Crater Lake Tour: Self-Guided Drive

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4.8

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Tour Details

Tour Type: Driving
Duration: 2 - 3 Hours
Distance:41 Miles
Audio Stories: 35+
No of Starting Points: 2
Purchase Qty: One Per Car
Tour At Your Own Pace
Tour Anytime, Any Day
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Welcome to the Crater Lake Tour

Experience dramatic vistas, clear blue water, and incredible volcanic history with this self-guided driving tour of Crater Lake National Park. Explore Rim Village, hike a trail down to the lakeshore, and take in the views from Watchman Peak. Each stop is packed with natural beauty and geological wonders, plus plenty of fascinating history!

About the Tour

You’ll begin your journey near Rim Village. From there, you’ll cruise along the rim of the lake and catch plenty of expansive views of this natural wonder. Take in views of Wizard Island and learn its volcanic origins. Stop at Merriam Point for a phenomenal vista. And learn about some of the local fauna you might encounter during your drive!

Next, you’ll pass the fascinating Llao Rock, learn about some warring gods of ancient mythology, and have the chance to hike a short trail down to the lakeshore!

Then, ascend to Cloudcap Overlook, one of the highest accessible points in the park. Take a brief detour to Phantom Ship Overlook to view the natural rock formation that resembles a ghostly ship, and pay a visit to Sun Notch Trail for one of the park’s most iconic scenes.

Next, visit Vidae Falls for some soothing natural scenery. Finally, you’ll reach Castle Crest Wildflower Garden. This area bursts with color during the bloom season, providing the perfect finale to your exploration. Your tour concludes here.

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Crater Lake National Park Map

Where To Start?

We recommend Starting From either of the locations:

North Entrance: Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway

South Entrance: Steel Visitor Center Munson Valley Rd

How Does It Work?

Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

What You'll See

Welcome
Your tour begins at
An Explosive Past
Mount Mazama's volcanic eruptions led to its collapse, forming Crater Lake's iconic basin over 7,000 years ago, with subsequent rainfall filling it to create the mesmerizing landscape we see today.
Rim Village
Rim Village, designed for visitors in the early 1900s, offers rustic charm and stunning views of Crater Lake, boasting a lodge, community center, and a promenade along the crater's edge.
Filling the Bowl
Over 250 years, rainfall, snowmelt, and runoff from surrounding slopes gradually filled Crater Lake's vast basin with approximately 4.6 trillion gallons of water, with ongoing volcanic activity adding to its unique ecosystem.
Aquatic Life
Fish introduced by humans in the late 1800s, including rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon, now thrive in Crater Lake's waters, contributing to its biodiversity and ecosystem balance.
Wizard Island
Formed by post-eruption volcanic activity, Wizard Island's distinctive peak resembles a wizard's hat, serving as a reminder of Mount Mazama's explosive past and the ongoing geological processes shaping the landscape.
Watchman Peak Trail
Offering panoramic views of Crater Lake, the historic Watchman Observation Station once served as a fire lookout tower, now providing visitors with a glimpse into the park's natural beauty and history.
Pika pika!
Pikas, adorable yet vulnerable rodents, inhabit rocky slopes around Crater Lake, serving as indicator species for environmental changes and contributing to the park's delicate ecosystem.
Merriam Point
Named after paleontologist John Campbell Merriam, Merriam Point offers pristine views of Crater Lake's deep blue waters, devoid of sediment due to its isolated nature, showcasing the lake's natural beauty.
Llao Rock
Llao Rock, a towering formation of dacite lava, stands as a testament to Mount Mazama's volcanic history, providing a glimpse into the geological forces that shaped Crater Lake's landscape
Fabulous Foliage
Crater Lake boasts ancient old-growth forests, home to species like Whitebark Pine and Mountain Hemlock, showcasing nature's resilience and beauty through millennia.
Wondrous Wildflowers
Over 700 native wildflower species thrive in Crater Lake's challenging volcanic soil, adapting with specialized root systems to blossom in the park's unique ecosystem.
The Mazama Newt
Unique to Crater Lake, the Mazama newt, with its distinct appearance and adaptation to extreme conditions, symbolizes the park's diverse wildlife and geological history.
Cleetwood Cove Trail
Offering access to Crater Lake's shore and ferry service to Wizard Island, the Cleetwood Cove Trail presents a challenging yet rewarding hike amidst stunning natural scenery.
The Klamath
The Klamath Tribes, whose ancestral land includes Crater Lake, honor this sacred landscape, highlighting the park's cultural significance and deep-rooted indigenous history.
Warring Gods
Klamath legend recounts the epic battle between gods Llao and Skell, shaping the narrative of Crater Lake's creation and adding a mythological dimension to its geological origins.
John Wesley Hillman
John Wesley Hillman's accidental discovery of Crater Lake in 1853 marked the beginning of its exploration and recognition, showcasing the serendipitous encounters that shape history.
The James Sutton Party
Led by James M. Sutton, the exploration party's encounter with Crater Lake in 1869 led to the naming of the lake, highlighting the pivotal role of early explorers in shaping its identity.
William Gladstone Steel
Inspired by a newspaper article, William Gladstone Steel's journey to Crater Lake in the late 19th century epitomizes the spirit of adventure and curiosity that continues to draw visitors to the park today.
Pumice
Pinkish-brown pumice rocks in lakeside cliffs highlight the volcanic legacy of Mount Mazama's eruptions, showcasing the formation's unique composition and geological processes.
Victor View
Named after Francis Fuller Victor, Victor View commemorates the contributions of the 'Mother of Oregon History', underscoring her pioneering work in preserving and documenting the region's heritage
Phantom Ship Overlook
Despite its eerie name, Phantom Ship Overlook reveals the geological marvel of ancient volcanic formations, known as Phantom Ship, presenting a captivating sight amidst Crater Lake's waters.
The Old Man
The enigmatic 'Old Man of the Lake', a centuries-old floating hemlock log, adds intrigue to Crater Lake's lore, symbolizing the park's mystical allure and the power of nature's whims.
Civilian Conservation Corps
Acknowledging the Civilian Conservation Corps' vital role in developing Crater Lake's infrastructure during the Great Depression, this stop honors the legacy of public service and conservation efforts.
Adaptable Amphibians
Exploring the resilience of amphibians in Crater Lake's diverse ecosystem, this stop showcases the cascade frog and long-toed salamander's remarkable adaptations to survive in harsh environments.
Sun Notch Trailhead
Offering panoramic views of Phantom Ship and Chaski Bay, the Sun Notch Trail beckons visitors to experience the park's natural beauty firsthand with a leisurely hike.
Applegate Peak
Towering majestically at nearly 8,000 feet, Applegate Peak stands as a testament to the volcanic forces that shaped Crater Lake's rugged landscape, epitomizing the region's geological history.
Vidae Falls
Cascading 100 feet into the depths below, Vidae Falls showcases the park's dynamic water features, fueled by seasonal snowmelt and rainfall, offering a refreshing spectacle to visitors.

Preview The Tour

Tour FAQs

You’ll explore landmarks like Rim Village, Watchman Peak, and Wizard Island, and enjoy breathtaking vistas along the drive. The tour also includes stops at significant geological and historical points such as Merriam Point, Llao Rock, and the Phantom Ship Overlook.

The driving tour typically takes 2 to 3 hours, covering a distance of 41 miles with over 35 audio stories that enrich your experience.

The recommended starting point is the Steel Visitor Center on Munson Valley Road in Crater Lake, Oregon.

It’s advisable to bring water, snacks, a camera, binoculars for wildlife and scenic viewing, and layers of clothing as the weather can change quickly.

Key attractions include the Rim Drive, which offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding terrain, Wizard Island, accessible via boat tours in the summer, and the historic Crater Lake Lodge. Don’t miss the Pinnacles Overlook for its unique geological formations.

Visitors may spot various wildlife, including black bears, Roosevelt elk, mule deer, and numerous bird species like the Clark’s nutcracker and American dipper.

Activities include scenic drives, hiking, boat tours to Wizard Island during the summer, and cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the winter. The park also offers ranger-led programs that provide deeper insights into the park’s geology and history.

Special events like stargazing sessions are organized, especially when the night skies are clear.

Summer (July to September) is the best time to visit for full access to all park facilities and roads. The weather is pleasant, and all services are generally available. Winter offers beautiful snowy landscapes but requires preparation for snow and limited access.

Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during peak summer months. Always check the weather and park alerts before your visit. Be sure to pack layers as temperatures can fluctuate, especially if you’re planning to stay into the evening.

Yes, the tour can be taken any day of the year, although access to some areas may be seasonally restricted due to weather conditions.