What a beauty! If you're looking for a challenging hike with rewarding views within Crater Lake National Park, Mount Scott Peak is your best bet. At 1,200 feet of elevation, Mount Scott is the highest peak within all of Crater Lake. And with that 1,200 feet of elevation gain comes a serious climb. This is definitely a booty-glutey workout for sure. It's a moderately difficult 5 mile jaunt to the top of Mount Scott Peak and back. Totally worth the trek for some of the best views in the park. The beginning of the hike starts out relatively flat and then gradually begins to incline. I'd say about the first mile or so is relatively mild in terms of progression. It'll still get your heart pumping, but you won't be sweating too much just yet. Speaking of that, make sure to dress in layers if you're coming during the mid-fall season because it'll be chilly in the beginning but you'll warm up as you start to get higher up the mountain. The next mile or so is where the elevation starts to really kick in. You'll basically be switchbacking steeply up the mountain until you reach a plateau. From this point, you'll be able to see both the strikingly gorgeous blue Crater Lake in the forefront, and the summit near the end of the peak. I was actually astounded by how much snow that there was in mid fall! Definitely wear some thick and comfortable hiking boots. You'll need it for the snowy patches and rocky sections of the trail. Along the trail, you'll have beautiful views of the surrounding forests, bright blue skies, snow covered hills, and fellow mountainous terrains. Ground squirrels run rampant around these parts. They're adorable but be mindful of where you put your food because they'll eat it quickly! These ground squirrels seem to be kind of comfortable around humans which lets me know that people probably feed them often while on the trails. I never do this but they are damn cute and I can see why people want to feed them so badly. Most of the trail is exposed but there are a few shady spots. Luckily it didn't get very hot at all in mid fall, but the sunglasses and long sleeves still helped. I actually didn't run into many people at all on this trail. I'd say maybe a handful of groups at the most. Crater Lake is a super remote park to begin with, so social distancing (especially during the off season) would be quite easy to do. The views going up the ridge are beautiful, but nothing can compare to actually being able to summit the peak. The amazing 360 degree views of Crater Lake and the surrounding mountains make it all worth the while. The hike to Mount Scott Peak was naturally my favorite part of visiting Crater Lake. Would love to hike here again and would 100% recommend for a challenging adventure. read more

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This trail was so fun! It has a convenient trailhead right off the road so the walk to the base isn't a trek of its own. As for the hike itself, WOW WOW WOW! I loved every second of switchbacks and inclines, and that's not sarcasm. The views from every spot on the trail are rewarding and encouraging. You ask yourself how it could get any more beautiful and then you turn a corner and are surprised once again. This is a moderate hike for the experienced hiker and a strenuous hike for the average joe. Wear good shoes with traction as there is a lot of loose gravel. This could be hard on the knees and joints for those who have those issues, so I'd bring trekking poles. Also, take plenty of water and snacks. The view at the top is worth it so push through and enjoy the ride. This was probably my favorite part of my stay in Crater Lake. read more

Mount Scott - View from the summit. - Hiking Near Me

The highest point in Crater Lake National Park, this peak is definitely worth hiking! The views of the lake are unparalleled. It's the best exercise you can get in the park. If you're feeling adventurous, you can "scree glissade" off the face of it to get down much faster than using the trail. read more