Crater Lake National Park is a stunning destination with plenty to see and do. But how many days are enough to truly enjoy it? Let’s explore what you can do with different lengths of stay and help you plan the perfect Crater Lake tour.

One Day at Crater Lake

If you only have one day to spend at Crater Lake, you can still experience its main attractions. Here’s a Crater Lake National Park itinerary for a one-day visit:

Rim Drive: Start with the scenic 33-mile Rim Drive, which offers spectacular views of the lake from various lookout points.
Visitor Center: Stop by the Steel Visitor Center to learn about the park’s history and geology.
Short Hikes: Take a short hike to a viewpoint, such as the Watchman Peak Trail, which provides a panoramic view of the lake.

Wide angle view of Crater Lake form the top of Watchman's Peak — A wide-angle view of Crater Lake from the top of Watchman’s Peak

Two Days at Crater Lake

With two days, you can explore more of what the park has to offer. Here’s how to make the most of a two-day Crater Lake tour:

Day 1:

Rim Drive and Visitor Center: Spend your first day driving the Rim Drive and visiting the Steel Visitor Center.
Short Hikes: Enjoy some short hikes to scenic viewpoints.

Day 2:

Extended Exploration: Spend more time exploring the various lookout points and relaxing at the lakeside picnic areas.
Sunset Views: End your day watching the sunset from the Rim Village area, a perfect way to wrap up your visit.

The number of days you spend at Crater Lake depends on how much you want to explore. One day allows you to see the main highlights, two days let you delve deeper, and three or more days give you the full experience.

Ready to explore more? Check out our Crater Lake Tour: Self-Guided Drive, or sign up for Action+ and gain access to over 180 tours for a single yearly price.