Union Peak is a relatively small, rocky mountain in the far southwestern corner of Crater Lake National Park. The mountain is basically just a very large rockpile with a monolith on top.

Union Peak is the eroded remnant of a significantly larger volcano. The monolith is the surviving part of the volcanic neck, which was made of harder material than the other parts of the mountain, so it did not erode as much by glaciation as did the other slopes of the peak. There are no glaciers on the mountain today. The last time Union Peak was glaciated was thousands of years in the past. Union Peak is now extinct. It is the oldest mountain in the park.

There is a trail to the top of Union Peak (see Routes).

For more peaks in the park, check out Crater Lake Caldera, Mount Scott, and Hillman Peak.

Getting There

Drive to the summit of Highway 62 (about 1 mile west of Mazama Village). Turn south at a "Pacific Crest Trail" sign. Go to the dirt turn-around at the end of the very short road. The trail follows the Pacific Crest Trail part of the way. This is the trailhead.

Red Tape

Since the peak is in Crater Lake National Park, you must pay fees:
INDIVIDUAL ENTRANCE (Vehicle): $10 (seven-day pass).
INDIVIDUAL ENTRANCE (bike, foot): $5 (seven-day pass).
GOLD ACCESS PASSPORT (blind or disabled): Free (lifetime).
GOLDEN AGE PASSPORT (62 years or older): $10 (lifetime).
GOLDEN EAGLE PASSPORT (good for one year from date of purchase): $50 (good for one year).

Also, there are many large shiitake mushrooms in the park too, but it is illegal to harvest them in the park.

When To Climb

It is best as a summer hike, but I guess you can make a winter trek (or nordic ski trip) of it. If so, the winter trip would be much longer.

Camping

Camping is not allowed on or near the trail. There are camping sites near Mazama Village and the Crater Lake Caldera. See Crater Lake camping/lodging.