Crater Lake Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · River/Creek · Spring · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Always travel with appropriate bear protection.

This trail climbs a steep grade passing through mature spruce-hemlock forest to a picturesque alpine bowl where Crater Lake sits. The first half climbs over rough, rocky sections with numerous switchbacks and muddy areas as well as wooden bridges. The second half continues to climb, but at a gentler grade, though hillsides that are abundant with wildflowers during the summer months. A bench is provided midway up the trail for a great view of Eyak Lake. At 1.2 miles an intertie provides access to the Eyak Ski Hill Trail. The trail can be very muddy with some sections overrun by water during heavy rainfall.
At the lake the hiker has the option to access the Alice Smith Intertie or climb Mt. Eyak. The entire loop from Crater Lake trailhead to Power Creek Trail is 12 miles.

Pass through a mature spruce-hemlock forest into an alpine climate above tree line.
Bears and mountain goats can sometimes be seen along the trail and in the distance.