Cycling Crater Lake National Park

Cycling Crater Lake, Oregon

One of the most scenic and iconic bike climbs in the US.

There are several routes to and around Crater Lake which we have charted and are accessed via the map and list above, or by clicking on the photo collage at the top of the page.

Fun facts about Crater Lake:

• Crater Lake National Park was approved by the “conservation president,”  Theodore Roosevelt, in 1902 and consists of 720,659 acres.
• Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and ninth deepest in the world.  It’s depth is 1,949’ (594 m).
• The primary of two islands in Crater Lake is Wizard Island which is a cinder cone 316 acres above water.
• Crater Lake Centennial optional state license plate (2002-present) was awarded “Plate of the Year” for best new license plate of 2002 by the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association.

Image from faxvin.

• Crater Lake is featured on the Oregon state commemorative quarter:

• The lake is fed only by rain and snowmelt and it is this pure water that accounts for the deep blue color of the lake, much the same as Lake Tahoe in California/Nevada.

Rim Drive (also known as Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway) is the best way to see Crater Lake by bike or car.  The 33 mile (53 km) road follows the lake and has loops around the caldera, eight observation points, and 15 vista turnouts.  Rim Drive is so unique and scenic that it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.  Many publications and websites list Rim Drive as among the most scenic roads in the US.

There are three entrances to the park.

Lower photo:  Crater Lake Institute.

Wizard Island is one of the great photo opportunities and iconic views on and around Crater Lake.

Hikes:  

• All Trails rates the 3.4 mile Garfield Peak Trail as Crater Lake NP #1 hike (AllTrails, Garfield Peak Trail). 

• “Garfield Peak Trail is a 3.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Crater Lake, Oregon that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking” (AllTrails, Garfield Peak Trail). 

• Watchman Peak Trail is ranked second by AllTrails - this is the hike we did and loved it (AllTrails, Watchman Peak Trail).

• Watchman Lookout Station is a lookout built onto Watchman Peak (a fire lookout in its service days).  This hike includes a museum and overlooks Crater Lake far below.  

Roads: The park is open year round, but roads may be (and often are) closed into late May.

Visitor Centers:  There are two Visitor Centers in Crater Lake National Park and they are both on the south side of the lake.

• Rim Village Visitor Center is within walking distance to the lake, Crater Lake Trolley Ticket Office (for trolley rides around the lake), and Crater Lake Lodge (Google Map + Reviews).
• Steel Visitor Center:  This is three miles from Rim Village and Rim Village Visitor Center (Google Map + Reviews).

Where to Stay:

Camp: Mazama Campground is the closest campsite to the lake and where we stayed (Google Map + Reviews).

Crater Lake Lodge:  To squeeze out every ounce of your visit to Crater Lake National Park, consider staying at the historic and rustic Crater Lake Lodge, the only place to stay in the park that overlooks the lake (Google Map + Reviews).

Be sure to book early because this lodge sells out very quickly.  As of June 2021, rooms start at $229 (NPS - Crater Lake Lodge).