Crater Lake is a place of profound beauty, majestic views, and incredible nature. It’s the deepest lake in the US, and probably the bluest, too. While Rim Village, can be crowded, I had many of the other viewpoints practically to myself. Don’t just go to Rim Village and think you’ve seen Crater Lake. The colors look different from different vantage points, and you will see so much more by driving around the entire lake.

Even the drive to Crater Lake is stunning with beautiful landscapes, fumeroles, and a few waterfalls along the way. Make sure to stop at a few of the scenic overlooks along the way.

Vidae Falls are right inside the park and just a short walk from the road. They are along East Rim Drive and are worth a stop. The Rim Drive is 33 miles of road that goes around Crater Lake and has lots of scenic overlooks to see the lake and other beautiful spots.

Wizard Island is the island you see in Crater Lake, formed as magma erupted into the air, cooled quickly, and fell as cinders. You can see some of the best views from the Sinnott Memorial Observation Station at Rim Village. It’s along the paved promenade which has beautiful views. Make sure to also visit the Crater Lake Lodge while at Rim Village. It’s nice to sit in the rocking chairs outside the lodge and stare at the lake. I’ve heard it’s great to see here, so you can be here at night to stargaze. Discovery Point is also a great spot to see Wizard Island from. It’s a very popular point at sunrise.

One of my favorite trails was the Sun Notch Trail. It had jaw dropping views of the lake and of the Phantom Ship. To many, this rock formation looks like a pirate ship. When it’s foggy, it will often disappear and reappear, giving it the name it has.

The Watchman Trail Overlook viewpoint is a popular point for sunset and gives another great view of Wizard Island. There’s also a steep observatory you can hike to if you don’t mind steep hikes.

Make sure to also stop at Palisade Point. Its the lowest point on the rim at Crater Lake and gives sweeping views of the whole of Crater Lake. It’s also a great spot to watch the sunset at Crater Lake.

Lastly, one of my favorite views was from Skell Head. I got here when the light was just right, in the afternoon, and the color of blue here was astounding.

The Cloudcap Overlook is also supposed to be beautiful, but that part of the road was closed when I went. If it’s open, definitely check it out! Oregon is a beautiful state, and if you’re headed to the Portland or Salem area next, make sure to check out my website for some great Oregon hikes.