9 Things To Do Near Crater Lake After You Explore The Iconic Lake
By Sarah McCosham|Published September 01, 2021
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
For many, Crater Lake is a bucket-list destination that’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. But not for Oregonians. Here in the Beaver State, we count ourselves lucky each and every day to be surrounded by so much stunning natural beauty and wonder, much of which is easily accessible and experienced. So when we visit Crater Lake for a weekend road trip, we want to experience *all* this superlative place has to offer. We want to go well below the surface of this 1,949-foot lake, and seek out adventures of every variety. And happily, there’s so much more to this iconic lake than meets the eye; there’s an entire world of wonder waiting to be explored, in fact! Here are just nine things you can do near Crater Lake after marveling at this breathtaking cerulean blue pool.
Don't just sit and stare at this 7,700-year-old lake; enjoy a 360 degree experience of it!
Crater Lake is one of the most accessible national wonders in the country, as it's actually designed to be visited by car. The lake is circumnavigated by the 33-mile Rim Drive, which also happens to be the highest paved road in Oregon. The full loop is usually open from June through October, and features 30 scenic pullouts. This is definitely a road trip you need to take!
Crater Lake Trolley Tours offers visitors a totally fun and memorable experience of the park. You can also opt to take a boat tour, if you want to experience the mystery and intrigue of Crater Lake up close!
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Speaking of aquatic adventures, the paddling in southern Oregon is unparalleled.
Roe Outfitters, 29840 OR-140 W, Klamath Falls, OR 97601, USA
The Klamath Basin is a wild wonderland for outdoor recreation, with myriad freshwater marshes, mountain lakes, and spring creeks offering unrivaled paddling opportunities. Roe Outfitters is located just 30 minutes south of Crater Lake, and makes for a fun addition to your adventure.
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And if you have a go big or go home mantra, definitely plan on some high-flying adventures while you're in the area!
Crater Lake ZipLine, 29840 OR-140, Klamath Falls, OR 97601, USA
Crater Lake ZipLine is an epic Oregon adventure just south of Crater Lake National Park. The adventure park has it all: zip lines, canopy tours, and lots of opportunities for high-flying fun!
Of course, the best way to explore Crater Lake might just be the good, old-fashioned way: by foot!
Hiking is an ideal way to explore the magnificent landscape of Crater Lake National Park -- all 183,224 glorious acres. From short, accessible trails to longer, backcountry treks, there are some pretty amazing hikes you can do in the park.
Plaikni Falls (which is easily accessed via the eponymous trail), is utterly majestic, cascading down a glacier-carved cliff. This is a hike everyone in Oregon should take at least once!
Need a break from exploring? Grab a bite to eat at a legendary local eatery!
Because the park is so isolated, the range of dining options in the small surrounding communities is limited. Luckily, there are a few legendary restaurants within the park: the eponymous Crater Lake Lodge Dining Room, Rim Village Café, and Annie Creek Restaurant.
Annie Creek Restaurant features classic, stick-to-your-ribs American fare: hearty breakfasts, burgers, meatloaf, pizza, and a full selection of Oregon brews.
Annie Creek Restaurant and Gift Shop, 569 Mazama Village, Crater Lake National Park, Crater Lake Hwy, OR 97604, USA
There are a variety of options for overnight accommodations in the park: tent sites, cabins, yurts, and lodge rooms! Check out Crater Lake Resort for a full list of options.
In fact, staying overnight at Crater Lake is something everyone should do at least once.
With little in the way of light pollution, the stargazing at Crater Lake is exceptional; an only-in-Oregon adventure you must add to your bucket list. Listed by the National Park Service’s Dark Sky Team as among the top 10 dark sky locations in the National Park System, the beauty of the night sky at Crater Lake is extraordinary.
Crater Lake doesn't need a bunch of tourist attractions and epic adventures (though those are fun). It's one of the most naturally beautiful places in the entire country.
So just enjoy it -- again and again, because we're in Oregon, and this otherworldly wonder is right within reach.
Did you know about all these adventures near Crater Lake? This stunning wonder is just waiting to be explored — so go out and have an only-in-Oregon adventure!
From May through October, the entrance fee for most vehicles is $30, so keep that in mind when planning your trip. For more information about visiting Crater Lake, visit the NPS website.
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