Crater Lake to Oregon Caves National Monument offers a diverse and captivating journey through two of Oregon’s most remarkable natural wonders. This route spans approximately 170 miles, showcasing the deepest lake in the United States and an intricate marble cave system. Visitors can experience stunning volcanic landscapes, pristine forests, and unique geological formations. The journey between these two national treasures provides opportunities for hiking, scenic drives, and exploration of the rich biodiversity of the Pacific Northwest.
What Are the Best Hiking Trails Between Crater Lake and Oregon Caves National Monument?
While there are no direct hiking trails connecting Crater Lake and Oregon Caves National Monument, both locations offer exceptional hiking experiences. Here’s a breakdown of the trails at each site:
Crater Lake National Park Trails
- Short Hikes:
- Sun Notch Viewpoint: 0.25 mile one way, 20 minutes, moderate difficulty
- Godfrey Glen Nature Trail: 1 mile loop, 30 minutes, easy difficulty
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Castle Crest Wildflower Garden: 0.4 mile loop, 30-45 minutes, easy difficulty
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Medium Hikes:
- Watchman Peak Trail: 0.7 miles one way, 1 hour, difficult
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Cleetwood Cove Trail: 1.1 miles one way, 1.5 hours, strenuous
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Longer Hikes:
- Mt. Scott Trail: 2.5 miles one way, 3 hours, strenuous
Oregon Caves National Monument Trails
- Big Tree Trail: 3.3 miles round trip, moderate difficulty
- Cave Creek Trail: 3.6 miles round trip, moderate to challenging
- Mt. Elijah Trail: 9.2 miles loop, 5-7 hours, challenging
What Guided Tour Options Are Available at Oregon Caves?
Oregon Caves National Monument offers a unique guided hiking and cave tour experience:
- Duration: 5 days, 4 nights (August 14 – 18, 2025)
- Cost:
- Double booking: $2,925/person
- Single booking: $3,495/person
- Roommate rebate: $530 available
- Inclusions: Cave tour, hiking various trails, accommodations, and van shuttles
- Starting Point: Medford, OR
This comprehensive tour provides an in-depth exploration of both Crater Lake and Oregon Caves, combining hiking adventures with cave exploration.
Where Are the Best Viewpoints at Crater Lake?
Crater Lake offers several breathtaking viewpoints, each providing a unique perspective of the lake:
- Sinnott Memorial Overlook
- Location: Near Crater Lake Lodge
- Features: Interpretive center, car-accessible
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View: Stunning panorama of the lake
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Watchman Overlook
- Location: 3.7 miles northwest of Rim Village on West Rim Drive
- Features: Historic fire lookout
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View: Panoramic views of the lake and surrounding area
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Sun Notch Viewpoint
- Location: 4 miles east of Park Headquarters on East Rim Drive
- Features: Overlook of Crater Lake and Phantom Ship
- View: Unique perspective of the lake’s eastern section
Amenities: Rim Village serves as a central hub with parking, restrooms, and the Rim Village Café, providing easy access to many trails and viewpoints.
How Can I Plan Logistics for Visiting Both Crater Lake and Oregon Caves National Monument?
Planning a trip to both Crater Lake and Oregon Caves National Monument requires careful consideration of transportation, accommodation, and timing. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan your visit:
Transportation Options
- Driving:
- Both locations are accessible by car
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Nearest towns:
- Crater Lake: Klamath Falls
- Oregon Caves: Cave Junction
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Air Travel:
- Nearest airport: Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport
- Note: Airline service not included in guided tours
Parking Facilities
| Location | Parking Areas |
|---|---|
| Crater Lake National Park | – Along Rim Drive – Cleetwood Cove trailhead – Watchman Overlook |
| Oregon Caves National Monument | – Visitor Center – Chateau parking lot |
Entrance Fees
- Crater Lake National Park: Requires park entrance fee (check official website for current rates)
- Oregon Caves National Monument: Entrance fee required (see National Park Service website for details)
Recommended Itineraries
- 4-Day Road Trip:
- Start: Portland
- Day 1-2: Ashland (cultural stops)
- Day 3: Oregon Caves National Monument
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Day 4: Crater Lake National Park
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5-Day Guided Hike:
- Start/End: Medford, OR
- Includes:
- Hiking at Crater Lake and Oregon Caves
- Accommodations and meals
- Van shuttles between locations
By following this guide, you can create a memorable journey from Crater Lake to Oregon Caves National Monument, experiencing the best of both natural wonders while ensuring a smooth and well-planned trip.