Self Guided Driving Audio Tour in Crater Lake
Description
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.
Tour Options
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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
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.
- The app’s audio will play through your car’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display, while the app’s map will display on your phone. You can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth to listen to the commentary through the car stereo.
Reviews(3)
Become familiar with the app before you use it. It was a great resource while traveling around Crator Lake. Its estimates of time to walk a trail or see a sight were spot on. Using satellite it can tell where you are so you never have to search for anything. The voice was clear and pleasant to listen to.
Hi Cathy, thanks for taking our Crater Lake audio tour. We’re so glad you found the app a helpful resource while exploring the park. It’s wonderful to hear that the time estimates for trails and sights were accurate, that GPS helped you navigate easily, and that the narration was clear and pleasant to listen to. We hope to join you on the road again soon!
Fun tour with lots of great ideas for stops and facts. Love having the insights and history! Always a must on trips
Hi Ron, thanks for taking our Crater Lake audio tour. We're so glad to hear that you enjoyed the fun stops and the insights into the history of the area. It’s great to know that our tours are a must for your trips. We hope to join you on the road again soon!
Great Experience with guide. We enjoyed it and able to spend as much as we want. It works offline which is great. Highly Recommend.
Hi Herbert, We’re so glad to hear that you enjoyed our Crater Lake tour and appreciated the flexibility to explore at your own pace. It's great that the offline feature made your experience even better. We hope to join you on the road again soon!
