How long is hike to water at Crater Lake?

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.



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Experience this 3.5-mile out-and-back trail near Aspen, Colorado. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 44 min to complete.

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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%.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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There are three primary waterfalls within the park's borders including Vidae Falls, Plaikni Falls & Duwee Falls. Vidae Falls is the easiest to access as it is a roadside waterfall that cascades 100 feet down the outside of the caldera to a crystal-clear pool of water.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Crater Lake, at 1,943 feet (592 meters) deep, is one of the deepest lakes in the world and the deepest in the United States. The lake averages more than five miles (8 km) in diameter, and is surrounded by steep rock walls that rise up to 2000 feet (600 meters) above the lake's surface.

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