How to Best Visit Crater Lake from Medford, Oregon + Things to Do in Medford
Crater Lake is one of the most jaw-dropping water sights in North America. It’s the deepest lake in the U.S. and is the pinnacle of an entire National Park (the aptly named Crater Lake National Park). Crater Lake is a bit of a drive to get to no matter where you’re coming from in Oregon, but one of the easiest ways to get there is from Medford.
Here is why you should make Medford your base for visiting Crater Lake, plus a detailed Medford to Crater Lake itinerary so you have a fantastic day seeing this coveted Oregon landmark.
First off, Where are Crater Lake and Medford?
Crater Lake is located in the southeast region of Oregon. Due to its location on the southern end of Crater Lake National Park, you either have to go through Bend and drive all the way around the eastern side of the park, or head down I-5 and situate yourself on the western edge of the park and then drive into the park and up to Crater Lake.
Note: You can also stay in the national park, but there are only a couple lodges and they book up early and can be quite expensive. Which is why I recommend planning on staying in Medford and driving to Crater Lake from there.
What Makes Crater Lake So Special?
Crater Lake is one of the most jaw-dropping sites in a U.S. National Park. That may sound like a big claim, but once you see the serene deep blue color of the tranquil lake located at the bottom of a steep gorge and realize the magnitude of this lake, which is the deepest in the United States, you’ll realize why an entire national park was built around it.
In addition to this famous lake created after the eruption and ensuing collapse of Mount Mazama 7,700 years ago, Crater Lake National Park is home to a number of mountainous hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic drives.
How Far is Medford From Crater Lake?
It takes roughly an hour to get to the entrance to Crater Lake National Park from Medford. From there, it’s another 45 minutes or so to get up to the lake itself. This drive winds through the mountains as you gain altitude. Soon you’ll see signs for Crater Lake.
Easy Day Trip Itinerary for Crater Lake from Medford
It take roughly ninety minutes to drive from Medford to Crater Lake. I recommend mixing this up with some stops.
Avenue of the Boulders
A quick one-minute stroll from a small parking lot after crossing a bridge over the Rogue River along Mill Creek Dr. will take you to the edge of a gorge overlooking a cascade of water rushing over and around large boulders.
The boulders are from the Mount Mazama explosion (the one that created Crater Lake); the blast was so large it blew these huge chunks of rock all the way to this part of Oregon, resulting in the Avenue of the Boulders.
You can stop at Avenue of the Fallen Boulders on your way (you’ll reach it a few miles before Pearsoney Falls), for a quick stop, stretch, and look, but if you enjoy hiking, plan to leave Medford early so you have time to hike. This is because there are a couple of impressive waterfalls to be seen here if you lace up your hiking shoes.
If hiking, park at the Mill and Barr Creek Falls Trailhead lot. Then follow the signs for one, or eventually both, waterfalls. The trail will fork, with one side of each fork leading to either Mill Falls or Barr Creek Falls. The trails are under two miles and considered easy and kid-friendly.
Pearsoney Falls and Nature Trail
Next, stop just outside the town of Prescott for a short hike to Pearsoney Falls.
On the way, stretch your legs with a short hike to Pearsoney Falls. This is an easy hike along a dirt trail next to a burbling creek. At one point, the creek widens and the result is the scenic Pearsoney Falls. Take a bit of time to sit at the water’s edge and watch and listen to the cascading water before continuing on your way to Crater Lake.
Snack Break Tip: If you’re feeling hungry on the way to or from Crater Lake, stop at Becky’s in Prescott for a slice of pie or a huckleberry filled cinnamon roll covered in cream cheese.
Natural Bridge
Your next stop is at the Natural Bridge near Prospect. If you want to break things up, I recommend doing this walking stop on your way back to Medford from Crater Lake since it’s an easy end of the day spot to explore if you’re tired. The walk to the main view point is short and paved. This accessible trail also has a railing running along the side that visitors who need extra assistance walking can hold onto.
What makes this stop so memorable is that it’s a really cool spot to appreciate the power of fire and water. This is a stretch of the Rogue River that flows through a hardened lava tube, created thousands of years ago by the eruption of Mount Mazama. As the lava cooled, it did so from the outside in, creating a hollow tube within the earth as the last dredges of the hot lava left a hole in the hardened core as it flowed through, created a natural bridge over the river once the water came.
