Educational Offerings

Ranger Programs

Boat Tours. The most popular way to tour Crater Lake itself is on a two-hour ranger-led excursion aboard a 37-passenger launch. The first narrated tour leaves the dock at 9:30 am; the last departs at 3:45 pm. Four of the 10 daily boats stop at Wizard Island, where you can get off and reboard three or six hours later. Two of these trips act as shuttles, with no ranger narration. They're perfect if you just want to get to Wizard Island to hike. The shuttles leave at 8:30 and 11:30 and return to Cleetwood Cove at 12:45 and 3:35 respectively. To get to the dock you must hike down Cleetwood Cove Trail, a strenuous 1.1-mile walk that descends 700 feet in elevation along the way; only those in excellent physical shape should attempt the hike. Bring adequate water with you. Purchase boat-tour tickets at Crater Lake Lodge, at the top of the trail, or through reservations. Restrooms are available at the top and bottom of the trail. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, 97604. 541/594–2255; 888/774–2728; www.craterlakelodges.com/activities. $32 shuttle, $40 guided tour, $57 guided tour with island drop-off. Daily late June–mid-Sept..

Junior Ranger Program. Kids ages 6–12 learn about Crater Lake while earning a Junior Ranger patch in daily sessions during summer months at the Rim Visitor Center, and year-round they can earn a badge by completing the Junior Ranger Activity Booklet, which can be picked up at either visitor center. 541/594–3100; www.nps.gov/crla/learn/kidsyouth.

Tours

Main Street Adventure Tours. This Ashland-based outfitter's guided tours in southern Oregon include seven-hour ones to Crater Lake. During these tours, available year-round, participants are driven around part of the lake and, seasonally, given the chance to take a boat tour. Along the way to the park there are stops at the Cole M. Rivers Fish Hatchery, the Rogue River Gorge, and Lake of the Woods. Ashland, Oregon. 541/482–9852; www.ashland-tours.com. From $179.