Driving to Sun Notch: The highest viewpoint over the Phantom Ship
Sun Notch is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,176m (7,139ft) above sea level, located on the southern rim of the Crater Lake caldera in Oregon. It is one of the highest points accessible by vehicle on the East Rim Drive, providing a breathtaking perspective over the deepest lake in the United States.
The name "notch" refers to the unique shape of the ridge. Like its neighbor, Kerr Notch, this area is a U-shaped glacial valley. Thousands of years ago, a massive glacier flowed down the side of Mount Mazama, carving a deep trough into the rock. When the volcano erupted and the summit collapsed, the glacier was literally "beheaded," leaving this high, open gap in the caldera wall. Today, it stands as a testament to the violent geological history of the Cascades.
| Road facts: Sun Notch | |
|---|---|
| Location | Crater Lake National Park, Oregon |
| Elevation | 2,176 m (7,139 ft) |
| Road Name | East Rim Drive |
| Key View | Phantom Ship Island |
| Surface | Paved / Asphalt |
How is the drive to Sun Notch?
The road to Sun Notch is a spectacular paved route, but it is not for the faint of heart. As part of the East Rim Drive, the road is narrow and winds along the very edge of the caldera. In many sections, there are no guardrails, and the hillsides are incredibly steep. If you are afraid of heights, the drive can be challenging, especially during the busy summer months when you have to share the narrow lanes with large RVs and many bicyclists.
Fallen rocks can sometimes obstruct the road, so focus is essential. For those driving larger vehicles, it is important to remember that this section of the Rim Drive is one of the most mountainous. The constant changes in elevation and the tight turns mean you should take your time. There are about 50 turnouts along the full loop, and Sun Notch has a designated parking area that serves as the trailhead for the short walk to the rim's edge.
The best view of the Phantom Ship
Sun Notch is widely considered the best spot for photographing the Phantom Ship. This jagged island, made of 400,000-year-old rock, looks like a ghost ship frozen in the blue water of the lake. From the high elevation of Sun Notch, you get a bird's-eye view of the island that you can't get from lower points. The contrast between the dark volcanic rock and the intense blue of the water is at its peak here during the late morning hours.
When is Sun Notch open?
Due to its high elevation and location on the southern end of the rim, Sun Notch suffers from some of the heaviest snowfall in Oregon. The road is typically closed from November through late June or early July. Snow drifts in this area are legendary, often exceeding 60 feet (18 meters) in depth. It takes an massive engineering effort to clear the East Rim Drive every year, and Sun Notch is often one of the last sections to be opened to traffic. Always check the park's current conditions before heading out, as early autumn storms can bring ice to these high curves as early as October.