There are a few different places to stop and view the Rogue River along this trail, but the must-see point is the one where the river disappears under the ground as it runs through the lava tube and out the other side. Take the time to read the info panels along the trail to learn more about this natural lava tube phenomenon.
Crater Lake Visitor Center and Lookout Points
Once you’re at Crater Lake, I recommend parking at the Rim Village Cafe and Gift Shop parking lot. Be prepared for having to circle a couple times, but people are in and out pretty frequently at this lot so you shouldn’t have to wait long for a parking spot.
After you park, you’ll see a lodge-like building in front of you. If you’re like me, you’ll stop there first to use the restroom! Then walk beyond it and *bam*. You’ll be face to face with the breathtaking views of pristine, tranquil Crater Lake.
This is a family-friendly part of the lake to visit since there is a concrete half-wall divide between the walking path and the steep cliff that tumbles down to the lake. Still, don’t let your kids out of your sight! It’s a long way down.
As you walk east along the path, you’ll come to another small building, the Rim Village Visitor Center that is a great spot to stop in and learn more about the history of the area. It also has a tiny gift shop with stuffed animals, t-shirts, posters and plaques, and other trinkets you can get to help you remember your time in Crater Lake when you’re back home.
After taking in the extraordinary views at this stop by the visitor center keep driving up the road to the the Watchman Observation Station. There’s another small parking lot here. Pull off and do the walk along the wooden pathway to the viewpoint over Crater Lake.
This view is one of my favorites of the lake. It’s serene and feels more rustic and peaceful being out on the wooden viewing platform, as opposed to the busier pathway by the main parking area. It also has a close-up view of Wizard Island.
If the road is open, continue the drive around the lake for more incredible views. But even if the road is closed (it can’t be open until all the snow is cleared, which often isn’t until June), a drive from Medford to Crater Lake for the views from the eastern edge of the lake is well worth it and will no doubt be a highlight of your Oregon road trip.
Things to Do in Medford
If you find yourself with extra time in Medford due to Crater Lake not being fully open yet, take advantage of this beautiful and artsy Oregon city by heading out for an evening in the fun downtown area — or plan on an extra day or two in Medford after touring Crater Lake just to explore this fun city and the other things to do around it.
Here are some top things to do in the city center of Medford:
- Watch a show at Holly Theatre, Collaborative Theatre Project, or the Craterion Theater to experience the performance arts part of Medford.
- Visit local art galleries, such as the Art du Jour Gallery and Rogue Gallery & Art Center.
- Eat some local farm to table cuisine at one of Medford’s downtown restaurants, like Tap & Vine or Decant.
- If traveling with kids, check out the Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon.
Medford is located within the Rogue Valley. Here are some other things to do near Medford:
- Lower Table Rocks Hikes: The lower table rocks hike has a steep incline in parts, but is only moderately difficult. It is an especially stunning hike to do at sunrise. From the top, you’ll see Upper Table Rock, that also has a hiking trail to its summit.
- Rogue Creamery: Four words — blue cheese grilled cheese. (Or does that only count as three?) Sooo yummy! Rogue Creamery in Central Point is known for its award-winning blue cheese and it’s fantastic on its own or as part of the gooey grilled cheese you can order here.
- Rogue Valley Wine Tasting: Rogue Valley is home to over 80 different wineries. Stand-outs for me include Del Rio Vineyards (upscale tasting experience with vineyards views), Table Rock Vineyard (beautiful family-owned estate with limited wine tastings so check their website before going!) Ryan Rose Wines (their weekend-only tasting room is right next door to Rogue Creamery), and Augustino (tasting room is located in a treehouse!).
- Visit Ashland for Shopping and Shakespeare: 20 minutes south of Medford is the cute little city of Ashland, known for its famous Shakespeare Festival and also home to a number of unique gift shops and eateries.
- Local History Museums: Learn more about the history of the area at the Crater Rock Museum in Central Point and the Eagle Point Historical Museum in Eagle Point.
Hope you have a wonderful time exploring beautiful Crater Lake and Medford, Oregon!