Activities For Dogs In Crater Lake National Park
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Introduction
If you are heading to Oregon with your dog then Crater Lake National Park must be put on your list of places to visit. The ancient volcano full of the purest water from rain and snow is a sight to be seen. While it is the deepest lake in the United States, it is also one of the most picturesque places you will ever visit. When visiting such a magical place, you need to bring your pup along with you for sure!
Hiking
Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Free
Easy
1 hr
Items needed
Fresh Water
Collar
Leash
Activity description
If you are a big fan of hiking with your dog through national parks, you may already be aware that many parks do not allow dogs on the trails. In order to preserve the natural habitats of wildlife in the parks, national parks as a whole are not very pup-friendly. However, Crate Lake National Park is an exception! There are many trails which welcome dogs as long as they remain on a leash. Check out these trails where you can hike with your dog and get ready to have an amazing trip around the park. There is a small fee to park at Crater Lake and you may want to opt for warmer weather when you set out for a walk with your dog!
Step
1
Godfrey Glen Trail
At only 2 1/4 miles long, this trail is easy to hike with your dog. The trail is made up of a well maintained dirt path that will bring you through the red fir forest and around the rim of the Munson Creek canyon. While there are no views of Crater Lake from this trail, there is plenty to see with your dog along the way.
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2
Lady of The Woods Trail
This is a very quick trail you can travel with your dog and is quite convenient thanks to the nearby parking lot. The trail measures about 1.4 miles long and will bring you past a sculpture of the "Lady of the Woods" which was carved into one of the volcanic rocks over 80 years ago. The old sculpture is an interesting feature of Crater Lake National Park and one that you should definitely stop by and see with your dog.
Step
3
Grayback Drive
While this is more of a road than a trail, dogs are welcomed nonetheless and it is a great place to hike with your dog. With a few small views of Crater Lake, this is a nice place to catch a quick view with your dog as dogs aren't permitted on the main trails around the lake itself. Walk as long or as short as you'd like, this is a straight trail so you can turn around whenever your paws get tired!
Camping
Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Cheap
Easy
24 - 48 hrs
Items needed
Food and Water
Dog Food
Sleeping Bags and Blankets
Tent
Activity description
Camping with your dog may seem like quite a fun activity and guess what, it is! You and your dog will have a great time camping in Crater Lake National Park once you have a few tips and tricks up your sleeves. To begin, the Mazama campground is the only one in the park which allows dogs. You cannot bring your dog into the Mazama cabins but, if you bring your own tent, you will be all set! Each campsite is complete with a picnic table, fire pit and bear-proof food storage locker - what more could you need! Make sure you have a tent able to withstand the cold if you visit the park when the weather is chilly!
Step
1
Set up camp
Crater Lake National Park has a first come, first serve policy for most of the campsites including the pet-friendly Mazama site. If you want your pick of the litter, get to the campsite early and scope out your favorite site. Pitch your tent during the day and get your chairs, beds and food all set up so that you can relax the rest of the day. Be sure to utilize that bear-proof food locker - you don't want any unexpected visitors.
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2
Fire safety
While many people love to cook over an open fire as they camp (it is camping tradition, right?), you want to be sure to do this safely when your dog is around. Keep your dog on a leash, far away from the open flame (dogs are required to be on a leash at all times anyway while in Crater Lake National Park). Be aware of where your pup is as you cook and stay warm with the fire. Safety first!
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3
Enjoy the night
Once you have cooked your meal over an open fire (and tossed your pup a few scraps as well!), it is time to sleep under the stars. Be sure to bring your dog in the tent with you as there are wild animals in the park and you want to be sure your pup is by your side. Make sure your dog is comfy and warm (the park can get very cold at night!) and enjoy a relaxing night with your dog.
Scenic Drive
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Easy
1 hr
Items needed
Camera
Car
Water
Activity description
The one downside to bringing your dog with you to Crater Lake National Park is that all of the dog-friendly trails have no direct view of the lake itself. If you are planning your trip to the park in order to see those spectacular views, you may be disappointed that dogs aren't allowed on the most scenic trails. However, dogs are allowed to be with you anywhere in the park if they are in the car by your side! Take one of these scenic drives through the park to spots you can only bring your pup to when they stay in the car. Drives are also ideal as you can go no matter what the weather and only pay the small park entrance fee.
Step
1
Rim Drive
You can access Rim Drive from several points around Crater Lake National Park which makes it a very accessible road. Once you and your pup find your way to the road, get ready for a thirty three mile drive which lingers on the edge of Crater Lake. Take in the beauty of the entire lake from several vantage points as you drive along and don't forget to stop and take a few photos!
Step
2
Watchman Overlook
This perfect photo spot is easily accessed by car which means you can drive up with your dog. From this vantage point, you can see for miles across the lake and you will have a perfect view of Wizard Island which is the only land mass in the center of the lake. If you step out of the car, make sure the temperature is comfortable for your pup as they will need to stay inside while you take in the view.
Step
3
Crater Lake Lodge
Drive up to the Crater Lake Lodge with your dog and hop out to grab both of you a quick snack. The lodge has been the same, practically untouched, for decades so it has a very charming feel and pretty decent food. Bring your food back to your car and have a car picnic with your dog as you sit parked in one of the most scenic parking lots ever - it overlooks the entire lake!
More Fun Ideas...
Stargazing
Head to a dog-friendly section of the park and wait for the sun to set. Then, look up at the sky with your dog by your side and take in the beauty of the universe. The light free atmosphere means you will see millions of stars clearly!
Beckie's Cafe
When you are leaving Crater Lake National Park with your dog by your side, you must stop at the world famous Becki's Cafe. Renowned for their pie, you can't leave Crater Lake without giving this place a try!
Conclusion
Crater Lake National Park is a fantastic place to bring your dog. As one of the most pet-friendly national parks, it is also one of the most breathtaking. The naturally filled lake is deep, blue and serene - a setting that will be sure to calm both you and your dog. So plan a trip to Crater Lake National Park, get everything you need for your dog and hit the road! It is a trip you will never forget.