Crater Lake National Park

I don't have words to describe how beautiful this place is. The lake is the deepest lake in the United States. The water is clear and fresh. The mountains that surround the crater are beautiful, snow-capped peaks. It starts snowing early up this high and the road that circumnavigates the crater doesn't get cleared, so I recommend you come in the summer months if you want to do the scenic drive around the lake. This place, like all national parks, is absolutely worth the trip. Sure to not disappoint.

Went on a Sat morning labor day weekend, one car with 4 people. We had a National Parks pass so we didn't have to wait in line or pay. There was a guy asking and letting those with passes through. If you come from the South end of the entrance, there was a much longer wait to get into the park. We came from the north end and hardly waited at all. We arrived to the park a little before 11am and drove around from the North to East and around the South end until you hit road construction. It took us about 2.5hrs with stopping occasionally to see the view. We wanted to walk down to the water but it's a little more than 2 miles and of course half of that is all up hill and it was to hot for us. The parking lot for the water hike was packed with many people parking on the side of the road. Bathrooms are all vaulted toilets but there are many of them and lots of picnic tables for lunch. After turning around at the construction, we took the Volcanic Scenic Byway out and it took an hour to get to another town. Worth the visit. We enjoyed it a lot. They take very good care of the area.

The lake was breathtaking along with the views. There is a small hole you have to do in order to get to the lake, but it is worth every step. The tour is insightful and I learned a lot from it. Even if you decide not to do the tour, you can get incredible views by sitting on the rocks next to the dock. I highly recommend visiting this place if you are in the area.

Absolutely unreal! If you’re in any debate about making the detour on your road trip like I was, say yes. One of the coolest landscapes I’ve ever seen, with countless exploration opportunities whether you prefer to drive or hike. The pictures don’t do it justice, go see for yourself.

Crater Lake National Park is one of the most underrated national parks in the U.S. – and honestly, that’s part of its charm. While other parks are bursting at the seams with crowds, Crater Lake offers a more peaceful, awe-inspiring experience, making it a perfect place to elope if you’re looking for solitude and jaw-dropping scenery (except long weekend holidays during the summer like 4th of July - then it's a madhouse). The deep blue water is unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere, and sunrise or sunset along the rim feels like stepping into another world. As an adventure elopement photographer, I’ve captured couples exchanging vows here, and they never regret choosing Crater Lake. Whether it’s an intimate sunrise elopement on the rim or an adventure-filled day exploring the park and its surroundings, this place delivers an unforgettable experience. And the beauty doesn’t stop at the lake! The surrounding areas are just as incredible. Diamond Lake and Mt. Thielsen provide epic backdrops and adventure options, while the Umpqua Highway is packed with stunning waterfalls like Toketee and Watson Falls (just make sure to stay on trail at Toketee and not climb down from the observation platform). Whether you're here for a day trip or planning an intimate elopement, there’s so much more to explore beyond the caldera. If you’re looking for a national park that gives you space to breathe, stunning landscapes, and endless adventure nearby, Crater Lake is it.

This place is stunning. Nestled in southern Oregon, this gem is famous for its deep blue waters, breathtaking views, and the stunning caldera left by a collapsed volcano. With over 90 miles of trails, we enjoyed everything from easy walks to challenging treks. My husband and I explored the scenic Rim road, drove and biked it. We absolutely love this place, it has become one of my favorite National Parks. Although we initially planned a weekend visit, we ended up staying for an entire week.

Stumbled upon this national park on my road trip, not even realizing it’s the only national park in Oregon and the deepest lake in the US being a sleeping volcano! As usual the colors don’t show as well in the camera, but the rich blue color of the lake is stunning! It’s well worth it to do the hike down to the lake as well, it’s get cold, but always fun to take a polar plunge in somewhere epic and stay for sunset! But prepare to walk back up 1,000 feet of incline to the parking lot before it’s too dark! :)

A volcano erupted and blew off its top to form this collection of water over the years. This is the deepest lake in U.S.A. What an incredible place to see and experience! You can drive along the Rim Drive at the perimeter of the lake or you can walk many trails near the rim to see this magnificent sight from different directions. A must-see and high;y recommended!