Self Guided Driving Audio Tour in Crater Lake

Crater Lake National Park , United States

Self Guided Driving Audio Tour in Crater Lake

Active

(2 reviews)

3h - 4h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Download GuideAlong’s self-guided audio tour of Crater Lake National Park and explore the deep blue waters, towering cliffs, and volcanic landscapes of the United States’ deepest lake. Cruise the scenic Rim Drive and all of the best sights including Merriam Point’s stunning vistas, Phantom Ship’s uniquely shaped island, the 100-foot Vidae Falls, and Watchman Peak’s panoramic views
Along the way, hear stories on the unique geology, volcanic past and rich Indigenous history play automatically as you explore this breathtaking Pacific Northwest destination.

Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you and bypassing any that don’t.

Stories, tips, and directions play automatically based on your location
Tour offline using GPS. No cell service or WiFi is needed
Suggested itineraries for half, full, or multi-day use
No time limits or expiry, and free updates
Like having a tour guide along for the drive
Purchase one tour per vehicle.

Available options

Self Guided Driving Audio Tour in Crater Lake

What's included

Support: Toll free phone, chat and email

GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide) Audio Tour: 85+ Points

Easy To Use: Pre-download and tour offline

Trip Planners: In-app, web and PDF

Location Based: Stories, tips & directions that autoplay

Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates

Flexible Routes: Suggested itineraries or create your own

Detailed itinerary

Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only path in Crater Lake National Park that provides direct access to the lake's shore. This 2-mile round-trip hike is notably steep and strenuous, descending 700 feet to the water.

The Watchman Peak Trail leads to the historic Watchman Observation Station, a former ranger fire lookout. The moderately challenging 2-mile trail has a 400-foot elevation gain and takes about an hour round trip.

Rim Village is a historic area designed specifically for visitors in the early 1900s. Architects worked to blend the rustic buildings into the natural surroundings, using local stone and lumber to complement the landscape.

The Phantom Ship formation, named for its resemblance to a ghostly ship, sits offshore and resembles a dark, jagged silhouette in the lake’s mist.

Merriam Point Overlook offers stunning views of Crater Lake, Mount McLoughlin, Mount Scott, Llao Rock, and Wizard Island.

Vidae Falls, Crater Lake’s most popular waterfall, cascades 100 feet down from a spring fed by snowmelt and rainfall.

Pinnacles Overlook showcases unique geological formations within Crater Lake National Park. These striking volcanic spires, formed from hardened volcanic matter, tell a story of ancient eruptions and subsequent cooling that shaped the landscape.

Plaikni Falls Trail offers a peaceful, easy hike, leading to a secluded waterfall. This 2-mile round-trip path is surrounded by a meadow rich in wildflowers, embodying the beauty of the high country—a name given by the indigenous Klamath people.

Castle Crest Wildflower Garden is a botanical highlight featuring a vibrant display of native wildflowers.

What's not included

Entry Fees, National Park Passes, Reservations

Transportation, Parking fees.

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

How to Access: After booking you’ll receive an email and text with instructions (search “Download Audio Tour”). Click the link in the email/text to sign in with your preferred Apple or Google account and redeem your voucher code ahead of time.

Download The GuideAlong App: Download the free app over WiFi or cellular data and sign in with the same Apple or Google account.

Download The Tour: Download the tour in the GuideAlong app under 'My Tours' over WiFi or cellular data.

Start The Tour: Open the tour in the GuideAlong app to preview the start locations, tour route and trip planner, or start the tour.

Location-Based Stories: Audio commentary plays automatically as you drive using your phone’s GPS chip. Wherever you are and whichever direction you’re going, you’ll hear the best stories and tips.

Flexible Travel Date: Tours are a one-time purchase with no expiry or date/time limit. If your plans change to a different day, there’s no need to change your travel date.

Tour at Your Leisure: With GuideAlong, you control the pace. Start, stop, and resume the tour any day, anytime, adapting it to your schedule.

Driving Tours: Group Savings: One purchase covers everyone in the vehicle, making it a cost-effective way to explore.

Works Offline: No internet or cell service is required once the audio tour is downloaded to your phone, so you can relax and tour offline.

Bring A Charger: Pack a USB/C car charger for charging and easy sound connectivity, and make sure your device is fully charged.

Technical Support: The GuideAlong support team is available daily by toll-free phone, online chat, and email.

Please be aware that the section between Sun Notch Trailhead and Cloudcap Overlook at Crater Lake is currently closed. Visitors will need to return and take an alternate route to access the other parts of the lake, as both Sun Notch and Cloudcap Overlook remain open.

Meeting point

Start at (Steel Visitor Center)or join anywhere along the tour route. After booking, search your email for “Download Audio Tour" and follow the instructions to download now over Wi-Fi/cell service. Then, preview the start location/s and tour route in the app.

Important notes

STEPS TO GET YOUR GUIDEALONG AUDIO TOUR:

1. SIGN IN + REDEEM your VOUCHER CODE: https://store.guidealong.com/voucher
2. DOWNLOAD the GuideAlong App
3. SIGN IN to the GuideAlong app with the same Apple or Google account as Step 1
4. DOWNLOAD the Audio Tour NOW

FIND YOUR VOUCHER CODE AND INSTRUCTIONS
- Email: Search your inbox for “Your Tour Operator Sent You A Message” and “Instructions for GuideAlong Audio Tour.” Check All Mail and your junk/spam folder.
- Text: Check for a text message from +17817732638.
- This Ticket: Find the voucher code at the top under the QR code and redeem at Step 1.
- Viator App: Open your booking and select Contact Support > Contact Tour Operator.
- TripAdvisor App: Open your Account and select Messages.
- Need help? Call GuideAlong toll-free on 1866-477-1791.

