Day Hikes

Shorter Trails--Annie Creek Canyon--1.7 mi. RT. Easy. Access: Via the Mazama Campground Trailhead, between the D and E loops of the campground.

This is a scenic walk through old-growth forest and wildflower meadows, which serves as a nice little break from all the ancient volcanic starkness going on up at the rim. There is an elevation gain of about 200 feet.

Castle Crest Wildflower Trail--0.5 mi. RT. Easy. Access: Park headquarters in Mazama Village.

Summer is short on the rim of Crater Lake, so when the snow finally melts, wildflowers burst forth with nearly unrivaled abandon. This trail meanders through one of the best displays of wildflowers in the park. Late July and early August are the best wildflower periods. Although this trail is judged "easy," be careful of slick rocks, which must be traversed along the way. Hiking boots, or shoes with good tread, are helpful. There is an elevation gain of about 100 feet.

Cleetwood Cove Trail--2.2 mi. RT. Strenuous. Access: North side of the lake, 4.5 mi. east of the North Junction.

This is the only trail down to the shore of Crater Lake, and it stays busy with those trying to get to the water or to Cleetwood Cove to take the boat tour. Because the trail leads downhill, many visitors are lured into thinking that this is an easy trail. It's not! The climb 700 feet back up from the water to the rim is strenuous and steep.

Godfrey Glen--1 mi. RT. Easy. Access: 1.5 mi. past the Mazama Village Entrance, on the right side of the road.

This trail is a very easy walk through an old-growth forest and alpine meadows overlooking the Annie Creek Valley. You'll cross Munson Creek at Duwee Falls before you head back to the car. It's a good walk for kids, with lots of possibilities to see deer, elk, rabbits, and grouse.

Watchman Peak--1.4 mi. RT. Moderate. Access: 3.7 mi. northwest of Rim Village on West Rim Dr.

With a historic fire lookout perched on its summit, the Watchman is one of the high points on the rim of the caldera. A short but steep (655-ft. elevation gain) hike leads to the top for an outstanding view of the lake with the conical Wizard Island rising from the deep blue of the foreground. This is the shortest climb you can make along the rim of the caldera.

Wizard Island--2 mi. RT. Easy to moderate. Access: Take the Cleetwood Cove Trail and then the boat tour, disembarking on the island.

Though it is small, Wizard Island is a great temptation to many Crater Lake visitors. The island, with its steep volcanic cone rising from the deep, is fun to explore for a few hours, and this trail climbs 765 feet up to the island's summit. To spend some time here, take an early boat tour, get off on the island, and return on a later boat. Because most of the hiking is on jagged lava rock, be sure to wear sturdy boots.