If you’re a photographer (or you have a photographer friend), you know that some of the best photographs are taken in the early morning hours. You get up well before the crack of dawn (and drag your friend with you), and set up your tripod to capture that perfect shot…and you’re often rewarded with stunning photos.

You could spend years exploring all the beautiful spots around Oregon to capture a sunrise, but there’s one spot in the state that photographers consider one of the best in the country. If you want an absolutely amazing sunrise photo, head to Crater Lake National Park. Check out these sunrise photos, then set your alarm to capture your own!

Crater Lake is pretty remote; the nearest town is Klamath Falls, which is about 46 minutes away. If you don't want to wake up in the middle of the night to drive to the lake and get in position to enjoy the sunrise, your best bet is to stay overnight at Crater Lake Lodge.
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You can also check out the cabins at Mazama Village, or camp overnight at Mazama Campground.
It's well worth waking up early to capture the sunrise at Crater Lake. Sites like PhotographyLife.com and iExplore.com have called this place one of the best in the country for sunrise photography.
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Bring a friend along to keep you company. Some snacks and a thermos of coffee aren't a bad idea, either.
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As the sun first peeks above the horizon, the landscape around the lake will start lighting up. Start shooting now - even before the sky fills with color.
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Many photographers choose to hike up to Garfield Peak to get some elevation in order to capture the whole lake in the frame.
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No matter what your perspective, you'll undoubtedly want to get Wizard Island in your shot.
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The lake isn't the only subject to capture as the sky fills with color. This shot of Hillman Peak is absolutely gorgeous, too.
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Don't let a little morning fog deter you...it can actually add a bit of intrigue and visual interest to your photo.
Bo Nielsen/flickr
Summer is beautiful at Crater Lake, but winter sunrises are truly magical.
Josh Miller Photography/Getty Images
Bundle up, and make sure to get some of the snowbanks in the frame.
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Once you've captured all the sunrise photos you want, head back to the lodge, grab some breakfast, and enjoy the early morning views.
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What do you think? Is Crater Lake the best place in the state to see the sunrise?
James Wellington/flickr

Have you photographed the sunrise at Crater Lake National Park? We’d love to see your photos in the comments! You can learn more about Crater Lake National Park on its website, and follow its Facebook page to see more pretty pics of the lake and park.

If you’re a photography enthusiast, you definitely need to join our Oregon Nature Lovers Group, where you’ll see gorgeous shots taken all over the Beaver State. Add your own!

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