A Day In The Park: Crater Lake National Park

A volcanic crater within a volcanic crater is just one the unique aspects of Crater Lake National Park, a park that has a lake at its heart but which also tracks the fascinating geology of volcanism. Wizard Island, of course, is the volcanic crater within the much, much, much larger crater that holds this park's namesake lake.

But to appreciate the landscape you stand on during a visit to this national park in southwestern Oregon, you have to think back roughly 8,000 years. Back then, a 12,000-foot volcano (today referred to as Mount Mazama) stood high above the forests. Geologists believe that it may have taken more than 500,000 years for the magma to form this mountain. Then, a major cataclysmic eruption that occurred over a very short period of time (perhaps days or weeks) blew the top off of Mount Mazama.

Magma spewed from a vent on the northeast side of the mountain, draining the deep inner chamber. Empty, it then collapsed under the upper mountain’s weight. When the dust and smoke cleared, all that remained was a deep crater, or more technically a caldera, some 6 by 4.5 miles in diameter and 4,000 feet deep.

Now, Wizard Island came much later, but essentially was formed by additional volcanism that pushed a cinder cone up above the lake's surface. You can explore this geologic oddity, and take a photo of yourself standing on the rim of a crater within a crater, by purchasing a ticket for a two-hour boat tour of the lake.

While the main attraction of this national park is, ahem, a lake, there’s plenty to see on the forested side of the caldera rim. There are 90 miles of hiking trails—including a section of the Pacific Crest Trail—and some excellent, family friendly day hikes.

Though short, at not quite a half-mile, the Castle Crest Wildflower Trail is a refreshing walk through a cool, colorful corner of the national park. Located less than a quarter-mile from the start of East Rim Drive near park headquarters, this quiet nature trail with its gurgling creek gives you a chance to stretch your legs and take a closer look at some of the park’s colorful vegetation.

For another hike, try the 1.7-mile hike to the top of Garfield Peak, with distant views of the South Sister to the north, the Klamath Basin to the east, and the 14,162-foot Mount Shasta to the south. The Garfield Peak trailhead is just to the east of Crater Lake Lodge along the Rim promenade.

Also recommended is the short Sun Notch Viewpoint hike that leads to an amazing view of the lake with Phantom Ship in the foreground, and the Pumice Desert at the North Entrance to the park. This sprawling “desert” was created 7,700 years ago by the climactic eruptions of Mount Mazama, which blanketed this area with more than 200 feet of ash and pumice. The landscape is dotted here and there with volcanic rocks and even some “volcanic bombs” tossed out by eruptions from surrounding volcanoes. (Note: Rock collecting is prohibited here.)

Crater Lake offers two very different lodging options, both operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts. Mazama Village Motor Inn consists of 40 identical motel-type units just inside the park’s south entrance station. The village, about 8 miles from Crater Lake’s rim, includes a market, gas station, Laundromat, and a relatively new restaurant and gift shop. Rooms at the motor inn are about $25 per night cheaper than the least expensive rooms at Crater Lake Lodge. The location at a lower altitude means warmer temperatures than on the rim, although the area isn’t particularly scenic.

Traveler's Note: While you can't take your personal boat or flotation device into the lake, you *can* take a boat tour. However, according to a 2025 Traveler article, a number of repair projects will require Cleetwood Cove (the only way to get down to the lake and to the boat tours) to be closed for two or more years, meaning it could be at least 2028 before boat tours of Crater Lake resume.