One Day at Crater Lake: How to Plan a Visit 2024

There are so many beautiful national parks in the western part of the United States. If you’re trying to make the most of a road trip or short vacation you want to try to see them all! Crater Lake is a little out of the way but it’s a stunning place to visit. If you’re short on time and need to spend one day at Crater Lake National Park this is how I did it!

This post includes some information about the park, what to see, where to stay, and when to visit.

Some of the links on the page are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase from one of the links, I earn money at no extra cost to you. I’ll only recommend brands I’ve used and love (or an alternative I would book myself). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I always pay for my own travel. I’ll be sure to let you know if that ever changes. If you choose to click through and purchase – thanks so much for the support!

When to Visit Crater Lake National Park

Your experience at Crater Lake will depend a great deal on the time of year you visit.

The best time of the year to visit is going to be June through October. The weather will be warmer and the snow will be melted off. There is a chart on this page that shows the average high, average low, and average snow depth.

Visiting in June means that some of Rim Drive may still be closed. If that happens you’d have to rent bikes to see it. When I visited at the end of June there was still 4 ft of snow on some of the trails! So, it changes from year to year. Check the NPS website.

Crater Lake gets a lot of snow in the winter months. According to the NPS website, there can be 10+ feet of snow at the visitor center late in the season. Many of the park roads close in the winter. But, if you’re down for snowshoeing or skiing you’d love the park in winter.

But, the lake is covered by clouds through a lot of the winter so, even though it’s a great time for winter activities, it’s not the best time to see the lake.

My Essentials for National Park Trips

Great Hiking Shoes. I love Chacos sandals AND my Timberland boots. I really hate hiking boots so it’s high praise for these Timberlands! Chacos pro tip- don’t be tempted by the 3-string option. They are impossible to adjust.

Thick, comfortable socks to keep my boots from rubbing my feet. As a bonus, I can wear them with my Chacos like a total dork for that weird “not quite warm enough” weather.

My Osprey Day Pack. I’ve had it for years. I have no intention of ever getting another day pack.

Binoculars are a must. Every time I forget them I regret it.

My Nikon Z5 is my go-to camera. I love the 70-200mm lens for photographing wildlife.

My Eddie Bauer Rain Foil Jacket is the best rain jacket.

Getting to Crater Lake

Crater Lake, like many national parks, doesn’t have a major city neighboring it.

You can enter the park from the North, West, or South. From Eugene or Bend Oregon, you’ll likely enter the park from the north. Unless it’s winter or early spring/summer, then the road will be closed so you’ll need to head to the south entrance.

From California, you’ll enter from the south.

Navigating to the Rim Village Visitor Center is the best place to start your trip no matter where you’re coming from.

If you’re up for it, consider renting a campervan instead of a car. I’m not an affiliate for them, but I’ve enjoyed every single vacation I’ve taken in an Escape Campervan. I’ve spent weeks driving around in one of their vans and I can’t recommend it enough.

You’ll use your car to get around Crater Lake as well.

Where to Stay for One Day at Crater Lake

Since Crater Lake is 3 hours from Eugene and 2 hours from Bend there aren’t major cities nearby.

Even though this itinerary is for 1 day in the park you’re going to want to spend all of that day exploring. So, staying in or very near the park is best.

The bonus of staying in the park is that you can steal a little bit of time when you arrive and before you leave!

But, if you’re staying in Bend or Eugene and you’re willing to have a super long day and modify your itinerary you’ll be fine!

Camping Options

In the park, you can camp at the Mazama campground. It’s only open in the summer- usually, it’s open sometime in June. It costs $21 for a tent site and a bit more if you have an RV.

In June the sites are available on a first-come first served basis. July – September you need a reservation.

The park campground is definitely what you should aim for but if it’s booked out look at the Diamond Lake Campground. It also requires reservations. It has showers/facilities but most other campgrounds have vault toilets. For a night or two you’d probably be okay though.

Hotel Options

Without major cities your hotel options are limited. There are a few small cities with motels nearby if you get in a pinch. But, if you can stay in the park it’s worth it. This will require you to plan since the lodging in the camp will be booked out!

