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Crater Lake
Formed by the collapse of an ancient volcano, Crater Lake National Park centers on the deepest lake in the United States, known for its striking blue water.
Top Stops
Top places to visit in Crater Lake, from signature stops to easy additions for the trip plan.
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Point of interest
Sun Notch ViewpointScenic overlook has views of the Phantom Ship and Dutton Cliffs, with the option for a moderate hike.
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Point of interest
Kerr Notch and Phantom Ship OverlookThe Phantom Ship Overlook at Kerr Notch offers great views of the Phantom Ship, a 300-foot-long, 16-foot-high island of jagged rock.
Information
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Basic Information
Operating HoursCrater Lake National Park is open year-round, though most campsites, hotels, and restaurants close October through May.
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Outside the Park
Fort Klamath, Ore.The town of Fort Klamath is named after a military outpost that was built here in the mid-1800s on the western end of the Oregon Trail.
Auto Tour
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Point of interest
North Entrance StationThe North Entrance Station provides access to the park from Route 138 and Route 230.
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Point of interest
Merriam PointComing from the North Entrance Station, Merriam Point is considered a good first stop to view the lake.
Hiking
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Point of interest
Sun Notch Viewpoint TrailThis scenic overlook of the Phantom Ship and Dutton Cliffs includes the option of a moderate hike.
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Camping
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Point of interest
Mazama Village CampgroundThe park's largest campground is seven miles from the caldera rim.
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Tours
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Point of interest
Cleetwood Cove TrailThe Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only legal and safe way of accessing the Crater Lake shoreline.
Point of interest
Wizard Island ToursLearn about Crater Lake's history and make a stopover on Wizard Island for hiking, swimming fishing and more
Lodging
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Point of interest
Crater Lake LodgeCrater Lake Lodge is one of the more luxurious options for lodging in Crater Lake National Park.
Point of interest
The Cabins at Mazama VillageAlso known by the name "The Cabins at Mazama Village," this cluster of 40 guesthouses is a nice in-between lodging option.
Point of Interest
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Point of interest
Steel Visitor Center and Park HeadquartersThe Steel Visitor Center and Park Headquarters greets you four miles south of the southern park entrance and Mazama Village Campground.
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Point of interest
Rim VillageRim Village is, in many ways, the center of all the action at Crater Lake National Park -- besides, of course, the lake itself.
Restrooms
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Point of interest
Steel Visitor Center and Park HeadquartersThe Steel Visitor Center and Park Headquarters greets you four miles south of the southern park entrance and Mazama Village Campground.
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Point of interest
Crater Lake LodgeCrater Lake Lodge is one of the more luxurious options for lodging in Crater Lake National Park.
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Point of interest
Rim VillageRim Village is, in many ways, the center of all the action at Crater Lake National Park -- besides, of course, the lake itself.
Parking
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Point of interest
Merriam PointComing from the North Entrance Station, Merriam Point is considered a good first stop to view the lake.
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Point of interest
Watchman OverlookWalk a short paved walkway along the caldera rim to a wonderful view of Wizard Island, the largest island in Crater Lake.
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Point of interest
Crater Lake LodgeCrater Lake Lodge is one of the more luxurious options for lodging in Crater Lake National Park.
Food
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Point of interest
Rim Village Cafe and GiftsThe Rim Village Cafe and Gifts feature a grab-and-go menu of soups, salads, and sandwiches.

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Point of interest
Mazama Village Camper StorePick up all of the basics you need for your Crater Lake camping trip here.
Picnicking
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Point of interest
Watchman OverlookWalk a short paved walkway along the caldera rim to a wonderful view of Wizard Island, the largest island in Crater Lake.
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Point of interest
Vidae FallsVidae Falls is a 100-foot, spring-fed waterfall located on the side of East Rim Drive.
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Point of interest
Mount Scott Trail Head and Picnic AreaMount Scott is the highest point in Crater Lake National Park.
Support
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Point of interest
Crater Lake Natural History AssociationThe Crater Lake Natural History Association supports ongoing educational and scientific initiatives in the park.
Point of interest
Crater Lake Ski PatrolThe volunteer-based ski patrol helps maintain trails during the winter, informs visitors of winter safety rules, and aids with search and rescue missions.
Point of interest
Friends of Crater Lake National ParkHelps protect and advocate for the park's natural and cultural resources through fundraising and volunteering.
Nearby Parks Around Crater Lake
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Nearby Points of Interest Around Crater Lake
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Crater Lake National Park
The deepest lake in the United States, Crater Lake's waters sink 1,943 feet into a dormant volcanic caldera.
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Overview
The deepest lake in the United States, Crater Lake's waters sink 1,943 feet into a dormant volcanic caldera.
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Steel Visitor Center and Park Headquarters
The Steel Visitor Center and Park Headquarters greets you four miles south of the southern park entrance and Mazama Village Campground.
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Lady of the Woods Trail
The Lady of the Woods loop takes you to the historic "Lady of the Woods" sculpture.
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Castle Crest Wildflower Trail
The Castle Crest Wildflower Trail is moderate hike on the south end of the park.
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Garfield Peak Trail
The Garfield Peak Trail has panoramic views of the lake, the Phantom Ship, and the southern side of the park.