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Mount Scott Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.8 (27)
  1. Areas
  2. OR
  3. …Southwest Oregon
  4. Crater Lake National Park
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“A moderate trail to the highest point in Crater Lake NP and expansive views of Crater Lake. ”

Quin TCM
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Map Key

4.5

Miles

7.2

KM

Out and Back

8,905' 2,714 m

High

7,683' 2,342 m

Low

1,236' 377 m

Up

1,236' 377 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

28%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Views · Wildlife

Overview

This is a great out and back to Crater Lake NP's highest point, Mt. Scott. The summit of Mount Scott affords views of the entire lake and surrounding scenic landscape.

Description

The trailhead is located along East Rim Drive near the turnoff for Cloudcap Overlook. A small parking area on the southeast side of the road accommodates several vehicles. The trail is located at the southern end of this parking area and is well marked by several signs.

Initially, the trail is flat as it passes through a meadow to the bottom of the southern side of Mount Scott. Upon reaching the southern side, the trail begins to ascend slowly as it continues along its eastward trek through forest and rock. Eventually, the trail makes a more steep ascent before reaching a ridgeline and immediately turning northwest. The trail now continues its steep ascent as it bounces back and forth between two ridge lines in a series of switchbacks. At the conclusion of the switchbacks, the trail levels out at a ridge line that slowly ascends to a fire lookout at the summit.

The views from this area are expansive. It is said that this is the only location in the park that accommodate the entirety of a the lake within in a camera lens. The fire lookout is still operational and is sometimes staffed by park personnel. Also, given its height, snow can be found along the trail late into the season.

Return the way you came.

Flora & Fauna

Grouse, Clark's Nut Crackers, Steller's Jays, and many birds abound.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Crater Lake National Park

Shared By:

Quin TCM
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 27 votes

#2

in Crater Lake National Park

#364

Overall
  4.8 from 27 votes
5 Star
78%
4 Star
22%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Crater Lake National Park

#8

in Oregon

#364

Overall
15 Views Last Month
16,669 Since Sep 11, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
0%
0%
77%
5%
18%
0%
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Photos

View from Mt. Scott
Nov 22, 2015 near Crater…, OR
View of the forest opposite the lake.
Aug 10, 2016 near Crater…, OR
The summit of Mount Scott offers visitors great views of distant Klamath Lakes and Mount Shasta.
Dec 11, 2016 near Crater…, OR
The trail is relatively smooth on the way to the summit of Mount Scott.
Dec 11, 2016 near Crater…, OR
Mount Scott
Oct 19, 2015 near Crater…, OR

1 Comment

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Check-Ins

Aug 13, 2022
Alex Ledger
Aug 2, 2022
Tom H
Oct 7, 2021
Ashleigh Shunk
Aug 10, 2021
Cameron Booth
The best view in the park! Though not steep, can be lung-busting because of the high altitude (8,929 feet at the summit). 4.5mi — 1h 49m
Jul 16, 2021
Tom Herr
We had a great time hiking steadily up to the highest point in the park. Many wonderful vistas. Enjoyed the view from fire tower on top. Enthralling! 4.5mi
Jul 30, 2020
K Jones
Very strenuous - 9.6 percent grades! 5mi — 2h 30m
Jul 20, 2020
Abigail Eisley
Sep 11, 2019
Joshua Rogers
4.5mi — 3h 14m

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