Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only legal access to the shore of Crater Lake. Depending on snow conditions, the trail is usually open from mid-June to late October. Swimming, wading and fishing are permitted in the lake.
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The only way down to the Crater Lake Lakeshore is via the Cleetwood Cove Trail. The hike down to Crater Lake is 1 mile long over a series of switchbacks. The hike back up to the Rim Drive is strenuous due to the steep grade of 11%.
Trail DescriptionCleetwood Cove Trail is a steep and strenuous hike. In 1.1 miles (1.7 km) the trail drops 700 feet (213 meters) in elevation through a series of long switchbacks.
Crater Lake's water comes only from rain and snowfall. It is actually one of the purest lakes in the world, so you can rest assured that it is very clean and safe to swim in!
Scientists and biologists spent 20 days at Crater Lake during the summer of 1987 studying the chemistry, biology, hydrology, and geology of the bottom of the lake.
Tribe members recognize Crater Lake as a site of power and danger and fear the dangerous beings that are believed to live inside the lake. According to legend, the lake was a sort of doorway or crossroads between the darkness of the Below-World, or Hell.
Is 1 day enough for Crater Lake? Yes! I spent 1 day in Crater Lake and I feel like it was a good amount of time to spend in the park. The park isn't too large like other national parks so it is very doable to drive around and do a few activities and enjoy your time at the lake.
The Rim Drive is one of the great things at Crater Lake as it allows you see the lake from so many angles without your needing to walk very much. There are overlooks all around the lake with plenty of parking and only short walks to the edge.
Although not the largest National Park, what makes Crater Lake special, and worth checking out, is just how unique it really is. There aren't many other places where you can go for a swim in a lake in the top of an ancient volcano!
Of course, with so many hiking trails and blue beauty views that'll never bore you there's no punishment in staying a bit longer than 2 days. In fact, you could even hike some miles of that famous Pacific Crest Trail if that's something you've always wanted to do. The PCT leads in the valley right next to the crater.
NOTE: There is no hiking trail that encircles Crater Lake in the summer. In the winter, you can ski or snowshoe out and back along West Rim Drive or East Rim Drive, or all the way around the lake.
If you want to explore further, follow the crowds across the road and to the top of the trail. From there, you can descend 700 feet in just over a mile to the shores of Crater Lake—the only place in the park you can legally and safely get down to touch the water.
Crater Lake is a volcanic crater lake in south-central Oregon in the Western United States. It is the main feature of Crater Lake National Park and is famous for its deep blue color and water clarity.