Attractions in Crater Lake

Backcountry Hiking
All backcountry trails should be regarded as strenuous. Appropriate planning, including practice of Leave No Trace techniques, should be considered for all backcountry expeditions.

Backcountry permits are required for overnight snow camping. Free permits are required for anyone wishing to camp overnight in the backcountry. Permits are available at both park visitor centers.

Biking
Each year, increasing numbers of cyclists come to Crater Lake National Park to ride around the lake on the 33-mile Rim Drive. The route is physically demanding. Steep hills at high elevation may encourage even the most fit riders to pause at many of the road's thirty overlooks and pullouts. The payoff, however, is spectacular scenery, seen at a pace that few visitors choose to take enough time for. 

Fishing
Fishing is allowed from May 20 through Oct 31; however, the lake can be fished year round except when seasonal limitations prevent safe access.

Hiking
In Crater Lake National park, there are over 90 miles of one-way and loop trails, 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 the Cleetwood Trail.

River Rafting and Whitewater Information
There are some great opportunities just outside the park for float trips, rafting and whitewater excursions. Please check out these local businesses for fishing, and outdoor wilderness adventures and river trip information.

Noah's River Adventures - Rafting, Fishing, half day, all day and multi-day "Wild and Scenic" Wilderness trips.

North Umpqua Outfitters - Whitewater Adventures on Oregon's North Umpqua River - Full and Half Day Raft and Kayak Trips

Oregon River Experiences - Guided one to three day rafting trips on the North Umpqua River. Since 1977.

Oregon Whitewater Adventures - Rafting trips on the nearby Wild and Scenic North Umpqua River.

Winter Walks and Skiing
Discover what it take to survive in an area that receives over 500 inches of snow and where winter last for nine months of the year! Every weekend throughout the winter season, park rangers and volunteers will be presenting ecology walks on snowshoes. Various stops are made along the tour route where the ranger will explain how park animals, trees and humans adapt to survive in this winter wonderland.

Regularly scheduled walks for the general public are offered at 1:00 pm on weekends from Thanksgiving through the of March. Meet the Ranger or Volunteer at the Rim Village Information Desk inside the concessionaire's cafeteria/gift shop building. Walks last approximately 1.5 hours. Snowshoes for the walks are provided free of charge by the National Park Service. Snowshoeing requires little skill, but it is advised that participants be in good physical condition.