If you're looking for an incredible hike, there is no better place to look than Crater Lake National Park in southern Oregon.

Crater Lake became a national park in 1902, making it the 5th oldest national park in the United States and the only one located in Oregon. With beautiful rolling mountains and gorgeous views, Crater Lake's biggest draw is what it is named after, Crater Lake itself.

The deepest lake in North America at 1,949 feet at its lowest point, the park is built around Crater Lake and many of the hikes will take you around the lakeshore. 

If you are looking for some stunning pictures and views of the prestigious landscape and lake, grab your hiking boots and jump on these 5 trails.

Plaikni Falls Trail

Total Distance: 1.9 miles

Elevation Gain: 137 feet

Difficulty: Easy - Walking, Hiking,  

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• This trail is wheelchair and stroller friendly
• A National Park fee is required to enter this trail

The only hike on this list that doesn't take you near the lake, the Plaikni Falls trail has its own beauty with one natural smaller waterfall covered with moss and grass. 

Looking like something out of a fairy tale, Plaikni Falls is a great easy hike. Running along Crater Lake's shoreline from Munson Valley Road down to the park visitor center, this trail is pretty much flat and smooth. 

It's a great hike to do with kids or if you are looking for a fun day trip while in Crater Lake National Park.

Discovery Point Trail

Total Distance:  2.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 337 feet

Difficulty: Easy - Walking, Hiking,  

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• A National Park fee is required to enter this trail
• This trail is subject to closures during the winter months

The Discovery Point Trail is an out-and-back hike that takes you down to the shoreline along Crater Lake. 

The trail will take you through a dense old forest with trees over 300 years old and leads right up to the lake itself, ending at Discovery Point where there are several nice spots for both picnics or just sitting around taking pictures of the clear blue water.

You are also able to see the main Island in the middle of the lake, Wizard Island.  Discovery Point is an easy hike that makes for a relaxing walk with family and friends.

Cleetwood Cove Trail 

Total Distance: 1.9 miles

Elevation Gain: 620 feet

Difficulty: Moderate -  Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• A National Park fee is required to enter this trail
• This trail is subject to closures during the winter months
• Steep trail, will require good foot wear

If you want to get down close to Crater Lake itself, Cleetwood Cove is the trail for you. A longer hike that takes you to the lakeshore, the Cleetwood Cove trail will take you through a dense forest and across an old lava flow.

The hike has quite the elevation and because you are going down to the lake shore, you will find that this trail isn't for those who are not looking for steep inclines and upclimbs. Expect quite the workout on this trail.

Garfield Peak Trail 

Total Distance:  3.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 1069 feet

Difficulty: Moderate - Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• A National Park fee is required to enter this trail
• Steep trail, will require good foot wear
• Long hiking trail, bring plenty of water

Garfield Peak Trail is one of the steepest and most breathtaking hikes in the park, taking you pretty much straight down a tall mountain ridge. The trail will take you through dense forest with some beautiful views of Crater Lake along the way that make it worth wading your boots in deep puddles for.

Easily the most popular trail in the park, Garfield Peak gives you a look at many amazing landmarks in the park, Wizard Island,  Phantom Ship, and Mount Mazama. The trail ends at an outcropping where hikers can enjoy panoramic views of Crater Lake.

Mount Scott Trail 

Total Distance: 4.2 miles

Elevation Gain: 1260 feet

Difficulty: Moderate - Hiking, Walking, Running

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• A National Park fee is required to enter this trail
• Steep trail, will require good foot wear
• Long hiking trail, bring plenty of water

The highest point in the entire park, Mount Scott trail will bring you a view unlike any other. Going up a staggering 1260 feet,  the Mount Scott trail is a long hike but the views from the top are worth every step.

The trail will take you through beautiful forests of evergreen and Jeffrey pine, as well as meadows with wildflowers in bloom during the spring and summer months. The summit offers 360-degree views of Crater Lake, Wizard Island, and the surrounding mountains.

Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as this is a long hike that will take most of the day.

These are just a few of the incredible hikes you can find at Crater Lake National Park. With trails for all different levels of hikers, there is something for everyone in this beautiful park. Make sure to visit soon and explore all that Crater Lake has to offer.