Discovery Point Trailhead

Discovery Point Trailhead is a family-friendly starting point for exploring the rim area of Crater Lake National Park, with access to one of the park’s classic short walks and broad views of the caldera and the lake below. It’s a good choice if you want a manageable outing that still delivers the dramatic scenery Crater Lake is known for, especially for visitors with children or anyone looking for an easier trail experience. The area is best appreciated as part of a rim-drive stop, where you can combine a brief hike with overlooks and interpretive context.

History

Discovery Point is closely associated with the early Euro-American exploration and naming history of Crater Lake. It is traditionally linked to the 1853 visit by gold-seekers John Wesley Hillman and his party, who are widely credited with being among the first non-Indigenous people to document the lake; the point’s name reflects that early “discovery” narrative. Today, the trailhead serves as a convenient access point for visitors following in the footsteps of the park’s early explorers and later sightseers.

Expert notes

• Check seasonal road and trail conditions before you go; snow can linger well into the year at Crater Lake.
• Keep children close near the rim and on trail edges, as drop-offs can be steep.
• If you want the best photos, plan for bright but not harsh light and be prepared for changing weather.