Here is how to spend a day in Crater Lake, built from the hikes and activities the National Park Service lists and the time it says each takes. Times are for the activity itself; add time for driving, parking and shuttles between stops, and swap anything that is closed or out of season.
Day 1
About 2 hours of listed activity time, plus stops with no listed time.
Start at Rim Visitor Center for maps, current trail conditions and ranger advice.
Morning
- Scenic Rim Drive (1 to 3 hours). The historic Rim Drive includes 33-miles (53-km) of lake views, panoramic vistas, forests and meadows. (best in summer, fall)
Afternoon
- Snowshoeing at Crater Lake (time not listed). Snowshoeing is a popular activity during the long winter at Crater Lake National Park. (best in winter, spring)
- Biking at Crater Lake (time not listed). Each year, increasing numbers of cyclists come to Crater Lake National Park to ride around the lake on the physically demanding, 33 mile (53 km) Rim Drive. (best in summer, fall)
Make it work
- When to go: August and September. See the best time to visit.
- Where to stay: 2 campgrounds and 1 lodge in the park; see camping and lodging.
- Before you go: check today’s alerts and read know before you go. More ideas: all things to do.
Today at Crater Lake
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Alerts: National Park Service, checked hourly. Forecast: National Weather Service, for Rim Visitor Center. Always confirm on the official park site before you set out.
Sources
- National Park Service: things to do in Crater Lake National Park (Data API, public domain)
Last checked 1 November 2026.