cleetwood cove trail

Cleetwood Cove Trail departs from the Rim Drive almost directly across the lake from Rim Village. This 2.2 mile (3.5k) trail, roundtrip, is the only safe, legal access to the lakeshore where one can swim, fish or, provided you have tickets before you hike down, catch the Volcano Boat tour of the lake or to Wizard Island. The trail is very well maintained and offers some excellent scenic views as you climb down the inside wall of the crater through a beautiful mountain forest. However, as nice as the hike is on the way down and as fun as it is to spend time at the lake level, be prepared for a strenuous 700 foot (213m) climb back to the rim. At an average elevation of about 6500 feet (1980m), the difficulty should not be under estimated. If you plan on swimming, keep in mind the lake is fed by snow melt and quite cold as well as rocky; cutting your foot, as one person did during our visit, makes the climb out even more difficult so water shoes are a good idea. There are restrooms available at both the lake level and on the rim and there is a large parking lot across Rim Drive from the trailhead but it often fills up so give yourself plenty of time before your departure to find a spot if you are coming for a boat tour and do not forget to check-in before hiking down. This is a very nice trail if you are up the challenge of climbing out and is a necessity for the boat tours.

Almost a must since the rim and lake side views are very different. If going on a boat tour(don't pass this up) or just want to see the water up close, this is the only approved trail down to the lake. This is swimming access too ... be prepared for cold water.NOTE: the parking lot is pretty big but this is a prime location so it fills up fast and the turnover for spots is slow since a visit will last a minimum of 3 hours. Ranger shack at the parking lot for boat tour check-ins, snacks, and questions. (Do not rely on the ranger shack for FOOD ... they provide only small bags of snacks). Portapots for restrooms in lot and at the dock at the lakeside.The trail is 1.1 miles long and is a series of long inclines and switch backs which are mostly shaded. Obviously, it is a harder trek back up but there places to take breaks and even benches at some points. Some nice views too.

This is the only way (legally) down to the lake. 1.1 miles each way but the trail is well kept and safe and oh so picturesque. I stopped every 50 feet to take pictures. Of course on the way back up I had to stop every 50 feet to catch my breath!!!! But so worth it!!! I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Easier to walk down then to walk back up but def worth it. Nice swimming area and a couple of cliff diving spots. You can not go to crater lake and not go down the Cleetwood Trail and at least touch the water.

This is a great hike down to Crater Lake and will challenge you on the way back up. Beautiful views from the switch backs. A nice area to explore and get into the water when you get to the bottom.

We hiked this trail to go on the 2-hour boat cruise of the lake in the afternoon. The views were lovely while walking and the boat cruise was well worth it. The hike down was fairly easy and took us about 30 minutes. The hike up was very arduous and took us about an hour. For someone with a mild physical condition, this hike was indeed physically challenging so here is my advice for those of you who fit into the same category: wear hiking shoes or boots, use a walking stick, drink lots of water, use a misting fan, and take your time/take breaks.

Was so excited to get into the water. Not only is the hike down beautiful but then there's a rock ledge that's about15-20ft up from the water just to the right of the boat dock that you can JUMP IN!!! Was amazing. I have now jumped into a volcano! Ok a crater. Yes it's cold. But AMAZING. Saw many people huffing it back up but the trail had plenty of rest stops for and benches the less active or if you just wanted to take in the splendor. This is a must do. Bring real shoes people. Not flip flops.. It's hard to go up hill in flip flops. If I was smart enough I'd add amazing photos... But I'm not. Just trust me on this.

We are not athletic, so we were a little scared beforehand but it was fine. Just take it slowly and take lots of breaks. It was GORGEOUS.

gives you a different and very informative tour of crater lake. its not a bad hike down, but be very prepared for a strenuous trek back. 1.1 miles with a 14% grade incline. bring water and take lots of breaks. carl is a super tour guide

Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only path in Crater Lake National Park that takes you to the lake. The trail is steep but totally doable for most people who enjoy hiking. I am not someone who does a lot of steep hiking. I took the return uphill trip slow and steady and was able to get back up with no trouble. The hike was absolutely worth it. We made reservations about a month in advance for the boat ride around the lake. The park ranger who lead the tour was very well informed and engaging. We were able to experience the lake from an entirely different perspective. The water is amazing up close. We learned, we relaxed, we took a lot of pictures. The kids did some swimming after the boat ride and loved every minute. Great way to see Crater Lake!

You absolutely need to take the boat trip on the lake. Unfortunately it requires a 700 foot descent ( and worse ascent on the way back). But take it slow and it is worth the journey. The boat tour is two hours with Lots of information. Seeing Wizard Island and Phantom ship up close was great. After we took the plunge into the lake so bring a bathing suit and towel. This is the only spot you can get to lake level, the hike down and up is a small price to pay!

This is the only trail that you can take for lake access. The hike down wasn't bad; my friends and I had a picnic lunch at the bottom and a fun swim. The hike up was very difficult. I would say you really need to pace yourself. Don't take pictures of the scenery on the way down, save it for the way up as a way to take little breaks. I'm so glad I did this trail, but I don't know if it's something I'd attempt once a week.

Hiked down to take the 11:30 AM Crater Lake boat tour. Descent is easy (maybe not so much on the knees though). The boat tour was excellent, and then fun dipping in the lake at the bottom of the trail. The hike back up is tough if you're not used to hiking but doable for nearly everyone who can walk a few miles. Dusty on the way back up due to a large crowd descending in the afternoon, so best to hit trail early and/or get on the earlier boat rides.

After a lot of deliberation we went on this trail and the boat tour. It took us around 25 mins to get down and 45 mins to hike back after the tour. The boat tour is little long but worth it.The trail is ok and it is little strenuous only while hiking back..I will recommend this to everyone unless you have some issues ( check nps warnings) ifyou visit crater lake

A very nice trail. However,you can tell by going down the trail that it is quite a hike back up. Like the park ranger said, and I agree,"one mile down,...ten miles up!"