Wizard IslandAbout Wizard Island
Wizard Island is a volcanic cinder cone that rises above the surface of Crater Lake in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon. It formed after the caldera-forming eruption of Mount Mazama and sits within one of the deepest lakes in the United States.
The island is a compact volcanic feature with a walkable trail to its summit crater and shoreline viewpoints. Seasonal boat tours cross the lake to land at the island’s pier and allow short guided walks; shorelines offer views across the caldera’s near-vertical rims and the lake’s clear blue water. The surrounding lake has a maximum depth of roughly 590 m (1,940 ft), which contributes to the park’s striking scenery.
The cone was built by post-caldera eruptions that filled part of the caldera with lava and pyroclastic material, producing the island’s cinder-cone shape. The caldera itself formed about 7,700 years ago when Mount Mazama collapsed after a major eruption; subsequent eruptions inside the caldera created Wizard Island.
The island sits within Crater Lake in south-central Oregon, inside Crater Lake National Park. The park lies in a remote volcanic highland area of the Cascade Range, roughly 60 miles (about 100 km) north of Klamath Falls by road.
- Access: Boat landings and guided walks on the island are only available in summer; most services run in the park’s summer season (roughly June to October).
- Crater depth: The lake that surrounds the island is one of North America’s deepest, at about 590 m (1,940 ft), producing very clear water and dramatic cliff views from the island.
Nearby Attractions to Wizard Island
Best Time to Visit Wizard Island
Visit in mid to late summer (July-September) when boat access to Wizard Island and park services are regularly available.
Weather & Climate near Wizard Island
Wizard Island's climate is classified as Subarctic (Dry Summer) - Subarctic (Dry Summer) climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from -7°C to 22°C. Abundant rainfall (1631 mm/year), wettest in December with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -7° - 2° | -8° | 251 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -7° - 2° | -7° | 203 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -7° - 3° | -6° | 186 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -5° - 6° | -4° | 126 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -3° - 10° | 1° | 84 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 1° - 15° | 5° | 47 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 4° - 21° | 12° | 23 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 5° - 22° | 13° | 27 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 2° - 18° | 10° | 53 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -1° - 13° | 4° | 108 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -5° - 4° | -5° | 260 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -7° - 1° | -8° | 263 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Wizard Island
Wizard Island is inside Crater Lake National Park (Oregon). To reach it you first drive to Crater Lake National Park via OR‑62 from Medford or via US‑97/OR‑62 from Klamath Falls, then park at the Rim Village or the Cleetwood Cove trailhead.
The island itself is reached only by boat: seasonal boat tours and water taxis operating from Cleetwood Cove / Crater Lake boat services land on Wizard Island during the summer months. There is no road access to the island.
Tips for Visiting Wizard Island
- Use the Cleetwood Cove Trail-the only legal access route from the rim down to Crater Lake's shore-to reach Wizard Island via boat; plan around boat tour schedules because launches run seasonally and can sell out.
- Book a Crater Lake boat tour (or a spot on a ranger-led trip) well in advance for summer visits; early-morning launches are usually calmer and give better conditions for Zodiac landings and hikes on Wizard Island.
- If you plan to hike on Wizard Island, allow extra time after landing for the short but steep summit path and stay on designated trails; check the National Park's website for current boat service, landing rules and any seasonal restrictions.
- Avoid rim parking congestion by arriving at the park at sunrise or by driving the rim clockwise to start at less-busy overlooks-Rim Village and Cleetwood Cove parking fill up quickly on summer weekends.