castle crest wildflower trail

This wonderful, uncrowded, 0.4 mile (0.6k) loop trail starts with a short, gentle climb through a coniferous mountain forest that quickly opens up to a beautiful wet meadow with a number of streams flowing through it and carpeted with a profusion of wildflowers offering many opportunities for photography or to simply enjoy the beauty. About two-thirds of the way along the trail, it briefly enters the forest again to emerge into a dry meadow with a different selection of wildflowers. Due to the short growing reason, there is a rush to bloom and produce the next generation so there is a succession of flowers providing a constant floral blanket throughout the peak visitor season of July and August. At the trailhead, there is a booklet, which can be purchased for a small donation, describing the wildflowers along the trail but we able to find many more that were not included. The trailhead is accessed from the parking lot on the north side of the Rim Drive, 0.5 mile (0.8k) after turning right, to head east, at the Park Headquarters.

This trail won't take you very long to hike but it's worth the detour. Parking is limited but with the trail being so short the lot was never full.Cleverly and carefully placed stones take you through a wet area filled with wildflowers. The water trickles around and past the boulders which is both pleasing to the eyes and ears. My only complaint was the cheeky mosquitoes that were out in full sunlight. Bug spray recommended.

Be sure to hike all the way around the loop--mornings just as the sun starts to illuminate the field is best. Got a bunch of beautiful photos--recommended for all photographers and wildflower lovers.

This trail is actually called the Castle Crest Wildflower trail and is located in Crater Lake National Park which is about two hours from Medford. It is an easy stroll but does have some wet spots part of the year. It is a great place to see and photograph wildflowers during season. You will find the trail just as you start on the east rim drive near the park headquarters and the Steel Visitoro Center.