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Watchman Peak Trail

Intermediate Intermediate
 4.7 (21)
  1. Areas
  2. OR
  3. …Southwest Oregon
  4. Crater Lake National Park
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“A short yet fulfilling trail offering expansive views of Crater Lake and Wizard Island. ”

Quin TCM
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Google Map
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Map Key

0.5

Miles

0.9

KM

Point to Point

8,009' 2,441 m

High

7,681' 2,341 m

Low

328' 100 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Lake · Views

Family Friendly Although the trail gains good elevation over a short distance, the views are great and kids will feel a sense of accomplishment from reaching the peak.

Description

The trail is located along West Rim Dr., 3.7 miles north of Rim Village. A parking lot is located just north of the trail at a place called Watchman Overlook. It is also possible to reach the trail from the Rim Village by following a foot traffic-only trail that follows the rim of the crater. That trail is listed here as Pacific Crest Trail Alternate North.

From the parking lot at Watchman Overlook, head south a short distance to the obvious and wide trail listed here as Pacific Crest Trail Alternate North. Follow this trail for a short distance west as it slowly ascends. After about 0.3 miles, the trail to Watchman Peak diverges from Pacific Crest Trail Alternate North and turns slightly south while Pacific Crest Trail Alternate North will continue west.

Follow the trail to the peak as it begins ascending in earnest. Continue ascending through the switchbacks to where the trail ends at the peak. A fire lookout sits on top of The Watchman and serves as a museum, as well as a fire lookout. Check the park website for information regarding the operating schedule of the lookout.

The views at the top are expansive and offer a really good opportunity to see the lake as well as Wizard Island. This trail is popular, so expect crowds during peak travel seasons.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Crater Lake National Park

Shared By:

Quin TCM
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 21 votes

#1

in Crater Lake National Park

#223

Overall
  4.7 from 21 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Crater Lake National Park

#2

in Oregon

#223

Overall
12 Views Last Month
5,503 Since Sep 14, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
0%
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86%
5%
9%
0%
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Photos

View from Watchman Lookout
Sep 14, 2015 near Crater…, OR
Watchman Overlook at Crater Lake National Park
Mar 31, 2020 near Crater…, OR
Hillman Peak and Crater Lake
Sep 14, 2015 near Crater…, OR

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Oct 3, 2023
Jodi K
Hoping for a nice sunset; hoping to make it to the top! 1.8mi
Aug 18, 2023
Luke Skywalker
Jul 24, 2023
Shannon Watry
Jul 15, 2023
Dale Hilgendorf
Jul 10, 2023
B Jaynaw
Good views - short
Sep 4, 2022
Christina Manglona
Aug 14, 2022
G Allen Daily
Aug 7, 2022
Malinda Kempton
Actually July 17, 2021

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