Itinerary · 2 days · Oregon
2 Days in Crater Lake National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of Crater Lake National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: Jul–Sep. Closest major airport: Medford (MFR), about 1.5 hours.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: Drive the 33-mile Rim Drive. Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Hike Cleetwood Cove Trail to swim in the lake.
- Evening: Take the boat tour to Wizard Island.
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: Watch sunset from Watchman Peak.
- Afternoon: Climb Garfield Peak for the classic view.
Snow often lingers on trails into July. If you want the full experience (Rim Drive, the boat, swimming), aim for late July through mid-September.
When to go
The best time to visit Crater Lake National Park is July–September.
Best time to visit Crater Lake, month by month · What to pack
Questions
How many days do you need in Crater Lake National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: drive the 33-mile rim drive and hike cleetwood cove trail to swim in the lake on day one, then watch sunset from watchman peak on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this Crater Lake itinerary?
Go in Jul–Sep, when the park is rated at its best. September offers the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do Crater Lake in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss watch sunset from watchman peak. Two days is the sweet spot.