What the Rim Trail Actually Is
The Crater Lake Rim Trail is a network of paths and short connector segments that traces 33 miles around the caldera holding the deepest lake in the United States (1,943 feet). Almost no one hikes the entire loop — the path crosses Rim Drive several times and many sections are roadside walking. The smart move is to cherry-pick the prettiest 3 to 8 mile chunks, which deliver the iconic views without the road walking.
The Best Out-and-Back Sections
Watchman Peak (1.6 mi RT, 420 ft gain): The shortest hike with the most reward. A gentle climb to a fire lookout with possibly the best view in the park — Wizard Island below, the entire caldera at your feet. Perfect for sunset.
Garfield Peak (3.6 mi RT, 1,069 ft gain): Starts behind Crater Lake Lodge. Steady switchbacks to a 8,054-foot summit with a 360-degree panorama of the lake, Mount Scott, and the surrounding wilderness. Wildflowers peak in late July.
Mount Scott (5 mi RT, 1,250 ft gain): The highest point in the park at 8,929 feet. The trailhead is at the far end of Rim Drive, away from crowds. Look for Mount Shasta on a clear day, 100 miles south.
The Watchman to Discovery Point (3.5 mi one way): Mostly downhill along the west rim with constant lake views. Park a second car or arrange a shuttle.
The Full 33-Mile Loop
If you want to circumnavigate, plan for 2 to 3 days as an overnight or a brutal day-push for trained hikers. The official route uses the Pacific Crest Trail for the western half and the Rim Trail/Rim Drive shoulder for the rest. Total gain is about 5,000 feet, mostly broken into small climbs between viewpoints. Water is scarce on top — Crater Lake itself is far below the rim and accessing it is forbidden except at Cleetwood Cove. Carry 3 to 4 liters between road-accessible refills (visitor center, lodge, north entrance).
When to Go
The Rim Trail is genuinely snow-bound until July most years. Reliable hiking season is mid-July through late September. Wildflowers peak late July to mid-August. September has the most stable weather, smallest crowds, and the chance of fall color in the surrounding forests. By early October Rim Drive starts closing and the high country gets snow.
Altitude
The trail sits between 6,800 and 8,929 feet. That is high enough for sea-level hikers to feel slow on the climbs even when fit. If you have driven up the same day, take the first hike easy and drink twice as much water as you think you need. Sleep at the rim (Crater Lake Lodge or Mazama Campground) the night before any longer hike to acclimatize.
The Pinnacles Detour
The Pinnacles Overlook at the south-eastern edge of the park is not on the Rim Trail but is worth the 7-mile drive from Rim Drive. Eroded volcanic spires rise from a canyon below — a strange, otherworldly view that almost no one bothers to see.
Cleetwood Cove and the Boat
The only trail that touches the lake is Cleetwood Cove (2.2 mi RT, 700 ft loss/gain). The official boat tours leave from here — the only way to reach Wizard Island for a separate summit hike (1 mile one-way to the island top from the boat dock). Boat reservations are mandatory and book out weeks in advance; check the park concessioner site as soon as your trip dates are firm.
Gear Checklist
- Hiking shoes with grip — the trail has loose volcanic pumice in places.
- Sun protection. The west rim is exposed, the air is dry, and you are at altitude. Sunglasses, SPF 50, lip balm with SPF, hat.
- 2 to 3 liters of water per person per hike. No on-trail water above the rim.
- Layers. Even in July, summit temps can be 40°F at dawn. Wind on the rim cuts.
- Permits: Day hiking needs only the park entrance fee. Backcountry camping requires a free wilderness permit at the visitor center.
Where to Stay
Crater Lake Lodge (in-park, on the rim) — book a year in advance for summer. Pricey but unbeatable location.
Mazama Village Campground (in-park, 7 miles from the rim) — tent and RV sites; reserve on recreation.gov.
Prospect, OR — small town 30 miles north, with the historic Prospect Hotel.
Klamath Falls — 1 hour south, full services, much cheaper.
Common Mistakes
- Trying to hike the full 33 miles in a day. It is technically possible but mostly involves road walking. Cherry-pick the scenic sections instead.
- Underestimating sun and dryness. The lake looks cool from above; the rim is high desert. People run out of water on Garfield and Scott surprisingly often.
- Skipping Watchman Peak. The shortest hike has the best view in the park.
- Missing the boat reservation window. Wizard Island access is gone if you do not book ahead.
- Going in June. Snow lingers on the upper trail until July most years.
