Crater Lake National Park offers a variety of tour packages to explore its stunning beauty. From audio guides and trolley tours to boat excursions and small group adventures, visitors can choose from diverse options. These packages cater to different preferences, durations, and budgets, providing opportunities to witness the lake’s crystal-clear waters, surrounding cliffs, and abundant wildlife.
What Are the Available Tour Packages for Crater Lake National Park?
Crater Lake National Park offers several tour packages to suit various preferences and budgets:
- Shaka Guide Audio Tour
- Crater Lake Trolley Tours
- Boat Tours by Explor Crater Lake
- Small Group Crater Lake National Park Day Tour by Travel Dream West
- Guided Crater Lake National Park Tours by Ashland Tours
Let’s explore each of these options in detail.
What Does the Shaka Guide Audio Tour Offer?
The Shaka Guide Audio Tour is a flexible and informative option for visitors:
- Duration: 4-10 hours
- Inclusions:
- Audio guide with 20 stops
- Stories and music
- Information on history, plants, and animals
- Starting Points:
- North Diamond Lake, OR
- Chemult, OR
- North of Fort Klamath, OR
- Junction between OR 230 and Highway 62
- Pricing: Not specified, but includes customer support and a 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Note: Park entry fees are not included in the tour price
What Can You Expect from Crater Lake Trolley Tours?
Crater Lake Trolley Tours offer a guided experience along the scenic Rim Drive:
- Duration: 2 hours
- Inclusions:
- Guided trolley tour along the 33-mile Rim Drive
- Stops at significant overlooks
- Park ranger narration and trivia
- Features:
- Enclosed trolleys
- Wheelchair accessible
- Seating for 25 passengers
- Pricing: Varies; reservations available through the Crater Lake Trolley website or by calling 541-882-1896
- Ticket Purchase: Available at the trolley ticket office in Rim Village if not sold out
What Are the Highlights of Boat Tours by Explor Crater Lake?
Explor Crater Lake offers boat tours that provide a unique perspective of the lake:
- Duration: Varies, typically full-day tours
- Inclusions:
- Daily boat tours circumnavigating the caldera
- Park ranger on board
- Safety: Captains and boats are US Coast Guard certified
- Pricing and Reservations: Contact Explor Crater Lake or call their toll-free reservation line at 866-292-6720
What Does the Small Group Crater Lake National Park Day Tour Include?
Travel Dream West offers a comprehensive day tour from the Ashland and Medford area:
- Duration: Full day
- Inclusions:
- Guided tour
- Transportation in a comfortable tour van
- Visits to off-the-beaten-track highlights
- Stops at historic Fort Klamath and Klamath Lake
- Optional: Overnight stay at or near Crater Lake
- Pricing: Available upon demand for four or more guests; pricing details not specified
What Are the Features of Guided Crater Lake National Park Tours by Ashland Tours?
Ashland Tours provides an all-inclusive tour experience:
- Duration: 7 hours
- Inclusions:
- Park entrance fees
- Interpretive sightseeing
- Inspirational hike
- Fresh deli-style boxed lunch (optional for $20)
- Stops at various waysides
- Bird viewing
- Drive over Mt. McLaughlin with opportunities to walk on the Pacific Crest Trail
- Pricing: Starts at $169 per person
- Upgrade Option: Exclusive Package for private tours available
How Do Group Sizes Vary Among Different Tour Packages?
Tour packages at Crater Lake National Park cater to various group sizes:
| Tour Type | Group Size |
|---|---|
| Trolley Tours | Up to 25 passengers |
| Small Group Tours | Typically 4 or more guests |
| Private Tours | Available through Ashland Tours’ Exclusive Package |
What Unique Experiences Are Offered in These Tour Packages?
Crater Lake National Park tour packages offer several unique experiences:
- Watchman Trail and Overlook: Part of the Shaka Guide tour, offering unparalleled vistas of Crater Lake and Wizard Island
- Cleetwood Cove Trail: The only legal access point to the shores of Crater Lake, included in the Shaka Guide tour
- Bird Viewing: Included in tours by Ashland Tours and Travel Dream West, with opportunities to spot bald eagles and other wildlife
- Pacific Crest Trail: Walking opportunities along sections of the trail as part of Ashland Tours
Are There All-Inclusive Crater Lake Packages Available?
Yes, there are all-inclusive packages available for Crater Lake National Park:
Ashland Tours All-Inclusive Package
- Inclusions: Park entrance fees, interpretive sightseeing, inspirational hike, optional fresh deli-style boxed lunch, transportation, and bird viewing
- Duration: 7 hours
- Pricing: Starts at $169 per person
- Accommodations: Not included, but pickup and drop-off from lodgings or residence in the Ashland/Medford area available with the Exclusive Package
Travel Dream West All-Inclusive Package
- Inclusions: Transportation from Ashland and Medford area, visits to off-the-beaten-track highlights, stops at historic Fort Klamath and Klamath Lake, and optional overnight stay at or near Crater Lake
- Duration: Full day
- Pricing: Available upon demand for four or more guests; pricing details not specified
- Accommodations: Optional overnight stay at or near Crater Lake
Are There Current Lodging Deals for Crater Lake National Park Tours?
While specific information about current lodging deals or discounts for package bookings at Crater Lake National Park is not provided in the available sources, it is recommended to:
- Check the park’s official website for any seasonal promotions
- Contact local lodging providers directly for potential deals
- Inquire with tour operators about any package deals that include accommodation
Remember to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure the best rates and availability.