The crystal stream trickled through a wash of spring green, bubbling through the narrow canyon on its way downstream from the massive volcanic caldera. Birds sang in the morning sun, as sleeping campers roused nearby.

Located several miles from the famous views on the rim of Crater Lake, the trail through Annie Creek Canyon is much quieter, much more subdued than what most park visitors expect to find. But that contrast – the trickling stream vs. the mighty caldera – is also part of the hike’s appeal. Here, you can leave the choking crowds behind for a quiet walk in the woods.

The hike is also convenient for those staying at the Mazama Campground, home to 214 campsites on the south side of the park, or visitors stopping by the neighboring Annie Creek Restaurant and Gift Shop, found just before the park’s south entrance off Oregon 62.

Campers can easily access the trail at several points along the north side of the campground. Everyone else can park in the large parking lot behind the gift shop, accessed by the road to the campground, and find a path that leads to the trail, which eventually curls down into and runs through the canyon before climbing back up.

It’s about a 2.3-mile hike in all, with an elevation gain of only about 300 feet – most of which comes from that short climb back up.

Views abound along the way. On the upper portion of the trail, there are several viewpoints looking out at the rim of the canyon, its walls of rounded gray rock topped with conifers. Down in the canyon, the trail follows lovely Annie Creek as it runs through verdant meadows and beneath the shadows of the cliffs.

Located in the lower elevations of the park, this is one of the first places that thaws out at the beginning of the summer, making it a good early-season excursion. But since snow tends to stick around in the shadows, you should probably prepare yourself to see some if you’re hiking any time before mid-July.

The hike is definitely worth a diversion from the main attraction at Crater Lake, if you can pull yourself away. This perfectly pleasant excursion through Annie Creek Canyon offers a different kind of memorable experience, one that’s more bucolic than awesome.

ANNIE CREEK CANYON HIKE

Distance: 2.3 miles

Difficulty: moderately easy

Amenities: restrooms, water, food at Annie Creek Restaurant; camping at Mazama Campground

Start at the big parking lot behind the Annie Creek Restaurant and Gift Shop. On the north side of the parking lot, find a connector trail that leads across the road and skirts the edge of the campground.

You’ll soon come to a junction with a sign that points to Annie Creek Springs. Go right here instead to continue on the trail past the campground.

Before long, you’ll reach a junction with the end of the loop trail on the left. Unless you’re anxious to go down now, this is where you’ll be climbing back up at the end. Continue straight, passing more campsites and views looking out over the canyon.

After another .7 miles, the trail curls around and heads down into the canyon. Follow the switchbacks as they lead a short way down to Annie Creek. A short side trail leads to the edge of the water, where you’ll find a pleasant scene.

The trail gradually heads uphill as it runs upstream for another .7 miles, when it begins a short, but steep climb back up. At the top, turn right and then go left at the initial junction, which will take you back to the parking lot.

--Jamie Hale covers travel and the outdoors and co-hosts the Peak Northwest podcast. Reach him at 503-294-4077, jhale@oregonian.com or @HaleJamesB.

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