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Sun Notch Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
 3.9 (17)
  1. Areas
  2. OR
  3. …Southwest Oregon
  4. Crater Lake National Park
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“An easy and busy trail to an overlook with views of Crater Lake. ”

Quin TCM
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Google Map
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Map Key

0.5

Miles

0.8

KM

Point to Point

7,165' 2,184 m

High

7,035' 2,144 m

Low

129' 39 m

Up

70' 21 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

14%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Lake · Views

Family Friendly An easy trail with views of Crater Lake.

Overview

This popular route is located about 4 miles to the east of park headquarters. Though this trail is short, it offers some spectacular views of Phantom Ship and of Crater Lake. While you're out enjoying the bigger views, you'll be treated to wildflowers and a plethora of other local flora.

Description

The trailhead is located on the south side of East Rim Drive at a small parking area located on the north side of the road.

The trail begins at the parking area and ascends slightly along a wide and well-maintained trail through a meadow of grasses, flowers, and Hemlock. The trail includes several flat areas for those assisting wheelchair bound people up the trail. At the top, the trail flattens out and moves along the rim of the caldera. Along the rim are several locations with benches and rock walls where views of the lake are easily attained. The Phantom Ship can also be seen from this location. To the west of Sun Notch is Applegate Peak and to the east is Dutton Cliff.

Contacts

Local Club: Crater Lake Institute

Land Manager: National Park Service - Crater Lake National Park

Shared By:

Quin TCM
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 17 votes

#4

in Crater Lake National Park

#2958

Overall
  3.9 from 17 votes
5 Star
24%
4 Star
41%
3 Star
35%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#4

in Crater Lake National Park

#73

in Oregon

#2,958

Overall
13 Views Last Month
3,023 Since Sep 14, 2015
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
69%
8%
23%
0%
0%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Crater Lake.
Oct 19, 2015 near Crater…, OR
Crater Lake from Sun Notch.
Oct 19, 2015 near Crater…, OR
The trail to Sun Notch.
Oct 19, 2015 near Crater…, OR

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 9, 2024
Rosie Betenbaugh
0.8mi — 1h 05m
Oct 4, 2023
Jodi K
Difficult to find, looking forward to seeing the lake from this view! 0.5mi — 10h 53m
Aug 26, 2023
Meredith S
our favorite!!! beautiful views of phantom island!!! 1.1mi — 34h 14m
Jul 25, 2023
Shannon Watry
Best view of the lake 0.5mi
Jul 25, 2023
Joelle MacLean-Zimmerman
Jul 14, 2023
Dale Hilgendorf
Mar 4, 2023
N T
Aug 19, 2022
G Allen Daily

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