Hike the Garfield Peak Trail
CRATER LAKE, Oregon
Details
Distance
3.5 miles
Elevation Gain
1010 ft
Description
Added by Gaby Colletta
This hike should take 1-3 hours and leads to panoramic views of Crater Lake with surrounding peaks in the backdrop. It's a challenging but rewarding half day hike with wildflowers and sights that only get better as you climb.
Crater Lake is one of the most visited natural wonders in the U.S. Anyone who has gone will tell you, it strikes a magic chord. Where there was once the volcanic Mount Mazama, now sits the deepest lake in the States. It's brilliant blue color and incredible depth of clarity leaves visitors from all over the world in a state of awe.
The Garfield Peak Trail leads to the 2nd highest peak in the park and is one of the best hikes for those looking to breathe in all its expansive wonder. A great half day venture, this trail is 3.5 miles roundtrip and takes 1-3 hours. It's not a long hike, though the constant climb can leave you winded. Luckily, any spot you choose to rest will yield an incredible view. If you are looking to pack a lot in one day, this is a great hike to pair with Cleetwood Cove Trail (the only path that leads to the basin).
Catch the trailhead behind the Crater Lake Lodge in the Rim Village. If you are facing the lake with your back to the lodge, the trail begins a 5-minute walk down the sidewalk on your right. The trail follows the perimeter of the lake with switchbacks that take you past distant peaks and through all sorts of foliage. This path is well-marked and frequently trafficked. Be sure to explore the summit - there are some great cliff edges to hang your feet off of and feel entirely small.
Note: There is a National Park Entrance Fee: Car $15 (7 day pass); Motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians - $10.00 per person (7 day pass). If you plan on visiting multiple National Parks in a year, consider purchasing the National Park and Federal Recreation Land Pass for $80. Here's the link for more details.
PARK your car in the lot of the Crater Lake Lodge. There are bathrooms inside for use before hitting the trail.
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Hike the Garfield Peak Trail Reviews
Crater Lake National Park is renowned for its deep blue waters and volcanic landscapes, and the Garfield Peak Trail offers one of the park’s best vantage points, getting you up higher than any of the pullouts on the scenic drive allows. On Saturday June 28th, I arrived at the park around 9 a.m. to find plenty of parking near the trailhead. The Garfield Peak Trail rises steadily from Rim Village, traversing rocky slopes and hugging the rim of Crater Lake. The climb was not overly strenuous but provided a satisfying challenge, with switchbacks revealing new, ever-more-stunning perspectives of the lake below. As I gained elevation, patches of snow lingered alongside the trail. Despite the snow, the trail was mostly clear and easily navigable up to about 7,700 feet, where I encountered a section still deeply covered in snow. Here, the path to the actual summit was impassable without proper winter gear—micro spikes and trekking poles would have been essential to continue safely. Opting for caution, I stopped at a natural viewpoint just before the final ascent. At this lookout, the reward was immense. The entirety of Crater Lake spread out below, a mirror of sapphire blue encircled by dramatic caldera cliffs, with Wizard Island and Phantom Ship dotting the blue landscape. Turning southward, I was awestruck to see the snowy crown of Mt. Shasta piercing the horizon all the way from California. The surrounding mountains formed a rugged amphitheater, framing the lake and sky in every direction. On the ascent, I encountered only a handful of fellow hikers. However, as I began my journey back down, the trail steadily filled with people making their way up, so early is the way to go if you are looking for solitude. The hike, which took just over an hour to complete, offered a perfect window into the unique splendor of Crater Lake. Even without reaching the very summit, the journey felt complete. The early start not only ensured solitude and easy parking but also allowed for unhurried appreciation of the park’s grandeur before midday crowds arrived. Garfield Peak remains a highly recommended adventure for anyone visiting Crater Lake—especially in early summer, when snow still lingers and the vistas stretch for what feels like forever.
4.0
Regardless of how long you are in Crater Lake NP (even just for a couple hours) this hike is a must do. I stopped there just to hike it while I was driving through to Bend from California. It is a fairly short but semi steep hike, my buddy and I were able to make the top in about 30 minutes, and has some of the most spectacular views in all of Oregon (there are a lot in that state). Bring a camera, some water and a snack because once you’re at the top you may stay there for awhile.
5.0
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Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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