Why We Keep Coming Back To Crater Lake, One Of The Country’s Least-known National Park

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• Crater Lake National Park, formed from the now-collapsed volcano Mount Mazama, is a must-see destination in Oregon.
• Visitors can enjoy over 100 miles of hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and boat tours to Wizard Island.
• Accommodations include Crater Lake Lodge, two campgrounds, and nearby resorts like Running Y Resort.

The first time I laid eyes on Crater Lake National Park was eight years ago when my husband and I had just finished our big move from the East Coast to the Pacific Northwest. Since our cross-country relocation was expensive and time-consuming, we were watching our budget. So, instead of a far-flung 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's still a bit off the radar of many travelers.

Set in the Cascade Mountain Range near the city of Klamath Falls, Crater Lake is the beautiful result of an ancient volcano, Mount Mazama. At nearly 2,000 feet deep, Crater Lake is not only one of the deepest lakes in the world, it's also one of the clearest in the U.S. Since our first visit, we have returned every year, now with our little family in tow. 

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We always find something new to appreciate at this national park. We like to start at the Rim Visitors Center in Rim Village to chat with park rangers, pick up maps, and buy souvenirs. The visitors center offers some of the best vistas of the lake and is the starting point for several hikes, including Garfield Peak Trail and Dutton Creek Trail. Across the way is Discovery Point Overlook, a popular spot for taking pictures. The Rim Visitors Center is open daily from late May through late September, so plan accordingly. (If you're visiting between October and early May, head to the Steel Visitor Center in the southwestern part of the park, which is open year-round.)

▶ Hiking: The park has over 100 miles of hiking trails from easy to challenging routes, so it makes for a family-friendly vacation. Garfield Peak Trail is one of the more challenging hikes in the park, but in exchange for your effort, you'll get some spectacular panoramic views from the summit. My family and I do the 3.5-mile out-and-back every year. Hiking with kids requires some extra planning, so we always start early and bring plenty of snacks and water. There’s an elevation gain of about 1,076 feet, but there are plenty of switchbacks to ease the hike, and you’ll likely spot views of the lake along with wildflowers and wildlife during your trek. Though Crater Lake is mostly dog-friendly, there are some hikes dogs aren’t allowed on, and this is one of them. 

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▶ Scenic overlooks: Crater Lake National Park has more than 30 overlooks and viewing spots perfect for a drive around the lake. One of my favorite spots is Cloudcap Overlook, which is the highest paved road in Oregon and offers spectacular vistas of the lake, especially at sunset.

Phantom Ship Overlook is another great spot to stop, where kids will get a kick out of spotting the mysterious Phantom Ship, the park’s second island. Phantom Ship stands about 170 feet high and is 500 feet long, resembling a pirate ship. You can see the ship reflected in the clear blue lake, a sight that sends little shivers up the spine.

I also love tours of Wizard Island, the 763-foot cinder cone that sits in the middle of the lake. Accessible only by boat, our kids love the adventure of venturing to this scenic spot. You’ll have about three hours to explore the island, enjoying those stunning views, and fish, swim, and hike. Recently, we even took on the Wizard Island Summit Trail, a moderate 2.2-mile round-trip adventure, stopping along the way to enjoy our pre-packed picnic of goldfish, cheese and crackers, and baguette and jam. (Editor's Note: Due to trail maintenance, lake tours aren't available in 2025 and 2026)

The national park's Crater Lake Lodge books up quickly because it's the only hotel in the park. There are also two campgrounds, Mazama and Lost Creek. Mazama Campground, the larger of the two, accepts reservations from July through September, while Lost Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. RV hookups are limited to 18 sites at Mazama.

We’ve stayed at the historical lodge several times because the views can’t be beaten and it’s very convenient. Rooms are clean and simple. There are three dining options on the property, which makes meal times easy for traveling with kids. 

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There are also some great options near the park. For the past several years, we’ve stayed at the Running Y Resort in its vacation rentals because it allows us more space and privacy. Also, the vacation rentals are dog-friendly and we enjoy traveling with our pups. The chalet homes have two or three bedrooms plus fully-equipped kitchens, roomy bathrooms with tubs, a workspace for remote work, and hot tubs. Also, being on the resort allows you access to the onsite fitness center, Ruddy Duck restaurant, and golf course. It’s about a 40-minute drive to the national park, but the trade-off is absolutely worth it for us. 

Beyond the beauty of Crater Lake, the nearby city of Klamath Falls has a lot to offer. Set in the high desert, it offers four seasons but is mostly sunny with blue skies. They usually see sunshine 300 days a year! The city has over 600 acres of public parks and recreation spaces, offering lots of great hiking trails. We've booked kayaking excursions with Roe Outfitters through Malone Springs, part of the 15,000-acre Klamath Marsh. On one of our paddles, we spotted a family of beavers and an inlet teeming with herons.

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We love visiting this part of Southern Oregon with its small towns, mom-and-pop eateries, and small boutiques. Some of my family's faves include thin-crust pizzas at Abby's Legendary Pizza; healthy breakfast and lunch options at The Joyful Cafe (I love the Mighty Caesar salad and the mushroom burger). Our entire family loved it at Nana’s Tea Room, where we got our own private themed room and noshed on finger sandwiches, delectable pastries, and tea. They offer a children’s tea service menu, which makes it reasonable for families on a budget.

This year will be our ninth year visiting this very special place. As a family, we often reflect back on our past visits as we plan for the upcoming year – what we’d like to do more of or something new we’d like to try. But in the end, I know every time I return and look at the calmest, bluest lake I’ve ever seen, I’m that 32-year-old woman again, preparing for my new life in Oregon.

• The closest airport is Eugene Airport, approximately a two-and-a-half hour drive that’s scenic and traffic-free. 
• Entrance into the park varies by season. Check the website for the most updated information.
• Crater Lake National Park is open year-round, but many of the resource centers close for the winter season. 
• The national park is mostly dog friendly, but there are some places where dogs aren't allowed, so if you're bringing your pup, plan ahead.

Why my family keeps coming back to Crater Lake National Park originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.