Welcome to Travel Tuesday! We’re still in Oregon at Crater Lake National Park this week, but off to the only trail that’ll let you give you legal access to the shore of Crater Lake — Cleetwood Cove Trail!
Cleetwood Cove Trail in Crater Lake National Park
Distance: 2.1 miles (out + back)
Elevation: 623 ft
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Duration: ~4 hours
Trailhead Address: 42.97972, -122.08335
Parking: Large lot available
Before we started our way down, there was a park ranger at the top reminding everyone that there were no bathrooms at the end and that the way down was easy but the way back up would feel like 10 miles since it was very exposed and there was a lot of elevation gain.
For the record, we didn’t find it very difficult and lucked out with a lot of shade, so it wasn’t bad, but do remember to go to the bathroom before you start. (Please be a considerate/decent human being and for the good of the environment, everyone around you, do not pee in the lake.)
Make sure that you stay on the trail! The trail surface is composed of crushed pumice and can get really loose + slippery.
This is the only trail that allows you to get to the coastline of Crater Lake where you can swim + wade. The surface temperature of the lake is ~57 degrees. I’m a wimp when it comes to the cold so I didn’t manage to actually swim.
To protect the clarity of the lake + decrease the possibility of introducing invasive species, scuba/snorkeling gear, wet suits, masks, fins, goggles, inner tubes, kayaks/canoes, personal life jackets + inflatable rafts/flotation devices are all prohibited.
Please note the following:
- Pets aren’t allowed on this trail
- Smoking and vaping are prohibited
- Have you ever been to Oregon?
- Would you swim in this lake?! <3
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Cleetwood Cove Trail looks perfect for me! I love that the views and scenery are so pretty, but that the hike is only around 2 miles! The lake looks just gorgeous!
It was absolutely beautiful there! :] I hope you get to go sometime!
What a beautiful lake! We don’t have many lakes where I live, so I always love visiting them when I travel. Thanks for sharing this awesome guide!
Anytime! I’d love to go back–it was so beautiful!
Thanks for giving great specifics and photos of Cleetwood Cove Trail. I’m always looking for more input before I take a trail in order to make sure I know what to expect.
Anytime! I like to know what to expect too so I try to share everything I remember! :]
Great information on the Cleetwood Cove Trail. Crater Lake is one of my favorite destinations in Oregon. I have enjoyed the drive and vantage points around the rim. Your images are stunning!:-)
Aww, thank you! It definitely became one of my favorite places in Oregon too–so, so beautiful! :]
Farrah recently posted…Ramona Falls Trail in Mount Hood National Forest
i visited crater lake about 10 years ago & absolutely loved it. i didn’t do this hike, so now i have a reason to go back to this stunning place!!
Ooo, I hope you get to go back sometime! :D!
Thank you.
Iāve been thinking of visiting Crater Lake and wondered how to get down to the lake!
Anytime! We really wanted to get to go into the lake so definitely scouted that out! :P
I have been to Oregon, but not to Crater Lake National Park. I wouldn’t swim, but I would definitely wade in the water.
Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Tour de Madison Metric Century Recap
It was colddddd. I definitely stuck to wading, hehehe.
Farrah recently posted…Ramona Falls Trail in Mount Hood National Forest