Explore Crater Lake National Park in a Wheelchair
Located at 7,100 feet along Southern Oregon’s Cascade Crest, Crater Lake was created over 7,700 years ago after a massive eruption of Mount Mazama. The resulting caldera filled with melted snow and rainwater, and subsequently the 1943-foot-deep lake took on a deep blue — if not somewhat ethereal — hue. Add in the surrounding cliffs that are nearly 2,000-feet high, two picturesque islands, and an old growth forest, and you have all the ingredients for a scenic national park experience. And although the lake itself isn’t wheelchair-accessible, there are many other areas in Crater Lake National Park (www.nps.gov/crla) that wheelchair-users and slow walkers can enjoy.
The Rim Drive
The most accessible way to enjoy Crater Lake National Park is to take the 31-mile Rim Drive that circles the caldera. For the best windshield views take the drive in a counterclockwise direction starting on West Rim Drive. There are a number of overlooks and pullouts along the drive, but the windshield views are also spectacular.
The most accessible of the named overlooks is Watchman Overlook, which offers an excellent view of Wizard Island. There’s accessible parking near the accessible vault toilet, with curb-cut access to a sidewalk over to the lower overlook. The upper overlook is only accessible by stairs or a steep path, but don’t fret if you can’t make it to the top, as you’ll catch some of the best views from the road. Cloudcap Overlook and Phantom Ship Overlook also offer some great windshield views of the lake. And don’t miss Vidae Falls on the last section of East Rim Drive, as this 100-foot waterfall can be easily seen from the pullout.
Alternatively, Crater Lake Trolley (craterlaketrolley.net) offers an accessible tour which travels along Rim Drive and stops at five to seven viewpoints. This two-hour tour departs from Rim Village, and the lift-equipped trolley has space for two manual wheelchairs. It should be noted that power wheelchairs or scooters cannot be accommodated, and manual wheelchairs must be no wider than 28-inches and have a combined weight limit of no more than 400 pounds.
Explore the Forest
Although the lake is the crown jewel of the park, the surrounding forest also offers some impressive vistas. To that end, one of the most accessible trails in the park– the Godfrey Glen Trail — is located near the south park entrance, on Munson Valley Road between Mazama Village and Park Headquarters. Although the trail was closed for a year because of weather damage, it reopened in 2020 after the cleanup and repairs were completed.
This hard-packed dirt trail passes through an old growth hemlock and fir forest; and although there are some ruts and roots along the way, most are easy to dodge. The biggest obstacle along this 1.1-mile loop is the steep grade at the halfway point. Best bet it to travel in a clockwise direction, and double back when it gets too steep. Even if you can’t complete the whole trail, you’ll still get some nice canyon views along the way.
Pinnacles Road Trails
Although the Rim Drive is a must-do on any Crater Lake National Park visit, save some time to hop off-the-beaten-path and explore two accessible trails off of Pinnacles Road. Located on the south side of the lake, this seven-mile road begins near Phantom Ship Overlook, and runs out to Pinnacles Overlook, near the southeastern border of the park. The road and the overlook are named for the spire-like pumice formations that dot this river valley. Accessible parking is located next to the Pinnacles Trail, which offers a closer look at these unusual formations, that were created when hot volcanic gases shot up through the ash.
The Pinnacles Trail passes by several overlooks that offer good views of the formations. The hard-packed dirt trail is covered in crushed rock, and although it’s not entirely level, the undulations are doable for most wheelchair-users. Even if you can’t manage the whole half-mile hike to the park boundary, at least take the level 250-foot walk out to the first overlook. You won’t be disappointed.
The Plaikni Falls Trail, which is located near the beginning of Pinnacles Road is also worth a stop. Accessible parking is located near this trail that winds through an old growth forest to the base of the falls. That said, the last quarter-mile is extremely steep, and probably not doable for most wheelchair-users and slow walkers. On the other hand, the stroll through the forest is fairly level, and there are numerous wheelchair turn-outs and benches located along the way.
And although Pinnacles Road makes a nice outing, be forewarned that there are no accessible toilets at either trailhead. Best bet is to plan ahead and make a rest stop at White Bark Pine Picnic Area or the Crater Peak Trail Picnic Area before hitting the trails.
Rim Village
Last, but certainly not least, save some time to enjoy the rim view on foot on the accessible section of the Rim Village Promenade. This level trail runs alongside the rim from the Rim Village Café and Gift Shop to the back terrace of Crater Lake Lodge. Accessible parking is located near the gift shop, with paved access to the trail behind the gift shop. When you get to the rim, make a right and continue along .3-miles until you hit the lodge.
Interpretive plaques are located along the way, and it’s the perfect spot for a selfie or two, as the views are grand. The trail is mostly paved, and undulating, with a slight change in elevation just past Kiser Studio. Still, most manual wheelchair-users can manage the grade with a little assistance. Alternatively, there’s ramp access down to the trail from the back terrace at Crater Lake Lodge. Either way, the views at both ends of the trail are equally impressive. And if you don’t feel like hiking, then just sit and enjoy the lake view from the terrace.
