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Offered languages
- English
Download GuideAlong’s self-guided audio tour of Crater Lake National Park and explore the deep blue waters, towering cliffs, and volcanic landscapes of the United States’ deepest lake. Cruise the scenic Rim Drive and all of the best sights including Merriam Point’s stunning vistas, Phantom Ship’s uniquely shaped island, the 100-foot Vidae Falls, and Watchman Peak’s panoramic views
Along the way, hear stories on the unique geology, volcanic past and rich Indigenous history play automatically as you explore this breathtaking Pacific Northwest destination.
Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you and bypassing any that don’t.
Stories, tips, and directions play automatically based on your location
Tour offline using GPS. No cell service or WiFi is needed
Suggested itineraries for half, full, or multi-day use
No time limits or expiry, and free updates
Like having a tour guide along for the drive
Purchase one tour per vehicle.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Includes an app-based self-guided experience, so there is no need to meet an in-person guide. Start on Highway 62 heading north or Highway 138 heading south toward the lake. You can also join anywhere along the route. Search your email for “Download Audio Tour.”
Itinerary
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Cleetwood Cove Trail (Pass by)
Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only path in Crater Lake National Park that provides direct access to the lake's shore. This 2-mile round-trip hike is notably steep and strenuous, descending 700 feet to the water.
Admission ticket free -
Watchman Peak (Pass by)
The Watchman Peak Trail leads to the historic Watchman Observation Station, a former ranger fire lookout. The moderately challenging 2-mile trail has a 400-foot elevation gain and takes about an hour round trip.
Admission ticket free -
Rim Village (Pass by)
Rim Village is a historic area designed specifically for visitors in the early 1900s. Architects worked to blend the rustic buildings into the natural surroundings, using local stone and lumber to complement the landscape.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
The Phantom Ship formation, named for its resemblance to a ghostly ship, sits offshore and resembles a dark, jagged silhouette in the lake’s mist.
Admission ticket free -
Merriam Point (Pass by)
Merriam Point Overlook offers stunning views of Crater Lake, Mount McLoughlin, Mount Scott, Llao Rock, and Wizard Island.
Admission ticket free -
Vidae Falls (Pass by)
Vidae Falls, Crater Lake’s most popular waterfall, cascades 100 feet down from a spring fed by snowmelt and rainfall.
Admission ticket free -
Pinnacles Overlook Hike (Pass by)
Pinnacles Overlook showcases unique geological formations within Crater Lake National Park. These striking volcanic spires, formed from hardened volcanic matter, tell a story of ancient eruptions and subsequent cooling that shaped the landscape.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Plaikni Falls Trail offers a peaceful, easy hike, leading to a secluded waterfall. This 2-mile round-trip path is surrounded by a meadow rich in wildflowers, embodying the beauty of the high country—a name given by the indigenous Klamath people.
Admission ticket free -
Castle Crest Wildflower Trail (Pass by)
Castle Crest Wildflower Garden is a botanical highlight featuring a vibrant display of native wildflowers.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- How to Access: After booking you’ll receive an email and text with instructions (search “Download Audio Tour”). Click the link in the email/text to sign in with your preferred Apple or Google account and redeem your voucher code ahead of time.
- Download The GuideAlong App: Download the free app over WiFi or cellular data and sign in with the same Apple or Google account.
- Download The Tour: Download the tour in the GuideAlong app under 'My Tours' over WiFi or cellular data.
- Start The Tour: Open the tour in the GuideAlong app to preview the start locations, tour route and trip planner, or start the tour.
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- How to Access: After booking you’ll receive an email and text with instructions (search “Download Audio Tour”). Click the link in the email/text to sign in with your preferred Apple or Google account and redeem your voucher code ahead of time.
- Download The GuideAlong App: Download the free app over WiFi or cellular data and sign in with the same Apple or Google account.
- Download The Tour: Download the tour in the GuideAlong app under 'My Tours' over WiFi or cellular data.
- Start The Tour: Open the tour in the GuideAlong app to preview the start locations, tour route and trip planner, or start the tour.
- Location-Based Stories: Audio commentary plays automatically as you drive using your phone’s GPS chip. Wherever you are and whichever direction you’re going, you’ll hear the best stories and tips.
- Flexible Travel Date: Tours are a one-time purchase with no expiry or date/time limit. If your plans change to a different day, there’s no need to change your travel date.
- Tour at Your Leisure: With GuideAlong, you control the pace. Start, stop, and resume the tour any day, anytime, adapting it to your schedule.
- Driving Tours: Group Savings: One purchase covers everyone in the vehicle, making it a cost-effective way to explore.
- Works Offline: No internet or cell service is required once the audio tour is downloaded to your phone, so you can relax and tour offline.
- Bring A Charger: Pack a USB/C car charger for charging and easy sound connectivity, and make sure your device is fully charged.
- Technical Support: The GuideAlong support team is available daily by toll-free phone, online chat, and email.
- Please be aware that the section between Sun Notch Trailhead and Cloudcap Overlook at Crater Lake is currently closed. Visitors will need to return and take an alternate route to access the other parts of the lake, as both Sun Notch and Cloudcap Overlook remain open.
- The app’s audio will play through your car’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display, while the app’s map will display on your phone. You can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth to listen to the commentary through the car stereo.
- Important Note: East Rim Drive is currently closed to all public access from Park Headquarters to Phantom Ship Overlook due to road construction.
- Cleetwood Cove Closure: The Cleetwood Cove Trail, parking lot, and marina are closed for the 2026–2028 seasons due to a major rehabilitation project. There will be no public lakeshore access via Cleetwood Cove and no public boat tours during this period.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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