Crater Lake National Park: 4 MUST DO Hikes + Best Nearby HIDDEN GEMS

Planning a trip to Crater Lake National Park? In this video, I cover four of the park’s best hiking trails, essential local lodging tips, and an epic side trip to natural hot springs and waterfalls in Umpqua National Forest! Whether you're looking for a quick, family-friendly waterfall walk or a challenging climb to the highest summit in the park, this guide covers everything you need to know before you hit the trail—including elevation gains, terrain conditions, trailhead logistics, and early-morning parking tips. Timestamps: 01:24 Watchman Peak Trail 03:27 Garfield Peak Trail 05:22 Chiloquin (where to stay) 07:33 Mount Scott Trail 09:34 Plaikni Falls Trail 11:32 Umpqua Hot Springs 13:29 Toketee Falls 🌲 Trails Covered in This Video: • Watchman Peak Trail: A steady climb on volcanic rock leading to an active 1932 stone fire lookout and iconic, framed views of Wizard Island. • Garfield Peak Trail: A high-reward, immediate incline starting right behind historic Crater Lake Lodge, featuring steep cliffside vistas and views of Phantom Ship. • Mount Scott Trail: The highest point in Crater Lake National Park (8,929 ft) offering continuous switchbacks, high-altitude alpine views, and a 360-degree panorama of the caldera. • Plaikni Falls Trail: An accessible, smooth old-growth forest walk ideal for families, ending at a picturesque spring-fed waterfall. 🏡 Base Camp & Logistics (Chiloquin, OR): We dive into staying in Chiloquin, Oregon—why booking a rental with a private kitchen (like Spring Creek Cottage) is key, how to handle local grocery planning, and how to use this quiet town as your ideal launchpad to Crater Lake. ♨️ Bonus Side Trips (Umpqua National Forest): • Umpqua Hot Springs: Geothermal terraced pools overlooking the river (and how to avoid the crowds). • Toketee Falls: An easy, short hike to a stunning two-tiered waterfall framed by basalt columns. If you found this guide helpful, please give the video a like, leave a comment if you have questions about your upcoming trip, and subscribe for more outdoor guides and travel reviews! #CraterLake #CraterLakeNationalPark #OregonHiking #NationalParks #UmpquaHotSprings #ToketeeFalls #PacificNorthwest #HikingGuide