Crater Lake National Park hiking guide
Watchman Peak Trail
A 1.7-mile out-and-back with 400 ft of climbing in Wizard Island, rated moderate.
Key facts
- Length
- 1.7 mi (2.7 km)
- Elevation gain
- 400 ft (123 m)
- Route type
- Out and back
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Area
- Wizard Island
- Highest point
- 8,008 ft
- Lowest point
- 7,601 ft
About Watchman Peak Trail
A steady climb with several switchbacks leads up an isolated peak on the west rim of the crater to a historic fire lookout tower. From the top, the views take in Crater Lake and Wizard Island below, with Mount Thielsen, Mount McLoughlin and the Klamath Basin in the distance. It's a popular spot for sunset, and the Rim Drive overlook nearby offers a view of the lake without the climb.
Route map
This route was checked by Parka editors.
