Dutton Creek Trail

Dutton Creek Trail begins and ends at the crater edge in Crater Lake National Park, traveling southwest to its turnaround point where it meets the PCT. Note that on some maps, this route is marked as the PCT as well. It’s rated as moderately difficult and is suitable for strong beginners and better. Expect to see few, if any, fellow hikers on this trail.

Hikers who don’t want to or can’t complete the entire hike can turn around at any point–there isn’t a distinct viewpoint at the turnaround point, so you won’t miss too much by tailoring your distance. Note that the creeks on the route tend to dry up in the summer, so you should come prepared with the water you’ll need for the duration of the hike.

From the trailhead, take the PCT/Dutton Creek Trail southwest to Dutton Creek. Follow the creek as the trail makes its way down through a pretty cleft in the hillside. The route ends at the T-junction, from where you can turn around and retrace your steps to the trailhead.