Crater Lake Discovery and Rim Trail
- Stephen Warner
- Dec 22, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Crater Lake is one of those places that looks too surreal to be real—but it is. The deep blue, mirror-like lake framed by jagged peaks feels like a scene from a dream. And walking the Crater Lake Discovery and Rim Trail gives you the chance to take in this stunner from every breathtaking angle.
Trail Info
Trailhead Name | Discovery and Rim Trail |
Distance | Variable, 5.5 miles / 8.6 km (one way to Merriam Point) |
Estimated time | 30 mins - 4 hours |
Elevation gain | Variable, 300 ft / 100 m (Rim Village to Discovery Point) |
Highest point | 7,300 ft / 2,225 m (Along trail) |
Permits / fees | National Park fee |
Parking | Paved lot |
Toilets? | At Rim Village and Watchman Overlook |
Dog friendly? | No (prohibited) |
Know before you go
Park access and road conditions vary by season. Parts (or all) of the Rim Road may be closed, especially in winter. Always check the NPS website for current updates before you go.
This hike is super customizable. The full trail follows the West Rim, stretching from Rim Village on the southern end all the way to Merriam Point on the northwest side. (Heads up: there’s no walking path on the East Rim.)
Trails nearby and trail modifications
Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km)
Elevation gain: 1,050 ft (320 m)
Details: Leaves from Rim Village and leads to a killer vantage point on the south side of the lake.
Distance: 1.7 miles (2.7 km)
Elevation gain: 400 ft (120 m)
Details: Short side trail off the Rim Trail that offers a bird’s-eye view of the lake
The Trail
My jaunt began on the south side of the lake at Rim Village. You don’t need to walk far to catch a stunning view of Crater Lake and Wizard Island. Despite snow lingering elsewhere, the south-facing slope of Wizard Island was totally bare thanks to springtime sun exposure.
My original plan was to summit Garfield Peak, but the trail was closed. Even in late May, a narrow icy stretch next to a sharp dropoff made it too sketchy. I probably could’ve done it with microspikes, but I wasn’t feeling like gambling with my life that day.
Still, the short detour up the Garfield Peak Trail gave me a beautiful view beyond Crater Lake. That prominent peak in the distance is Mount McLoughlin, and I could just make out Mount Shasta shimmering in the distance.
While Wizard Island tends to grab the spotlight, don’t forget to glance toward the East Rim. I was captivated by the way the ridgelines reflected in the lake. The tallest peak there is Mount Scott, topping out at 8,649 ft / 2,636 m.
The trail itself is mellow. It is mostly dirt with occasional rock, and snow depending on the season. The most noticeable elevation gain comes near Watchman Peak (which you can summit via a side trail). For the most part, the Rim Trail doesn’t hug the edge, so no need to worry about sheer dropoffs.
Unless, of course, you want to get close to the edge. A few spots offer dramatic photo ops like this one.
Gotta do it for the 'gram.
For me, the highlight of the entire trail was Merriam Point, located on the northwest rim. It marks the unofficial end of the Rim Trail, where it transitions into the Pacific Crest Trail. If you hiked here from Rim Village, this is your turnaround point. If you’re sightseeing by car, hop back in and cruise to your next viewpoint. This place has no shortage of them.
SS Reflections
To this day, I think Crater Lake and snowcapped Wizard Island are among the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen. The lake’s crystal-clear reflection, the stillness, and the distant mountain peaks are just spectacular. Unlike many National Park trips where I go full speed trying to hit every trail, this visit was more relaxed. I took my time. Soaked in every view. And kept thinking to myself: How is this place even real?
Other Resources
The NPS official page for visiting Crater Lake
CN Traveler's tips about the park