There is a variety of different activities that thousands of people take part in year-round when visiting Crater Lake. Obviously, the appreciation of nature is the main agenda here, but there truly is something for everyone, from enjoying the vantage from one place, to exploring the forests and peaks of this brilliant Oregon jewel.
1. Camping
When you go to Crater Lake, you find the popular Mazama Campground. This campground boasts 211 campsites that are open between the months of June and October. There is also the Lost Creek campground for visitors who are looking for a more secluded experience. This area has 16 campsites and is open from July until September, giving you plenty of time to plan a summer getaway.
2. Hiking
There are over 90 miles of trails to hike in Crater Lake. You can find an easy trail for a leisurely stroll or a strenuous one for people who want to put themselves to the test. Many of these trails offer beautiful views of the lake and the natural scenery. Children will thrill at the sight of the chipmunks and birds that proliferate the region, and gorgeous vistas are everywhere to be had in its varied terrain, making this a great place for photographers to hone their skills.
3. Fishing
There are a few varieties of fish in Crater Lake. No license is required if you keep your fishing activities within the border of the national park. Predominately, you can expect to catch salmon and rainbow trout when fishing there. When fishing, remember that you are restricted to using artificial lures and flies.
4. Bicycling
There are many routes that bicycling enthusiasts can take through Crater Lake. The most popular is the 33-mile Rim Drive. This road can be narrow and sometimes has some big hills throughout it, which is why many people choose to start at the park headquarters and ride around the lake in a clockwise fashion. Doing the ride this way gets the steepest parts of the trail out of the way first, allowing you to mostly coast along the rest of your ride.
5. Snow Sports
Although it’s not really a summer activity, Crater Lake is also open throughout the winter season, offering snowboarding, skiing, and snowshoeing, as well as just good old-fashioned playing in the snow. There are many trails available for visitors of every skill level, making this a great family destination no matter what season you’re in.
Related article: 5 Cool Facts About Crater Lake
Featured Image from Sébastien Goldberg/Unsplash
