By Pakar PBN 
The first time I threw my eyes to Crater Lake National Park, it was eight years ago, when my husband and I had just finished our big movement from the east coast to the northwest of the Pacific . Since our cross-country relocation was expensive and took time, we are monitoring our budget. So, instead of a distant vacation destination, we settled on a two -day getaway to Crater Lake. Known as one of the “Seven Wonders of Oregon”, this national park is a local favorite, but it is still a little out of the radar of many travelers.
Located in the cascade mountain range near the city of Klamath Falls, Crater Lake is the beautiful result of an old volcano, Mount Mazama. Almost 2,000 feet deep, Crater Lake is not only one of the deepest lakes in the world, it is also one of the clearest in the United States since our first visit, we returned each Year, now with our little family in a trailer.
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We always find something new to appreciate in this national park. We like to start at the Rim Visitors Center of Rim Village to chat with Park Rangers, collect cards and buy souvenirs. The visitors center offers some of the best views of the lake and is the starting point for several hikes, including Garfield Peak Trail and Dutton Creek Trail. In the way is Discovery Point Overlook, a popular place to take photos. The RIM Visitors Center is open every day from the end of May to the end of September, so plan accordingly. (If you visit between October and early May, go to the steel reception center in the southwest part of the park, which is open all year round.)
My favorite things to crater Lake
Hiking
The park has more than 100 miles of hiking trails with easy to difficult roads, which makes a family vacation. Garfield Peak Trail is one of the most difficult hikes in the park, but in exchange for your efforts, you will get spectacular panoramic views from the summit. My family and I make the top of 3.5 miles each year. Hiking with children requires additional planning, so we always start early and bring a lot of snacks and water. There is an elevation gain of about 1,076 feet, but there are a lot of laces to relieve the hike, and you will probably see views of the lake with wild flowers and fauna during your trek. Although Crater Lake is mainly suitable for dogs, there are hikes that dogs are not allowed, and that is one of them.
Scenic overlooks
Crater Lake’s National Park has over 30 overhangs and perfect vision spots for a journey around the lake. One of my favorite places is Cloudcap Overlook, which is the most paved road in Oregon and offers spectacular views of the lake, especially at sunset.
Phantom Ship Overlook is another ideal place to stop, where children will remove the mysterious Phantom ship, the second island of the park. The Phantom ship measures approximately 170 feet high and measures 500 feet long, resembling a pirate ship. You can see the ship reflected in the light blue lake, a view that sends few chills in the spine.
I also love Wizard Island visits, the 763 -foot ash cone in the middle of the lake. Accessible only by boat, our children love the adventure of venturing into this panoramic location. You will have about three hours to explore the island, taking advantage of these amazing and fishing views, swimming and hiking. Recently, we even participated in the Summit Trail Wizard Island, a 2.2-mile moderate round-trip adventure, stopping along the way to enjoy our picnic pre-high of red fish, cheese and crackers , as well as wand and jam. (Publisher’s note: Due to the maintenance of the trails, lake visits are not available in 2025 and 2026)
Where we stay on our Crater Lake vacation
The Crater Lake Lodge of the National Park reserves quickly because it is the only hotel in the park. There are also two campsite, Mazama and Lost Creek. The Mazama campsite field, the largest of the two, accepts the reserves from July to September while the Lost Creek campsite operates according to the first arrival principle, first served. RV connections are limited to 18 sites in Mazama.
We have stayed in the historic lodge several times because the views cannot be beaten and it is very practical. The rooms are clean and simple. There are three restoration options on the property, which made meals that are easy to travel with children.
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There are also excellent options near the park. In recent years, we have stayed at running there in its vacation rentals because it allows us more space and intimacy. In addition, vacation rentals are suitable for dogs and we like to travel with our puppies. The chalet houses have two or three bedrooms and fully equipped kitchens, spacious bathrooms with baths, a workspace for remote work and whirlpools. In addition, being in the station allows you to access the fitness center on site, Ruddy Duck Restaurant and the golf course. It is about 40 minutes by car from the National Park, but the compromise is really worth it for us.
What to do others nearby
Beyond the beauty of Lake Crater, the neighboring city of Klamath Falls has a lot to offer. Located in the high desert, it offers four seasons, but it is mainly sunny with a blue sky. They generally see the sun 300 days a year! The city has more than 600 acres of public parks and leisure spaces, offering many superb hiking trails. We have reserved kayaking excursions with Roe Outfitters via Malone Springs, as part of 15,000 acres Marsh Klamath. On one of our paddles, we spotted a family of beavers and an entrance teeming with herons.
We like to visit this part of the south of Oregon with its small towns, its restaurants as mom and pop and small shops. Some of the favorites of my family include thin crizzas with legendary pizza of Abby; Healthy breakfast and lunch options with a joyful cafe (I love the powerful César salad and the mushroom hamburger). Our whole family loved Nana’s Tea Room, where we obtained our own private themed room and we made sandwiches with finger, delicious pastries and tea. They offer a children’s menu for children, making it reasonable for families on a low budget.
This year will be our ninth year to visit this very special place. As a family, we often think about our past visits when we plan for the coming year – what we would like to do more or something new that we would like to try. But in the end, I know that every time I come back and look at the most calm and blue lake I have ever seen, I am again this 32 -year -old woman, preparing my new life in Oregon.
Know before leaving
- The nearest airport is at Eugene airport, about two and a half hours of picturesque and traffic without traffic.
- Entrance to the park varies depending on the season. Consult the website for the most updated information.
- Crater Lake’s National Park is open all year round, but many resource centers end for the winter season.
- The National Park is mainly suitable for dogs, but there are places where dogs are not allowed, so if you bring your puppy, plan.