Phantom Ship Overlook

The Sun Notch Trail offers a delightful journey through a quiet forest of hemlocks and pines before emerging into an open pumice meadow, where you're immediately greeted by breathtaking views of Crater Lake. This loop trail is particularly celebrated for its unique perspective of the Phantom Ship Island, a striking volcanic formation that truly lives up to its name, and you can also glimpse Wizard Island in the distance. It's a short, immersive experience that feels like a secret window into the park's grandeur.

This easy 0.8-mile (1.3 km) hike involves a gentle 87 feet (26 metres) of elevation gain, making it a quick 22-minute outing suitable for most visitors. While generally well-maintained, be prepared for some dusty sections and occasional roots or rocks underfoot. Due to its high elevation, snow can persist on the trail as late as early July, so checking current conditions is a good idea, especially if you plan to visit in the late spring or early summer.

What makes the Sun Notch Trail truly stand out is the incredible payoff for such minimal effort, offering some of the best viewpoints of Crater Lake's iconic Phantom Ship without a strenuous climb. It serves as an excellent, less crowded option compared to other popular overlooks, allowing you to soak in the majesty of the lake and surrounding peaks like Applegate Peak and Dutton Cliff in relative peace.