Profile

Overview

Location: Crater Lake National Park, Southern Oregon
Waterfall Type: Plunge
Height: ~53 feet (16 m)
Trail Distance: Visible from a vehicle pullout off Hwy 62
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time to Visit: July through October

History & Background

Annie Falls lies along Annie Creek deep within Crater Lake National Park, tucked into a steep volcanic canyon south of the caldera. The creek was named in honor of Annie Gaines, celebrated as the first European woman to descend the caldera wall and reach the waters of Crater Lake—a feat she accomplished in 1865, decades before paved roads reached the rim. The Annie Creek Canyon Trail passes accesses the canyon and some smaller falls, but the main falls are only visible from the vehicle pullout. The hike is one of the park’s quieter routes, notable for the dramatic pumice spires known as the Annie Creek Pinnacles that flank the canyon walls. In 1931, one of the world’s largest Western white pines was discovered in the canyon, estimated at 1,000 years old.

Geology

Annie Creek cuts through thick deposits of volcanic ash and pumice ejected by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Mazama approximately 7,700 years ago—the same event that formed Crater Lake. The steep canyon walls of welded and unwelded pumice have been eroded by the creek into striking spire formations called the Annie Creek Pinnacles. The waterfall itself drops over a harder volcanic layer that has resisted erosion more effectively than the surrounding pumice. The creek originates at Annie Spring near Mazama Village.

Directions & Access

Nearest City: Crater Lake Village (Mazama Village), OR; Klamath Falls, OR (~56 miles south)
Trail Information:
- The waterfall is far away but visible from a vehicle pullout just off highway 62 on the south entrance to Crater Lake National Park. Walk ~50 feet to the right of the parking lot for a better view.
- Annie Creek Canyon Trail (1.7-mile loop) gives views of the canyon and smaller waterfall, but does not give you a view of the main falls. The trail begins behind the amphitheater at Mazama Village Campground (Loop C); the trail descends ~200 ft into the canyon via switchbacks then follows the creek upstream
- The trail is not well-signposted—look for the trailhead near campsite 11 in Loop C; park at Mazama Village store (~0.3 miles away) as there is no dedicated trailhead parking.
Parking:
- Park at Annie Falls overlook for a view from above or to hike;
- Hike: park at Mazama Village store parking area; national park entrance fee required
Accessibility:
- Overlook easily accessible from a vehicle.
- Trail is mostly accessible for most hikers; one short steep section near the canyon descent; not wheelchair accessible

Best Time to Visit

Spring: Park roads typically closed until late May or June; trail may be snow-covered into early July
Summer: July through September is ideal; wildflowers line the creek; bring mosquito repellent
Fall: Quiet and scenic through October; cooler temperatures; trail is less crowded
Winter: Trail and most park roads snow-covered from October through June; limited access