Hiking - The Upper Rogue River puts on one of its most spectacular performances in the Union Creek resort area: a disappearing act where the river vanishes underground. Distance of basic recommended hike: 2.4-mile loop with 300 feet of elevation gain.

Towering above Diamond Lake, Mt. Theilsen's stony spire commands views from Mt. Shasta to the Three Sisters. Distance of basic recommended hike: 10 miles round-trip, with 3,800 feet of elevation gain.

Mt. Scott's lookout tower is the only place where hikers can fit the whole breathtaking sweep of Crater Lake into an average camera viewfinder. Distance of basic recommended hike: 5 miles round trip with 1,030 feet of elevation gain.

At Boundary Springs, in the dry forests of Crater Lake National Park, the river pours out of the ground 20 feet wide, rushes through a meadow of yellow monkey flowers and tumbles over a 15-foot waterfall. Distance of basic recommended hike: 4.8 miles round-trip, with 480 feet of elevation gain.

Waterfalls and huckleberries draw hikers to Stuart Falls between Sky Lakes Wilderness and Crater Lake National Park. In addition to Stuart Falls (a 40-foot fan on a columnar basalt cliff) the route passes Red Blanket Falls and several unnamed cascades. Distance of basic recommended hike: 8.6 miles round-trip, with 1,500 feet of elevation gain..

There are more than 90 miles of one-way and loop hiking trails in the Crater Lake Park, including 33 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail as well as hikes up Mount Scott, Garfield Peak and Crater Peak. It is also possible to hike to the lake surface on Cleetwood Trail. These are usually snow-free from mid-July to early October. The switchbacking trail down to Cleetwood Cove's tour boat dock is the most popular path in Crater Lake National Park - and the only route to the lakeshore. Distance of basic recommended hike: 2.2 miles round trip, with 654 feet of elevation gain..

Just over 90% of the park is managed as wilderness, though these areas have yet to be designated as such. A permit is required for all overnight trips.

You can hike for several days or wander quietly as long as you like. In addition to the many trails that start inside the park, there are several connections with paths in the surrounding National Forests. 

Crater Lake Hiking Trails
Trail	Length	Time	Hike Description
Sun Notch Viewpoint	0.5 mile round trip	0.5 hour	Short stroll. Overlook of Crater Lake and Phantom Ship
Castle Crest Wildflower Garden	0.5 loop trail	0.5 hour	Short stroll. Beautiful brook; Display of wildflowers July-Aug
Godfrey Glen	1.0 mile	0.75 hour	Gentle level hike. Overlook of Annie Creek Canyon; old forest growth
Watchman Peak	1.4 miles round trip	1.0 hour	Moderate climb; 500 ft elev gain. Historic fire tower; overlook of Wizard Island
Cleetwood Cove	2.2 miles round trip	2.0 hours	Strenuous climb; 700 ft elev gain. Only access to lakeside; swimming and fishing
Annie Creek Canyon	1.7 miles loop trip	1.5 hours	Moderate climb out of canyon. Deep stream cut canyon; wildflower and wildlife sightings
Garfield Peak	3.4 miles round trip	2.0 to 3 hours	Strenuous; 1,000 ft elev gain. Panoramic views; overlook of Phantom Ship
Mt Scott	5.0 miles round trip	3.0 hours	Strenuous; 1,500 ft elev gain. Highest peak in park. Outstanding views; historic fire tower

Biking - The 33-mile circuit of Crater Lake is one of the most popular road-bike trips in the state. Although it would seem at first that this would be an easy trip, numerous ups and downs (especially on the east side of the lake) turn it into a demanding ride. Keep in mind that there are more hills on the east side, but there are also more views. An alternative is to do the 21-mile out and back ride from the Rim Village to the Cleetwood Cove Trailhead (and maybe add on a boat tour of the lake). There are no bike rentals available in the park. 

Crater Lake may be a dramatic draw for out-of-staters, but Oregonians visit neighboring Diamond Lake five times as often. A paved 11.5-mile loop trail provides an easy ride around the lake for mountain bikers. Distance: 11.5-mile loop, with 100 feet elevation gain.