Crater Lake Rim Trail

The Crater Lake Rim Trail is a 9.5 mile trail located within Crater Lake National Park. The trail parallels West Rim Drive, getting close to the rim of the lake with scenic views throughout. The route described here begins at Rim Village and skirts the west side of Crater Lake heading north to the Red Cone Trailhead and junction with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The Rim Trail is a popular trail for runners, hikers, and backpackers. As the Rim Trail travels along a rolling terrain, whitebark pine trees, pumice fields, wildflowers, and unique geology are seen throughout. There are educational exhibits and informational graphs along the way. Since the trail is never too far from a road or junction, it is accessible to all levels, allowing them to adjust the distance as needed. July - September are the best times to visit the park if you are looking for dry, warm weather. Winters at Crater Lake are long, cold, and snowy.