Swim in Crater Lake

The Cleetwood Cove Trail is located on East Rim Drive, 4.5 miles east of the North Junction. Access to the East Rim is open only during the summer. There's a parking lot right across from the trail, but plan on getting there relatively early to get a spot. It's a good sized lot but it's usually full with traffic constantly moving in and out.

The Cleetwood Cove Trail is a 2.2 mile roundtrip out-and-back hike. The trip down is easy, but the steep 11% grade hike back up can be difficult for some. It is equivalent to walking 65 flights of stairs, but it is well worth the trek back up!

This is the only legal lake shore access point in the entire park and it's an amazing spot to swim. The boat dock at the base of the trail also operates boat tours. I noticed that tickets can be purchased at the stand at the entrance of the parking lot, though it can be a hit or miss depending on how many tickets are still available. Tickets can also be reserved here online.

There are two tour options, including one that drops you off at Wizard Island to hike and explore.