The Crater Rim Trail at Crater Lake National Park follows the caldera edge of the deepest lake in North America, stretching up to 6.4 miles one-way from Rim Village to Cleetwood Cove in Klamath County, southern Oregon. The park entrance is approximately 4.5 hours from Portland via I-5 and OR-62, or 1.5 hours from Medford. A $35 per-vehicle entrance fee is valid for seven days; an America the Beautiful annual pass covers admission. No public transit reaches the park; a private vehicle is required. The trailhead at Rim Village sits at 7,000 feet adjacent to the Crater Lake Lodge.
The Rim Trail meanders along the caldera edge at an average elevation of 7,800 feet, with views of the 1,943-foot deep lake from nearly every point on the route. The trail passes Watchman Peak — reachable via a 1.8-mile round-trip side trail to a 1930s stone fire lookout at 8,013 feet — and Discovery Point, where prospectors first sighted the lake in 1853. The trail surface alternates between packed gravel, volcanic pumice, and exposed rock, with undulating terrain accumulating 800 to 1,200 feet of combined gain and loss depending on the section hiked.
The rim environment subjects hikers to intense UV radiation from May through October; the open terrain offers no shade and strong winds are common. Temperatures at the rim drop 10–15°F below valley temperatures, and afternoon thunderstorms build rapidly from late June onward. Carrying warm layers and rain gear is essential even on clear summer mornings. No water is available along the rim section between Rim Village and Cleetwood Cove; the first lake-level access is at the bottom of the Cleetwood Cove Trail. Cell service is completely unavailable throughout the park; downloading offline maps before arrival is essential.
The full one-way traverse from Rim Village to Cleetwood Cove requires a car shuttle or a turnaround return. Day hikers commonly walk the Rim Trail in 3–4 mile out-and-back sections, with the Watchman Peak area and Discovery Point being the most photographed segments. The Rim Drive and most trails typically remain closed by snow until late June or early July, making late summer the primary accessible hiking window.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Crater Lake National Park, Klamath County
- Best season
- July–October (Rim Drive and most trails closed by snow until late June or early July)
What to bring
- Sunscreen (high elevation, intense UV)
- Warm layers (temperature drops 10–15°F at rim)
- Minimum 2 liters water
- Map downloaded offline (no cell service)
Location
Crater Lake Visitor Center, Crater Lake National Park, OR 97604
42.9446, -122.1090 View on map
Highlights
- Unbroken caldera rim views of Crater Lake — the deepest lake in North America at 1,943 feet, visible at nearly every step
- Watchman Peak fire lookout — a 1930s stone structure at 8,013 ft reached via a 1.8-mile round-trip side trail
- Discovery Point — the 1853 first-sighting location with a commemorative plaque and views to Wizard Island
- Wizard Island volcanic cinder cone, rising 764 ft above the lake surface, framed by the impossibly blue caldera water
Tips for visiting
- Download offline maps before entering the park — there is no cell service anywhere in Crater Lake National Park.
- Carry warm layers and rain gear regardless of morning conditions; afternoon thunderstorms build quickly at 7,800 ft.
- Apply sunscreen generously — UV intensity at this elevation is significantly higher than at sea level, with no shade on the open rim.
- Water is available only at Rim Village and the Cleetwood Cove boat dock; carry all water for any rim section between them.
- The Rim Drive and trails are typically closed by snow until late June or early July — verify current conditions with the park before visiting.
When to visit
Late July through mid-September offers the most reliable snowfree rim conditions. The lake's famous deep-blue color and clarity peak in mid-to-late summer after winter snowmelt has fully settled.
Accessibility
The Rim Village overlook, visitor center, and Crater Lake Lodge are accessible to wheelchairs and offer lake views from the rim. The Rim Trail itself is unpaved, uneven volcanic terrain not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. An accessible fishing overlook with paved surface is located near Rim Village.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Crater Rim Trail open each year?
The Rim Trail and Rim Drive typically open in late June or early July, depending on annual snowpack. Some years significant snow lingers into early July. Current seasonal conditions are posted on the Crater Lake National Park website and available by phone at the visitor center.
How much does it cost to enter Crater Lake National Park?
The park entrance fee is $35 per vehicle, valid for seven days. An America the Beautiful annual interagency pass covers the entrance fee and is accepted at the park entrance station.
Is the Crater Rim Trail suitable for beginners?
Individual sections are accessible to moderately fit hikers, though the high average elevation of 7,800 feet can cause altitude fatigue in visitors not accustomed to elevation. The uneven volcanic surface and exposure to sudden weather make it unsuitable for first-time hikers without outdoor experience.
Can the entire Rim Trail loop be completed in one day?
The full rim loop on foot is approximately 33 miles and is typically done as a multi-day backpacking trip with an overnight permit. The one-way traverse from Rim Village to Cleetwood Cove is 6.4 miles and requires a car shuttle or turnaround.