Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States, filling the caldera of a volcano that collapsed nearly 8,000 years ago — and its water is so pure and deep that it registers an almost impossible shade of sapphire blue. There's no river feeding it; every drop comes from rain and snowmelt, which is part of what makes it so clear.
Top Things to Do at Crater Lake
The Rim Drive, a 33-mile loop around the caldera's edge, is the best way to see the lake from dozens of different angles, with pullouts at viewpoints like Watchman Overlook and Cloudcap Bay along the way — though it's typically only fully open from July through October due to snow. The Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only legal access down to the water's edge, a steep mile-long descent that's the sole way to reach the boat tour dock or go for a swim.
Boat tours out onto the lake, including stops at Wizard Island — a small volcanic cinder cone rising from the water — are one of the best ways to appreciate the lake's scale up close, and require a reservation booked well in advance in peak season. Sinnott Memorial Overlook, near the main visitor center, offers one of the most accessible and dramatic views without any hiking at all.
What to Pack for Crater Lake
Crater Lake sits above 6,000 feet, and even summer mornings can be cold, with snow lingering into July in some years. The VacationGrabs Big Outdoor Leather Backpack has room for layers on the Rim Drive and the Cleetwood Cove descent, and the VacationGrabs Leather Travel Backpack is a lighter option for shorter overlook stops.
Book Crater Lake Tours and Experiences
Rim Drive scenic tours, boat tours to Wizard Island, and day trips from Bend or Klamath Falls are among the best ways to experience Crater Lake. Browse Crater Lake tours and experiences below to plan your trip.
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