Meet the Locals (a.k.a. Wildlife!)
Crater Lake is teeming with wildlife! Keep an eye out for adorable foxes, deer, bald eagles, and even river otters playing in the streams. Bring your camera—this place is a nature photographer’s paradise.
Crater Lake’s friendly squirrels are some of the most charming little residents of this stunning national park! These curious critters, especially the golden-mantled ground squirrels, love to scurry around picnic areas and scenic overlooks, often pausing to pose for pictures. With their tiny paws and twitching noses, they bring extra joy to visitors exploring the deep blue wonder of the lake. Just remember, as tempting as it may be, feeding them isn’t allowed—these energetic foragers are perfectly happy finding their own snacks in the wild!
Snow Lovers, Rejoice! Winter at Crater Lake is a Dream
If you think Crater Lake is epic in the summer, wait until you see it covered in snow! With 40+ feet of annual snowfall, this place turns into a winter wonderland and one of the snowiest inhabited places in America. Try:
Snowshoeing through magical winter landscapes (you can even join a ranger-led tour!).
Cross-country skiing on the best trails in Oregon.
Gorgeous winter photography—because snowy Crater Lake is next-level stunning.
Starry Nights You’ll Never Forget
With almost zero light pollution, Crater Lake has some of the clearest night skies in the country. Lay back, count shooting stars, and soak in the Milky Way in all its glory.
Bonus: Join a ranger-led stargazing program for expert insights into the cosmos!
Ride, Run or Walk on two Vehicle Traffic-Free Days at Crater Lake National Park!
E-Bike Friendly.
Dogs allowed while leashed in designated areas.
FREE event (but please register to help us prepare).
Sure, you won’t be able to swim or boat in 2026-27, but let’s be honest—Crater Lake is way more than that! From stunning hikes to epic views, wildlife encounters, and stargazing, there’s no reason to skip this national park. So pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
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.
