Discovery Point

The view from the trail to Discovery Point

  • Easy (to Discovery Point)
  • 2.2 miles round-trip
  • 100 feet elevation gain
  • Open July through October


  • Difficult (to Lightning Spring)
  • 12.9-mile loop
  • 1900 feet elevation gain

Explore the shattered flank of Crater Lake’s ancient Mt. Mazama on these two very different hikes from Rim Village. The first is an easy view-packed stroll to Discovery Point. The second hike continues on a much longer loop that descends past Lightning Spring and returns through forests. If you plan to backpack on this longer loop you’ll need to pick up an overnight permit at a national park office. Pets are banned on all national park trails.

Start in Rim Village at the …

For the easy hike, turn back here. If you’re ready to tackle the longer loop, however, continue …

This chapter taken from the book 100 Hikes in Southern Oregon.