Discovery Point Trail

Route Description for Discovery Point Trail

Discovery Point Trail is one of the most popular trails in Crater Lake National Park, running from Rim Village along the crater to a viewpoint called Discovery Point. It’s an easy hike with excellent views, especially on clear days when the entire lake is visible.

Crater Lake was formed over 7,700 years ago when the Mazama volcano erupted and collapsed. The lake is now the deepest in the country (592 m) and one of the most pristine and clear in the world. Surrounded by mountains, it’s regarded as one of the clearest, bluest lakes in the world.

Discovery Point Trail can be hiked most of the year, but it’s best explored in the summertime for a few reasons. First, the lake is completely hidden by clouds about 50% of the time in the winter. You can check out the webcams on the park’s website to see if it’s visible. Secondly, snow cornices develop along the rim in the winter, making hiking more dangerous. Take advantage of the clear summer views if you can!

The park is open throughout the year, but some roads are closed in the winter. The Rim Village is the heart of the park, and it’s where your hike will begin. Our route begins from Rim Village Drive, but there are multiple points in the village where you can hop onto the path.

Head west to the Pacific Crest Trail. You might spot a thru-hiker here, often bound for the post office in the rim village for restocks of food and supplies. You’ll want to look for where the paved path becomes a dirt track. Hike northeast along the rim, approaching Discovery Point.

Discovery Point is where gold prospector John Wesley Hillman spotted Crater Lake in 1853, but of course, Native Americans had been living in the area of the lake for thousands of years already.
The trail is treed in at points, but you’ll get lovely breakthrough views as you hike. When you reach the point, enjoy the view of the lake, the crater rim, the mountains, and Wizard Island out in the water.

From the point, turn around and retrace your steps back to the village, perhaps taking another hike or heading down to the ferry to explore Wizard Island.

Hiking Route Highlights

Crater Lake

Crater Lake National Park protects the unique Crater Lake, a body of water formed by the crater left over from the eruption and collapse of Mount Mazama over 7,700 years ago. Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the country at 594 m deep, and it’s renowned for its clarity and deep blue color. It’s surrounded by the Southern Cascades, lending to its dramatic beauty. Hiking trails traverse the mountains around the lake and a summer ferry runs visitors to Wizard Island on the west side of the lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you swim in Crater Lake?

Yes, but it’s very cold! Bring a towel and warm clothes to change into after your swim.

Is Crater Lake National Park always open?

The park is open most days of the year, but services and roads close down in the winter months. We’d recommend visiting between mid-June and September if you’re able to.

Can you drink the water in Crater Lake?

Please don’t drink water from the lake. It’s not treated for human consumption and drinking it contradicts the park’s mission to preserve the lake.