Peak-a-View!

Hike to Garfield Peak in Crater Lake National Park

Hike to Garfield Peak in Crater Lake National Park

That blue! Crater Lake National Park has the deepest lake in the country and the seventh deepest in the world. The park is a volcanic wonder, created when a massive eruption collapsed 12,000-foot Mount Mazama thousands of years ago.

The marquee attraction is the stunning lake, surrounded by huge, sheer cliffs that are reflected on the water. The setting is all the more enchanting with Wizard Island—a volcanic cinder cone set right in its midst. It’s utterly photogenic.

Hikers heading up the trail to Garfield Peak in Crater Lake National Park Oregon

Hikers on the trail to Garfield Peak in Crater Lake National Park

Hikers sitting and overlooking Crater Lake at Garfield Peak in Crater Lake National Park

For one of the very best perspectives of Crater Lake, hike the 3.4-mile (total) out-and-back to Garfield Peak. The trailhead is located at Crater Lake Lodge. Get an early start for fewer crowds and less wind.

Hike Garfield Peak Crater Lake

This is a peak hike, so it’s all about going up, but it’s pretty gradual, and totally rewarding. The views are with you most of the way, and the higher you go, the better the view of the lake and surrounding Cascade Mountain Range, including as far as Mount Lassen on a clear day.

BONUS KAYAK: You can't kayak or canoe on Crater Lake, but you can do both in the Klamath Basin. The Upper Klamath Canoe Trail is ideal for an afternoon exploration. The entire Upper Klamath Canoe Trail is 9.5 miles, but you can paddle a shorter duration, too. Keep an eye out for river otters and enjoy some premier views of snowy Mount McLoughlin. Rent a kayak or canoe from ROE Outfitters and ask about their guided tours too. ROE Outfitters also has a zipline.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: In the episode "Road Trip to Spectacular: National Park, Hot Springs & Hikes" the Weekend Sherpa team discuss their adventures in Southern Oregon. Part of the podcast was recorded from the top of Garfield Peak!

Kayakers on Upper Klamath Canoe Trail in Southern Oregon

TIP: If you want to spend the night in this area, Running Y Ranch Resort is a good bet, with a nice outdoor dining patio and fire pit at the Ruddy Duck restaurant.

Running Y Ranch Resort people sitting around an outdoor firepit

Check out the Best Southern Oregon Road Trips

2020 Travel: Here’s more information on Southern Oregon’s health guidelines and updates.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Hiker taking a photo of sunset at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

    Sunshine and Skyline

    Head to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve for a 4-mile out-and-back hike on the Bay Area Ridge Trail that offers a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View