DOWNLOAD THE GUIDEALONG APP & TOUR NOW
You must pre-download both the GuideAlong app and audio tour to your phone over reliable wifi or cellular data before you drive out of signal. If you can OPEN your tour and see the START TOURING button, your tour is downloaded. No service is required while touring.

FLEXIBLE TRAVEL DATE
There’s no expiry, date or time limit for your tour, so download the GuideAlong app and audio tour now. If your plans change to a different day there’s no need to change your travel date.

CHARGING & SOUND
We don’t recommend connecting your phone to the vehicle's USB port. Instead, use a USB/C car charger adapter in the auxiliary power outlet (cigarette lighter) to prevent an automatic secondary pairing and keep your phone charged. CarPlay and Android Auto are not yet supported, so listen to the tour through your phone’s speaker or pair it to your car stereo via Bluetooth: guidealong.com/travel-tips-bluetooth/.

HELP & SUPPORT

- FAQs: Check the offline Help menu in the GuideAlong app or online FAQs at guidealong.com/faq.
- Contact GuideAlong Support: Call toll-free 1866-477-1791, chat online at guidealong.com, or email info@guidealong.com.

About Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, featuring the deepest lake in the United States, formed in the caldera of the ancient Mount Mazama. The park offers breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and a variety of outdoor activities, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers.

Top Attractions

Crater Lake

Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States, known for its stunning blue waters and breathtaking views. The lake was formed in the caldera of the ancient Mount Mazama and offers a unique and awe-inspiring natural wonder.

Nature Varies by activity Free

Rim Drive

Rim Drive is a 33-mile (53 km) scenic loop that offers stunning views of Crater Lake and the surrounding landscape. The drive features numerous pullouts and viewpoints, as well as access to popular hiking trails.

Scenic Drive 2-4 hours Free

Cleetwood Cove Trail

Cleetwood Cove Trail is a 2.2-mile (3.5 km) round-trip hike that leads to the only lakeside access point in the park. The trail offers stunning views of the lake and is a popular spot for swimming and kayaking.

Hiking 1-2 hours Free

Garfield Peak Trail

Garfield Peak Trail is a 3.4-mile (5.5 km) round-trip hike that offers panoramic views of Crater Lake and the surrounding landscape. The trail features a steep climb but is well worth the effort for the stunning vistas.

Hiking 2-3 hours Free

Watchman Peak Trail

Watchman Peak Trail is a 0.8-mile (1.3 km) round-trip hike that offers stunning views of Crater Lake and the surrounding landscape. The trail is relatively short and easy, making it a popular choice for families and those looking for a quick hike.

Hiking 30-45 minutes Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Huckleberry Pie

A classic Pacific Northwest dessert made with wild huckleberries, a local favorite.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy

Smoked Salmon

Locally sourced salmon, smoked to perfection and served with various accompaniments.

Appetizer Gluten-free and dairy-free options available

Bison Burger

A delicious and sustainable alternative to beef, made with locally sourced bison.

Main Course Gluten-free and dairy-free options available

Popular Activities

Hiking Boating Caving Scenic drives Picnicking Wildlife viewing Visiting historical sites Attending ranger-led programs

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the best time to visit Crater Lake National Park as the weather is most favorable, with warm days and cool nights. All park facilities and roads are open, and the lake is usually free of snow.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-8 (Pacific Standard Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Crater Lake National Park is generally safe, but visitors should be aware of the potential for sudden weather changes, wildlife encounters, and the risks associated with outdoor activities.

Important Precautions:

• Be prepared for sudden weather changes
• Stay on marked trails and follow all posted signs and regulations
• Carry plenty of water and snacks

Getting there

By air

Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport • 85 miles (137 km) from the park
Eugene Airport • 150 miles (241 km) from the park

Getting around

Public transport

The park offers a free shuttle service during the summer months, connecting major viewpoints and trailheads. The shuttle operates on a scheduled basis and is a convenient way to explore the park without driving.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Rim Village Mazama Village Sunset Bay

Day trips

Diamond Lake

10 miles (16 km) from Rim Village • Half day

Diamond Lake is a beautiful alpine lake located near Crater Lake National Park, offering fishing, boating, and hiking opportunities.

Klamath Falls

50 miles (80 km) from Rim Village • Full day

Klamath Falls is a charming town located near Crater Lake National Park, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Lava Beds National Monument

100 miles (161 km) from Rim Village • Full day

Lava Beds National Monument is a unique and fascinating destination located near Crater Lake National Park, featuring lava tubes, caves, and historical sites.

Festivals

Crater Lake Rim to Rim Run • August (annually) Crater Lake Winterfest • February (annually)

Pro tips

Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and secure parking at popular trailheads and viewpoints
Pack layers and be prepared for sudden weather changes, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day
Bring plenty of water and snacks, as services and amenities can be limited in more remote areas of the park
Consider hiring a local guide or joining a guided tour for a more in-depth and informative experience
Respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance, as encounters with bears, mountain lions, and other wildlife are not uncommon