Stay at Mazama Cabins or the Rim Lodge (closed for 2023 for renovations). Rooms can be reserved up to one year early and you should plan as far in advance as possible.

Outside of the park, this may be your best bet. There aren’t many options.

About Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake became a national park in 1902 and was the 5th US National Park. According to the national park literature, Mount Mazama was a volcano that collapsed 7,700 years ago and the crater formed the lake.

At 1,943 feet it is the deepest lake in the United States. The lake is only fed by snow melt and rain so it is exceptionally clear. The depth plus the clear blue water make this lake extra special!

In the lake, you’ll see Wizard Island and the Phantom Ship.

The Old Man

When you’re on the water you may also have a chance to see The Old Man. This is a 30-foot tree that floats upright in the water and has for years. How it floats the way it does and how it goes there is a mystery. So, naturally, spotting the old man is a special part of a trip around Crater Lake.

Crater Lake: Admission

Crater Lake sells a 7-day pass for a private vehicle. The entrance fee is $30. You can buy it online or when you get to the park.

But, if you’re road-tripping around the Pacific Northwest or going to more national parks (Rainier or Olympic for example) then you’ll want to get the annual pass to all of the national parks. The “America the Beautiful pass is $80 for 12 months.

What To Do In One Day at Crater Lake

Crater Lake is breathtaking so the best thing to do with your time in the park is to see the lake from as many different angles as you can! You’ll spend the whole day taking in the site. It seems too simple but Crater Lake remains one of my absolute favorite national parks. I think you’ll have a similar experience with this Crater Lake National Park Itinerary.

Note, that this itinerary assumes you’re traveling in the summer or at least when most of the snow has melted.
If you’re traveling in winter the things on this list will be closed due to snow.

Sunrise

If you’re staying in the park and feel like getting up early then watching a sunrise is always a good idea (as long as there aren’t lots of clouds). Sunrise will be cold so dress warmly! Plan to leave early and find a pull-out where you can watch the sun come up. You’ll want an east-facing spot so head to the East Ri for the best photos.

Take the Rim Drive

Get an early start to avoid traffic and set out on Rim Drive. Stop at pullouts that look like good views and take your time meandering around the lake.

The road is 33 miles long with 30 overlooks. So, you can get lots of incredible views of the park! Traffic goes both directions around the lake and the whole road is paved.

Note that the road can be windy. So, if you have an RV best to unhook at the campsite.

If you visit early in the season the road may not be fully open to cars. If that happens, you can rent bikes outside of the park and bike around part of Rim Road. I ended up biking out to the Cleetwood Cove trail and back since there was still lots of snow in mid-June when I visited!

Be flexible!

Hike Down to the Water

Cleetwood Cove is the only trail that leads down to the water. The trail is steep and strenuous. It really is no joke. It is 1.1 miles down to the water and drops 700 ft.

Honestly, the switchbacks aren’t bad on the way down. But, you have to come back up!

The hike was worth it for me. Getting near the lake (and jumping into it) was super special. But, it was a bear coming back up!

There are benches along the way so you can go slowly.

Remember how I had to rent a bike? Yea, we biked out, did the hike, and biked back. I was so tired by the time we got back!

Cliff Jump

Once you’ve made it down to the water the real adventure can start! You’re free to swim, wade or cliff jump into Crater Lake.

The water is cold. It can get up to 60 degrees at its warmest. But, jumping in, especially early in the season, gives you quite a shock!

The water is super clear. Which makes the cliff jump or wading kind of trippy. Since it’s so clear the bottom looks much closer than it is. Even if it looks like you can touch the bottom you won’t be able to until you’re very close to shore.

The cliff jump was a spontaneous adventure for me. I got talked into it.

I have no regrets.

But, you can hear from my scream when I jumped that I was scared. It’s still one of my favorite memories from any trip.

Fishing

Even though there is no evidence fish were ever naturally in the lake. It was stocked sometime in the late 19th century. So, now there are lots of fish in the lake! You don’t need a fishing license and there aren’t limits on the fish caught in the lake. But, there are other restrictions to try to keep the lake pristine.

