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Watchman Peak Trail

Intermediate
 4.7 (17)
  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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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

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Quin TCM
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 17 votes

#1

in Crater Lake National Park

#224

Overall
  4.7 from 17 votes
5 Star
71%
4 Star
29%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Crater Lake National Park

#2

in Oregon

#224

Overall
151 Views Last Month
4,106 Since Sep 14, 2015
Intermediate
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89%
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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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Check-Ins

Sep 1, 2020
Jessica Jang
9-1-2020 hiked up with Hudson and Emily on a great trip to Crater Lake
Aug 20, 2020
Garrett Bryant
Aug 18, 2020
Luke Goodfellow
Great view of the lake. 1mi — 14h 20m
Aug 5, 2020
Kim T
Jul 26, 2020
Todd Stockberger
john and Jacob west coast trip
Jul 26, 2020
Heather Coleman
Jul 24, 2020
Jaclyn Rose
Jul 23, 2020
Stephen Pack

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