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.
People Also Ask
Boat tours to Wizard IslandThe most photographed perspectives on Crater Lake are seen from the many pull outs along Rim Drive. But if you want to get a different point of view, book a guided boat tour via Crater Lake Hospitality, the official concessioner for the park.
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 park isn't too large and it is easy to navigate. We only had one day here and I thought you could easily find time to do a few things in the park with limited time. So even if you only have a day in Crater Lake, I believe it is well worth the detour and your time to visit.
The most popular months to visit Crater Lake are July, August, and September. That's when the park's roads, trails, and facilties are usually fully open. May and June are months of transition in the park, as winter slowly gives way to summer.
Although an entrance fee or NPS pass is required to enter Crater Lake National Park, vehicle reservations are not needed. You are encouraged to pay the entrance fee or purchase an NPS pass before arriving to save time, but you may also purchase passes at any entrance station upon arrival.
A very worthwhile experience. The trolly tour was the best part of the trip wish they were at more of the parks! Filled with great information and a wonderful way to see/learn about the park. A Must if you visit the park sit back relax and enjoy the views.
Follow Crater Lake Highway to East Rim Drive and follow the Rim as it loops around Crater Lake. It is recommended to drive clockwise, as it provides easier access to many of the viewpoints. There are many trailheads along the way if you want to stop and stretch your legs on a short hike.
Allow a minimum of two hours (including sight-seeing stops) to circumnavigate the lake by car or motorcycle, and longer if you are driving a larger vehicle or towing.
Firearms, bicycles, and motorized vehicles are not permitted in the backcountry. Pets are permitted on leash in developed areas only. Pets often threaten small wildlife.
Another option for getting to Crater Lake from Portland is to take Highway 26 across the Cascade Mountains. Highway 26 is part of the Mount Hood Scenic Byway and provides excellent views of Mount Hood as well as optional side trips to places like Timberline Lodge.
The Pinnacles Valley Trail is the easiest trail in Crater Lake at only 0.8 miles out and back and is an almost flat trail. The trail offers great views of the volcanic spires or Pinnacles and provides information about the history of these rock formations.
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.
A seven-day pass for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, or members of non-commercial organized groups is currently $5.00. Children under 16 years old are entitled to free entry. The Crater Lake annual pass, valid for entry to the park for one full year from the date of purchase, is $20.
Widely known for its rich blue color and extreme clarity, which averages 102 ft (31m) deep, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States. It is one of the top ten deepest in the world.
The Caldera is Unlike Anything You've Ever Witnessed.Crater lake is the deepest lake in America (1,949 ft at it's deepest point) and was formed by a collapsed volcano over 7,700 hundred years ago. On a sunny day while taking a boat tour, you can see over 100 feet down into the water.