Hike Along The Rim Of A Dormant Volcano At This Extraordinary National Park In Oregon
By Sarah McCosham|Published April 19, 2022
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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.
There’s nowhere on Earth quite like Crater Lake, and here in Oregon, we are immensely proud to call it ours. There are many ways to experience this extraordinary national park in Oregon, from cruising the 33-mile-long Rim Drive that encircles the lake to chartering a boat that journeys through its pristine waters. Our favorite, however, is the old-fashioned way: on foot. Clocking in at an easy (and flat) four miles, the Discovery Point Trail is one of the most accessible and popular treks in the park, and it allows adventurers to literally hike along the rim of this magnificent dormant volcano in Oregon.
The lake’s history is as deep as its waters, tracing back more than 7,700 years to when a powerful eruption collapsed an ancient volcano, forming what we know today as Crater Lake.
At 1,949 feet deep, it’s the deepest lake in the country, as well as the purest and most pristine. The lake’s water is supplied completely from snow and rain; there are no inlets from other water sources. This means that no sediment or mineral deposits are carried into the lake, making Crater Lake one of the cleanest and clearest bodies of water not just in the U.S., but the entire world.
A place sure to stoke a deep sense of awe and wonder, there are many ways to experience Crater Lake, in all four seasons of the year. (Spoiler alert: you can't go wrong with any of them!)
In fact, Crater Lake is one of the most accessible national wonders in the country. The lake is circumnavigated by Rim Drive, a 33-mile route that's also the highest paved road in Oregon. The full loop is usually open from June through October, and features 30 scenic pullouts where you can stop and ogle this stunning spectacle.
Please note that Rim Drive can be affected by inclement weather, so be sure to check the NPS website when planning your trip.
But if you prefer (and are able) to explore on two feet, there's nothing quite like the Discovery Trail. It begins at the west end of Rim Village, where the paved path turns into a dirt trail that leads to an amazing overlook.
This out-and-back trail is rated easy on AllTrails, and generally takes a little over an hour to complete. Despite the fact that you're hiking along the rim of a dormant volcano, there's very little elevation gain -- just 100 feet -- on this hike.
This hike is as much about the journey as it is the destination. Along the route, the views of Crater Lake and Wizard Island will take your breath away. Inland, the old-growth forests offer a verdant green contrast to the lake's deep cerulean blue hue.
Open year-round, the Rim Trail at Crater Lake National Park is one worth experiencing during all the seasons. The opportunity to wander along the rim of this ancient, incredible caldera is one you shouldn't pass up.
Crater Lake National Park charges a fee to enter; there is also an annual park-specific pass available. For more information, please visit the National Parks Service website.
Did you know you could hike along the rim of a dormant volcano here in Oregon? What a bucket-list-worthy adventure! For more information on the Discovery Point Trail, visit AllTrails.
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