If you enjoy fishing and can make the hike you’d enjoy fishing here!

Take a Boat Tour

During the peak season, you can take a boat tour around the lake. There are two options.

First, is a standard boat tour around the lake. This tour lasts about 2 hours and allows you to get close to Wizard Island, Phantom Ship, and look for The Old Man.

There is also an option to take a boat ride over to Wizard Island. You de-board at the island and can hike and explore a new area of the park.

There is also a shuttle option to Wizard Island if you don’t want to go on the full-blown tour.

For their boat tour, you need to be able to do the Cleetwood Cove hike.

Sunset and Stargazing

The sunset over Crater Lake is beautiful. If you aren’t all hiked out, head up to Watchman Peak for the best view. Park at the Watchman Overlook Pullout. The hike is 1.6 miles total and gains about 420 ft in elevation.

This trail is popular at sunset (and sunrise) so plan to go early to get a parking spot and a good spot on top.

Since Crater Lake is so far from any major city star gazing is pretty good! If you’re there on a moonless night check out the ranger programs to see if star gazing is an option. If not, you can see the stars from your campsite.

Planning your Route for Crater Lake in One Day

Following my itinerary it makes the most sense to head out on Rim Drive clockwise from the visitor center. The Watchman Peak Pull out for Sunrise will be on your way and then you can head to the Cleetwood Cove trail to spend time by the water.

Just be sure you’re on time for your boat tour if you plan to take one.

After you finish up on the shore of the lake, keep heading clockwise around the lake stopping at pullouts as you go.

Other Hikes To Consider in Crater Lake National Park

Cleetwood Cove is the most popular trail in the park but there are several others worth doing. These are the other hikes to consider for one day at Crater Lake.

Watchman’s Peak

1.6 Mile Round trip
520 ft of Elevation Gain
Moderate

Watchman’s Peak Trail provides some of the best panoramic views of the park. This hike goes up to an old fire lookout. They needed a great place to watch for fires and now we get a great place to see the area!

The hike is popular at sunset especially. But, it may also be closed for snow until late in July. So, check the trail conditions with the rangers before starting the hike.

Discovery Point

2.0 Miles Round Trip
100 ft. of Elevation Gain
Moderate

This trail is part of the longer Rim Trail. The trail gives great views of the lake and wizard island. It’s worth taking the time! The views are incredible.

This is the perfect trail to start with if you aren’t planning to go down the Cleetwood Cove trail.

Even if you do the Cleetwood Cove trail this is worth it if you have any energy left.

Sun Notch

.8 miles- loop
150 ft of elevation gain

This end of this hike gives you views of the lake and the Phantom Ship. If you aren’t taking the boat ride this is the best way to see it. There is also a Phantom Ship overlook further down the road.

Castle Crest (July and August)

.5 Miles- loop
100 Ft. Elevation Gain

Castle Crest Trail is one of the trails that go through the meadows near the lake but isn’t a hike along the lake. In July and August, you have a chance to hit wildflower season!

Can you do Crater Lake in One Day?

Yes! To make the most of one day in Crater Lake it’s best to spend a couple of nights in the area. Having a full day means you can make the most of your time in the park without rushing in or out.

Can you do Crater Lake as a day trip?

Yes! Crater Lake is 3 hours from Eugene and 2 hours from Bend. So, it’s on the long side of a day trip. You’ll have to limit what you do. I recommend driving around Rim Drive and hiking down to the water for the best experience in your day.

You’ll miss out on sunrise and sunset but you’ll have a great time anyway!

A day trip to Crater Lake is better than not seeing it!

One Day at Crater Lake

Crater Lake is a gem of a national park. As the 5th ever national park it’s not surprising. Enjoy the grandeur of the lake whether you’re driving around it, hiking to viewpoints, or jumping in for a cold swim.

One day at Crater Lake means going fast. But, you can still see a great deal of Crater Lake in one day. Enjoy it. Take some photos. Crater Lake doesn’t look real and you’ll want to show everyone how incredible it is when you get home!

Let me know how your trip goes and if there’s anything I should see the next time I visit!