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.
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Enjoy this 12.6-mile out-and-back trail near Halfway, Oregon. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 58 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
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%.
Getting to Crater Lake National ParkMost visitors fly into Portland (PDX) and then drive five hours south to the park's north entrance. Alternatively, you could take a regional flight from Portland to Medford (MFR) or Redmond (RDM) and drive about two hours to the park. Another popular option?
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.
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.
How Much Time to Spend in Crater Lake National Park? I think that 1 day in Crater Lake National Park is enough to see the highlights. If you have the time, it would be nice to spend 2 days there and spend the night at one of the lodges within the park.
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Crater Lake National Park is Garfield Peak Trail, which has a 4.8 star rating from 3,424 reviews.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Consuming Crater Lake water would conflict with the park's mission to preserve the lake. The park's water claim for the lake is for the preservation and protection of all natural habitats and the conservation of scenery. It is not for human consumption.
The only way to actually reach the waters of Crater Lake is via this short two-mile round-trip hike. While the hike isn't long, you'll descend a steep 610 vertical feet (according to FATMAP, 700 vertical according to some other sources) in the one-mile walk down to the lakeshore.