Garfield Peak Trail

The Garfield Peak Trail is a little over 3 miles out and back right out the back porch of the Crater Lake Lodge. A steady uphill with great views.

Driving

– It’s a 75 minute drive towards Crater Lake. Jump off Interstate 5 in Medford on the Crater Lake/ Route 62 exit. That’s Exit 30 for you interstate sign readers. Turn to the east and take the New Bypass around the businesses and turn left when that road dead ends into the old Route 62.
Now, stay on Route 62 through White City, Shady Cove, Trail, past Lost Creek Lake, past Prospect and into the tall pines. When you pass the Union Creek Campground and Beckies Pies you will turn right towards Crater Lake which is actually staying on Route 62.

About 15 miles on this and you’ll see the sign pointing left to Crater Lake. Technically the Scenic Bypass Legacy Highway. You will hit the Ranger Kiosk and it’s $30 per car unless you have some kind of old person/Veteran pass. 7 miles uphill to the top of the rim. Turn right towards the the lodge and drive all the way to the end. Like you are a fancy guest of the lodge. There is regular parking there for us no-so-fancy people too.

Parking

– Before you hit the roundabout hotel drop off area there are spots on your right. It could fill up and you’ll have to back track a little.

Hiking

– You start by cutting through the lobby of the lodge and out the back door onto the porch overlooking Crater Lake. Turn right and continue along the asphalt trail. Don’t worry, it quickly becomes dirt and you meander your way to the top of Garfield Peak with amazing views.

All along the route there are little vista point that step over to the edge of the rim. Check them all out, they are pretty fun. Be careful of course, there are no guardrails in nature!