Garfield Peak, Crater Lake

The walk starts at the Crater Lake Lodge parking in Rim Village. From the east end of the village, follow the paved promenade behind the lodge to the trailhead sign. The Garfield Peak Trail begins in trees and soon opens onto a meadow. It then climbs in switchbacks along the rim, across scree and under crags, with the lake on one side and the valleys to the south on the other, to the summit of Garfield Peak. Return the same way.

It is 3.5 miles (5.7 km) round trip with 960 feet (292 m) of climbing; allow about 2½ hours. The grade is Easy: a short, steady climb, though it starts at about 7,100 feet.

The park says its rim trails are often covered in snow into early July. The upper trail has steep drops, so wait for the snow to go and keep children close. Look out for wildflowers, pikas and marmots on the way up.

Entry to the park costs $30 per vehicle from May 22 to October 31 and $20 in winter, and no reservation is needed. Crater Lake Lodge is open from mid-May to early October. Rim Drive and the north entrance close on November 1, or sooner if it snows heavily, and in winter vehicles must carry chains or traction tires.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.