Fall is one of the most rewarding times to visit Crater Lake National Park. Cooler temperatures, crisp mountain air, and fewer crowds make it an ideal season for those looking to enjoy Oregon in fall. There are so many great things to do at Crater Lake National Park: cycle the Rim Drive, take a trolley tour, and enjoy increased chances of spotting wildlife and birds during seasonal migrations. Add in the golden hues of Oregon fall colors surrounding the deep blue lake, and it’s a picture-postcard-perfect experience.
Services at Crater Lake remain open through mid-October, offering plenty of time to explore before winter closures begin. Scenic drives like Rim Drive are breathtaking this time of year, with vibrant foliage and panoramic views around every turn. While the mile long Cleetwood Cove trail is closed for structural updates, there are still plenty of things to do at Crater Lake National Park, like other hiking trails, biking, and picnicking. Visitors should always come prepared for changing weather conditions, including early snow. Layer up, pack your camera, and don’t miss the opportunity to experience Oregon’s high country in peak fall form.
After a day of leaf-peeping, adventuring, and experiencing all of the best things to do at Crater Lake National Park, relax at the Historic Gilchrist Resort, a cozy and peaceful base just outside the park. Our Central Oregon rentals offer rustic charm, access to outdoor recreation, and a perfect place to unwind. Whether planning a weekend escape or a more extended fall getaway, book now for the best time to experience autumn in Oregon. Fall at Crater Lake is short but stunning; you don’t want to miss it. Reserve your stay today!
The six best things to do at Crater lake national park
Crater Lake National Park, the fifth national park established in the U.S., is a must-see destination, especially in the fall. Just a scenic one-hour drive from our Central Oregon rentals along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, this region bursts with vibrant Oregon fall colors during peak season. The lake is the deepest in the U.S., formed 7,700 years ago when Mount Mazama erupted in the largest volcanic event in the Cascades. Fed entirely by rain and snow, Crater Lake holds some of the world’s cleanest, clearest water, perfect for photography, reflection, and awe. Witnessing this natural beauty is just one of the best things to do at Crater Lake National Park in autumn.
After soaking in the lake’s beauty, enjoy a meal at Crater Lake Lodge or browse for gifts and souvenirs at the Rim Village shop. The park is open year-round, but many roads and things to do at Crater Lake National Park are closed from November to April. Visitors are encouraged to check the park website for current road conditions and webcams before heading into the park during winter.
Things to do at Crater Lake National Park include:
- One of the best things to do at Crater Lake National Park is to take the 33-mile Rim Drive. The road was designed to complement the park’s landscape and provides 30 overlooks, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to stop and view the caldera and lake.
- With over 90 miles of trails, there are options for moderate, strenuous, and backcountry hikes. Two standout trails are Mt. Scott, which offers 360-degree views from the park’s highest point, and the shorter but stunning Watchman Peak trail.
- Hop on the Crater Lake Trolley, offered through late September, for a two-hour narrated tour by park staff. Many guests remark that this was one of their favorite things to do at Crater Lake National Park.
- Ride the Rim on car-free days, scheduled for September 6 and 13. Of course, you can ride your bike any time, but be aware that there is no shoulder on the narrow, winding roads in the park.
- Take a boat tour or shuttle to Wizard Island with Explore Crater Lake, accompanied by a National Park Ranger. Note that access requires a steep hike down to Cleetwood Cove, the lake’s only shoreline access, which will close for improvements in 2026–2027; exact reopening dates are still to be determined.
- When the trail reopens, fishing is one of the best things to do at Crater Lake National Park. You can fish the lake stocked in the 1800s with Kokanee Salmon and Rainbow Trout. No license is required, and there is no catch limit, but only artificial bait is allowed to protect the fragile ecosystem in the lake.
More scenic drives in central oregon for this fall
The central part of our state is one of the best places to experience the brilliance of fall in Oregon. Breathtaking byways wind through forests, lakes, and lava fields, all lit up with Oregon fall colors. After traveling the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway from Klamath Falls to finding the best things to do at Crater Lake National Park, explore even more unforgettable scenic drives near our Central Oregon rentals.
Each route offers a unique glimpse into the region’s diverse landscapes, from high alpine lakes to ancient lava flows and golden aspens lining the highways. Here are our other favorite fall scenic drives in Oregon:
- Take a stunning drive along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway past more than a dozen alpine lakes and the towering Cascade peaks, especially vivid with fall foliage around Elk Lake and Sparks Lake.
- Take the Outback Scenic Byway, a quiet, wide-open route through Oregon’s high desert. In fall, the landscape is colorful with golden grasses, juniper, and cottonwoods, perfect for those seeking solitude and wildlife viewing.
- The McKenzie Pass to Santiam Pass Scenic Byway winds through lava fields, fir forests, and river valleys. This drive offers dramatic views and fiery fall colors, especially near Proxy Falls and the McKenzie River corridor. The vine maples against the dark lava terrain are particularly stunning.
Our historic waterfront cabins are the ideal home base for fall exploration in Central Oregon. These charming lakefront rentals offer easy access to all of the best things to do at Crater Lake and the surrounding scenic byways. If you have a family reunion, a corporate retreat, or group getaway coming up, we also have a beautiful vacation home for bigger parties. After a day of driving and leaf peeping, unwind by the fire or enjoy the peaceful lakeside setting. Reserve your cottage today!