Crater Lake National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour

Immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of Crater Lake National Park with our engaging audio tour! Marvel at the deep blue waters of this ancient volcanic lake while our guides share fascinating stories about its formation, unique geology, and surrounding wildlife. Explore scenic viewpoints, hike the rim, and learn about the park’s rich history and conservation efforts. Perfect for families, nature lovers, and adventurers, our tour offers an informative and enjoyable experience. Simply download, plug in your headphones, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Crater Lake National Park! *Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

1. 1

   Stop 1

   15 min

   Located near the south entrance to the park, Mazama Village features a seasonal campground; the Annie Creek Restaurant and Gift Shop; the Mazama Village Camp Store with groceries, snacks, sundries, and souvenirs; public restrooms; and a gas station. You can also access the Annie Creek Trail from the campground. Ask at the camper store for trail details.

2. 2

   Annie Creek Canyon

   5 min

   If you are entering the park from the south, pull over for a view of Annie Creek Canyon. From the overlook, you'll get a glimpse of one of the park's mysterious volcanic features--towering pinnacles made of ash and pumice. These fossilized spires were formed during the catastrophic eruption of Mount Mazama.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   30 min

   Godfrey Glen is an easy one-mile loop and one of the few accessible and pet-friendly trails in the park. The shady path winds through an old-growth forest along the edge of a steep canyon and offers views of strange needle-like towers called pinnacles.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   15 min

   Originally built as a ranger dormitory, the Steel Information Center now serves as the park’s main visitor center, offering information, exhibits and a gift shop. Named after one of the park’s earliest advocates, William Gladstone Steel, the visitor center received an extensive renovation in the early 2020s and reopened to the public in 2024. The historic building was updated and strengthened to withstand earthquakes and heavy snow.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   15 min

   Located at the edge of the caldera, Rim Village is the main visitor hub featuring a small visitor center, cafe and gift shop, Crater Lake Lodge, and stunning views of Crater Lake! Check out the Discovery Point Trail, an easy two-mile round-trip hike along the rim to Discovery Point. Or, if you'd like something more challenging, try the climb to Garfield Peak, a 3.5-mile round-trip hike with rewarding views. You can get trail maps and information from the visitor center. While you're there, don't miss the dramatic cliffside views from Sinnott Overlook, just below the visitor center.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   15 min

   Built in 1915, the historic Crater Lake Lodge sits on the edge of the caldera and offers majestic views of the lake and surrounding sub-alpine meadows. The stone and wood structure retains the charm and character of the original lodge. Stop in for a meal in their dining room--or just sit on the veranda and soak in the views. The lodge is open seasonally from mid-May to early October.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   5 min

   The Rim Visitor Center is located in the historic Kiser Studio in Rim Village and offers stunning views of the lake. The center offers park information, maps, books and souvenirs. You can also get your passport stamped here.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   1 hour

   This 2-mile round trip trail along the rim offers amazing views of the lake and Wizard Island. The trail begins at Rim Village and ends at Discovery Point.

9. 9

   Sinnott Memorial Overlook

   5 min

   Don't overlook the Sinnott Memorial Overlook! This cliffside viewpoint features outdoor exhibits and stunning views of the lake. You'll find the overlook behind the Rim Visitor Center.

10. 10

    Watchman Overlook

    1 hour

    From Watchman Overlook, you'll get an unrivaled view of Wizard Island and the crater on top that this lake was named after! You can also climb up nearby Watchman Peak. The steep, 2-mile round trip trail takes you to a historic fire lookout that sits over 8,000 feet above sea level. There, you'll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding volcanic landscape.

11. 11

    Merriam Point

    5 min

    From Merriam Point, you'll be treated to a spectacular view of Crater Lake and Wizard Island. Look for Mount Scott, the tallest peak in the park, in the distance. Merriam Point was named after John C. Merriam, a prominent paleontologist who was instrumental in starting the nature interpretation program at Crater Lake in the early 1900s.

12. 12

    Stop 12

    5 min

    Located near the Grouse Hill Picnic Area are two scenic viewpoints overlooking Steel Bay. Steel Bay was named after William Gladstone Steel. Steel was known as "The Father of Crater Lake" for his instrumental role in preserving this land as a national park.

13. 13

    Cleetwood Cove Trail

    1 hour

    Cleetwood Cove Trail is a two-mile round trip hike with a 700-foot elevation and steep switchbacks. At the lake, you can take a guided boat tour. Advance reservations can be made here. Some tickets are available for same-day bookings and can be purchased up to 2 hours before departure at the: Mazama Village Cabin/Campground Registration Desk Crater Lake Lodge Front Desk and the Cleetwood Cove Kiosk Check the visitor guide for swimming rules and fishing regulations. If you need to change clothes, there are restrooms in the parking area just across the road from the trailhead.

14. 14

    Stop 14

    5 min

    Enjoy the view from this promontory named Skell Head and learn about the ancient spirits connected to this sacred place.

15. 15

    Stop 15

    5 min

    Like its name suggests, Cloudcap Overlook is the highest overlook on our drive. It also happens to be the highest paved road in all of Oregon! At Cloudcap, you'll be standing around 8,000 feet above sea level with a beautiful view of the lake below. Definitely take time to soak in the views. You'll see many hardy whitebark pine trees here at Cloudcap. Read the interpretive signs to find out why some of these trees are called Flag Trees!

16. 16

    Stop 16

    5 min

    The overlook is one of the best places to see Phantom Ship Island. This jagged formation of volcanic rock rises over 170 feet above the lake's surface and is a remnant of the ancient volcanic core that survived Mount Mazama's eruption. This mysterious island seems to appear and disappear in the mist, kind of like a ghostly ship.

17. 17

    Stop 17

    1 hour

    A short detour from Rim Drive will take you to the trailhead for Plaikni Falls. This easy, two-mile roundtrip hike will take you through an old-growth forest and along a stream bank bursting with summer wildflowers. At the end, you'll be rewarded with a view of a picturesque 20-foot waterfall. The name Plaikni is a Klamath word that means "from the high country." It's a fitting name for these lovely falls whose waters originate nearly 7,000 feet above sea level.

18. 18

    Stop 18

    45 min

    This easy, one-mile forested trail follows the rim of Pinnacle Valley, offering stunning views of these fairytale towers. The gray and brown pinnacles were formed when pumice and ash filled the valley following Mazama’s big eruption. Hot gasses trapped underneath this layer of volcanic material escaped through cylindrical vents called fumaroles. The intense heat and chemical action of the gasses caused the pumice and ash surrounding these volcanic vents to harden. Later, when streams of water once again cut through the valley, the softer rock material eroded away, leaving behind these fantastic “fossil fumaroles.”

19. 19

    Sun Notch Trail

    30 min

    The Sun Notch Trail is a little less than a mile long. The loop winds through a meadow to the rim of the lake. From this vantage point, you'll get a different view of Phantom Ship Island.

20. 20

    Vidae Falls

    5 min

    This lovely waterfall is located right next to the road making it easy to stop for a quick photo.

21. 21

    Castle Crest Wildflower Trail

    30 min

    If the summer wildflowers are in bloom, you'll definitely want to check out Castle Crest Wildflower Trail. This easy, half-mile walk meanders up to an enchanting meadow teaming with colorful wildflowers and butterflies.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Additional Meeting Points: • North Diamond Lake, OR • Chemult, OR • Junction between OR 230 and Highway 62
• Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.