How to Access Wizard Island in Crater Lake National Park in Oregon

Accessing Wizard Island, that obvious cone-shaped protrusion located on the western side of Crater Lake, requires some early morning planning on the visitor’s part. Since campgrounds and other lodging accommodations are located at the southern side of the lake and the boat vendor is located at the Cleetwood Trailhead at the northern side, a drive around the lake is necessary. Tickets for the boat ride out to the island are only available at the dock and since the capacity of the boat is minimal, early lines may form. Note that inclement weather cancels all excursions and weather at the lake can be unpredictable.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sunscreen, camera, hiking boots, food, water.

Accessing Wizard Island in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

1. 
   Water like glass

   Taking the boat to Wizard Island has the added bonus of skimming across the water above the crater of a once active volcano. The trip takes minutes.

2. 
   Remnants of a volcano

   Hiking up to the pinnacle of Wizard Island is strenuous. The substance underfoot is a fine, pulverized rock, so beware of slippage.

3. 
   Sunset on the shore.

   Plan to spend as much time on the island as necessary but be aware of the boat schedule and the time the last boat returns to shore.

Tips & Warnings

• Visitors shouldn’t waste the trip to the boat dock if early morning storms appear on the horizon. The vendors make the call, and usually don’t inform the visitor center to the south.
• Wizard Island is a great place to find solace and perhaps read a book.
• A visitor may experience slippage due to hiking.
• Please remember to bring first aid.
• Mosquitoes can be an issue, bring repellent.

Resources

• NPS.gov

[jbarnett]

on 7/7/2008 Thanks xtraordinary! I'm a novice submitter with eHow. I really appreciate the very first comment about an article of mine: yours. Thanks, again.

[xtraordinary]

on 6/16/2008 Nice article & photos. 5 stars!