Garfield Peak Trail Crater Lake National Park Oregon
Hike Garfield Peak for unparalleled views of Crater Lake's deep blue waters and volcanic formations. A must-visit Oregon gem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Garfield Peak Trail Crater Lake National Park Oregon
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike Garfield Peak for unparalleled views of Crater Lake's deep blue waters and volcanic formations. A must-visit Oregon gem.
"The most beautiful place ever! Seriously the most beautiful place ever!"
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The Garfield Peak Trail is exposed. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, especially in summer.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The Garfield Peak Trail is steep and can be uneven. Wear appropriate footwear for a comfortable hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Garfield Peak Trail Summit
Garfield Peak Trail
Hike to the summit for unparalleled panoramic views of Crater Lake, Wizard Island, and the surrounding caldera.
Cleetwood Cove Trail
Cleetwood Cove Trail
The only trail allowing direct access to the lake's shore for swimming and boat tours.
Wizard Island
Crater Lake
A volcanic cinder cone rising from the lake's depths, visible from many viewpoints and accessible via boat tours.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan for Limited Access
Prepare for Elevation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The Garfield Peak Trail is exposed. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, especially in summer.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The Garfield Peak Trail is steep and can be uneven. Wear appropriate footwear for a comfortable hike. 
💧 Stay Hydrated
Crucial due to elevation and sun exposure. Carry plenty of water, especially on longer hikes.
🚫 No Dogs on Trails
Remember that pets are not allowed on most trails within Crater Lake National Park.
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The Garfield Peak Trail is exposed. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, especially in summer.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The Garfield Peak Trail is steep and can be uneven. Wear appropriate footwear for a comfortable hike.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Crucial due to elevation and sun exposure. Carry plenty of water, especially on longer hikes.
🚫 No Dogs on Trails
Remember that pets are not allowed on most trails within Crater Lake National Park.
Check Park Alerts
Always check the official NPS website for road closures, trail conditions, and potential park renovations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the unparalleled, almost surreal blue color of Crater Lake and the breathtaking panoramic views from trails like Garfield Peak. The unique geological formation and the pristine nature of the park are major highlights. However, some find the limited access due to snow frustrating, and the steepness of certain trails can be challenging.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Garfield Peak Trail is located near the Crater Lake Lodge. You can drive to the park and park at the lodge or designated parking areas. From there, the trailhead is easily accessible.
Crater Lake National Park is accessible via Highway 62. The main entrances are from the north and south. Specific directions will depend on your starting point.
No, Crater Lake National Park is heavily impacted by snow and is typically only accessible during the summer months (June-September). Roads and trails may close unexpectedly due to weather. +1
While the park may be open in winter, access is severely limited due to snow. Many roads and trails, including Garfield Peak, are closed.
Driving your own vehicle is the most common way to explore the park and access trailheads. The park also offers a shuttle service during peak season.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Crater Lake National Park requires an entrance fee per vehicle. You can purchase passes at the entrance stations or online in advance.
The park is generally open 24/7, but access to roads and facilities is seasonal due to snow. Always check the official NPS website for current hours and closures.
Discounts may be available for seniors, military personnel, and those with an America the Beautiful Pass. Check the NPS website for details.
Yes, swimming is permitted only at Cleetwood Cove, which is the only trail that leads to the lake's shore. +1
There is no separate fee for hiking the Garfield Peak Trail; it is included with your park entrance fee.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Garfield Peak Trail is a 3.4-mile round-trip hike that typically takes 2-3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the summit.
The Garfield Peak Trail has an elevation gain of approximately 1,000 feet, making it a moderately strenuous hike.
Besides Garfield Peak, other popular viewpoints include Sinnott Memorial Overlook, Merriam Point, and Cloudcap Overlook.
No, dogs are not permitted on the Garfield Peak Trail or most other trails within Crater Lake National Park.
Pack layers of clothing, rain gear, sturdy hiking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, plenty of water, and snacks.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with fewer crowds. The deep blue of the lake is stunning at any time, though.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the lake and caldera. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on Wizard Island.
The summit of Garfield Peak offers incredible panoramic shots. The Sinnott Memorial Overlook provides a classic, accessible view.
Drone usage is restricted in national parks. Check the NPS website for current regulations regarding drone operation.
The lake's intense blue color is due to its extreme depth and the purity of the water, which absorbs and scatters sunlight.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember that dogs are not allowed on most trails, so plan accordingly if you're traveling with a pet. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as amenities can be limited. The park's visitor centers can provide junior ranger programs that engage kids with the park's natural and cultural history.
🚶♀️ Hikers Seeking Views
+1Other excellent hiking options with stunning views include the Watchman Peak Trail for sunset, the Sun Notch Trail for unique perspectives of Phantom Ship, and the Cleetwood Cove Trail for lake access. Remember to check trail conditions and be prepared for varying weather, even in summer.
📸 Photographers
Aim for the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) for the most dramatic lighting. The Sinnott Memorial Overlook is another prime spot for classic shots, offering a different perspective of the lake and its features.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Crater Lake
The lake's depth and clarity contribute to its unique color. The water absorbs longer wavelengths of light (reds and oranges) and scatters shorter wavelengths (blues), giving it that intense azure hue. The absence of sediment and pollution further enhances this effect.
Key geological features include Wizard Island, a cinder cone formed by volcanic activity after the caldera collapse, and Phantom Ship, a rocky islet that resembles a ghost ship. The surrounding rim, including Mount Mazama, showcases the dramatic landscape shaped by volcanic forces.
Hiking the Garfield Peak Trail
As you ascend, the panoramic vistas of the lake, Wizard Island, and the surrounding peaks become increasingly spectacular. The summit provides an unparalleled vantage point, making the effort well worth it. Be prepared for direct sun exposure, especially during summer, and bring ample water.
While the hike is considered moderately strenuous due to the elevation gain, it's a popular choice for visitors seeking breathtaking scenery. The trail is generally well-maintained, but sturdy hiking shoes are recommended.
+2Accessing Crater Lake: Seasonal Challenges
This seasonal limitation means that planning your visit during the summer months is crucial if you want to experience popular trails like Garfield Peak or access the lake via Cleetwood Cove. Always check the official National Park Service (NPS) website for the most up-to-date information on road status, trail conditions, and any potential park closures or renovations.
Some social media posts mention the park potentially closing for extended periods for renovations, emphasizing the importance of checking current conditions. This highlights the need for flexibility in travel plans when visiting Crater Lake.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit