Crater Lake National Park Boasts A Beautiful Hotel With Glorious Nature Views

National parks make up some of the United States' most iconic attractions, showing off amazing scenery and one-of-a-kind natural wonders. However, you don't have to pitch a tent to feel immersed in all this nature. In fact, you might even get to enjoy the marvels of a national park from the comfort of some pretty cozy and quaint lodging options — as is the case when you stay at Crater Lake Lodge in Crater Lake National Park.

Crater Lake Lodge sits right on the rim of Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the U.S., roughly 1,000 feet above the lake's surface. A volcanic eruption and subsequent collapse formed this spectacular national park landmark almost 8,000 years ago, and old-growth forests and sloped mountains surround the caldera that the eruption left behind, which is now filled with vibrant blue water. Today, it is considered one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon, and the historic Crater Lake Lodge offers an amazing vantage point from which to see all of these features. 

Open from mid-May through early October, and with rooms starting from $200 a night, the hotel is also the perfect home base for exploring more of Crater Lake National Park. It's even listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it a culturally significant landmark you can't miss.

Perhaps the reason why Crater Lake Lodge fits so perfectly within its forested and mountainous backdrop is because it's been a part of the park since 1915. Its wood and stone exterior give it the old-world charm of an era when buildings moved with the land rather than in spite of it. The rooms feature similar building materials, as do the dining room, Great Hall, and terrace. 

In terms of amenities, the dining room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while snacks and cocktails are available in the Great Hall in the afternoon. For a full lodge experience, sip on a drink while enjoying the views from the Terrace, or grab a spot by the Great Hall's huge stone fireplace to relax after a day of outdoor exploration. If you're planning to enjoy dinner in the dining room, however, be sure to make reservations at least a few days in advance.

Crater Lake Lodge is located just minutes from the famous Rim Drive. This 33-mile road gets you to over two dozen scenic overlooks around Crater Lake, along with picnic spots, waterfalls, and hiking trailheads. One of these closest to the lodge is the Castle Crest Wildflower Trail, a 0.4-mile trail that's perfect for beginner hikers. For something more challenging, hike up to Garfield Peak, a 3.6-mile out-and-back hike that takes you through meadows and features mountain views alongside, of course, views of the lake.