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.
How far is the walk down to Crater Lake?
2.2-mileLake accessLocated on the northern edge of Crater Lake off the East Rim Road, 2.2-mile (round trip) Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only way in the park to access the water. Going down? No problem. The 700-foot vertical descent is relatively easy because of a series of switchbacks.
How deep can you see down Crater Lake?
The record clarity of Crater Lake was measured at a depth of 41 m (134 ft) in August 1994. The lake clarity is measured with a secchi disk, a black and white disk lowered into the water with a cable. Its exceptional clarity is mainly due to its isolation from streams and rivers.