Introduction

Crater Lake National Park showcases the stunning jewel of the Cascade Mountains. This Saffire gem is the park's main attraction.

Set in the caldera of an ancient volcano, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in America and one of the purest lakes in the world!

The lake is also home to a mysterious underwater garden and a strange floating spectacle.

Curious? Take Shaka Guide’s Crater Lake National Park Tour to learn more! 

On Shaka Guide's Crater Lake National Park Tour, we’ll guide you around the rim of this breathtaking lake and point out the best overlooks and trails.

As you drive, we'll tell you the fascinating history of the region, regale you with mysterious tales and legends, and share what makes this lake nothing short of amazing. 

Where to Swim in Crater Lake

If jumping into the crystal blue waters of Crater Lake is on your vacation bucket list, you’re in luck! There are two places you can take the plunge – Cleetwood Cove and Wizard Island. 

Cleetwood Cove 

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You can access the lake’s waters legally only through Cleetwood Cove, which you can reach via a two-mile round-trip hike on the Cleetwood Cove Trail.

The steep path begins on the north side of the caldera at the Cleetwood Cove Overlook and takes about 30-45 minutes to walk down.

From the rim of the caldera, the trail drops 700 fee. You can swim within 100 yards of the cove provided that you stay at least 50 feet away from any boat, boat dock, or buoy.

The shore of Crater Lake is rocky, so be prepared to step over or onto boulders to get from the trail to the water. We’ll guide you to the trailhead on Shaka Guide’s Crater Lake National Park Tour!

NOTE: There are restrooms at the trailhead but none at the lakeshore. 

Wizard Island

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You can also swim within 100 yards of Wizard Island. The same rules apply–swimmers must stay at least 50 yards from any boat, boat dock, or buoy.

You can swim from the public boat dock on Wizard Island when park boats are not using it. The only way to get to Wizard Island is by boat from Cleetwood Cove.

Click here to make a reservation for a guided boat cruise or quick shuttle ride to the island.

Some tickets are available for same-day bookings and can be purchased up to two hours before departure at:

• the Mazama Village Cabin/Campground Registration Desk
• Crater Lake Lodge Front Desk and
• at the Cleetwood Cove Kiosk

NOTE: There are no restrooms on the island.

What is the Best Time of Year to Swim at Crater Lake?

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The best time of year to swim at Crater Lake is mid to late summer (July - September). That’s when the weather is warm and dry, and the surface temperature of the lake is at its warmest. (But it’s still very cold!)

Summer is also peak wildfire season, so be prepared for smoky or hazy conditions. For the current weather conditions or weather alerts, click here.

Know Before You Go - Swimming Safety & Rules

• Many visitors are excited to swim in the lake, but because the water is so icy cold, most only swim for a few minutes! The park does not allow long-distance swimming.
• Know your water skills before jumping in or swimming even a short distance. There are no lifeguards on duty, so you swim at your own risk.
• Wetsuits, snorkels, fins, goggles, life jackets, and any kind of flotation device including floaties, boats, canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddleboards are not allowed in the lake. This is to help keep the water pure.
• The shore is rough and rocky. There are no beaches. 
• You can swim only within 100 yards of Cleetwood Cove and Wizard Island.
• Swimmers must stay at least 50 feet away from any boat, boat dock, or buoy.
• Swimmers may swim from the public boat dock on Wizard Island when it is not in use by park boats.
• Swimmers must immediately exit the water and clear the dock when a boat approaches the dock, moors, or departs from the dock.
• There are no restroom facilities at the lakeshore or on Wizard Island. There are vault toilets in the parking area at the Cleetwood Cove trailhead.
• You cannot bring dogs on the trail to Cleetwood Cove or into the waters of the lake.
• The Cleetwood Cove Trail is steep and strenuous and should only be attempted by those in good physical condition. Walking back up is equivalent to climbing 65 flights of stairs!

RELATED ARTICLE: Best Hikes & Trails in Crater Lake National Park

Things to Bring to the Lake

• Swimsuit & Towel
• Sturdy footwear for the hike down to the lake
• Plenty of drinking water
• Hat/sunglasses
• Your boat reservation (if applicable)
• Your phone or camera for taking pictures

FAQs about Crater Lake

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Is it safe to swim in Crater Lake?

Yes–with caution. Crater Lake is incredibly cold–temperatures range from 38 to 62 degrees at the lake surface. It’s so cold that most people only stay in the water for a few minutes!

Also, because no flotation devices or life jackets are allowed, skilled swimmers should attempt swimming even a short distance from the shore.

There are no lifeguards on duty, so you enter the lake at your own risk. 

How cold is the water in Crater Lake?

The water temperature in Crater Lake ranges from 38 to 62 degrees near the surface depending on the weather and time of year.

It gets colder as it gets deeper. Click here for the current water temperature.

Can you fish in Crater Lake?

Yes! And the good news is that you don’t even need a fishing license! Also, there are no size restrictions or catch and possession limits for rainbow trout or kokanee salmon from the lake, or brook trout and brown trout from the streams.

However, you may use only non-organic artificial lures. The park prohibits worms and other organic bait.

For a complete list of fishing regulations, click here.

NOTE: The only access to Crater Lake is via the Cleetwood Cove Trail.

Can you take a boat tour of Crater Lake?

Yes! One of the best ways to explore Crater Lake itself is by boat! All boat tours depart from Cleetwood Cove and require a two-mile round-trip hike to the dock.

Depending on the weather, boat tours generally run from July to mid-September. There are three tours to choose from: 

Standard Lake Cruise

Explore Crater Lake

This two-hour guided cruise takes you around the perimeter of the lake with close-up views of Wizard Island, Phantom Ship, and other volcanic wonders. 

Wizard Island Tour

Explore Crater Lake

Get the full Crater Lake experience with a tour of the lake plus three extra hours to explore Wizard Island! You can swim, fish, and hike to the top of this 763-foot cinder cone where you can see the crater that Crater Lake was named after!  

Wizard Island Shuttle

This shuttle leaves once daily and heads directly to Wizard Island where you can spend the afternoon exploring. Swim, fish, or hike to the top of the 763-foot cinder cone where you can see the crater that Crater Lake was named after!  

Reservations

To make a reservation, click here. Advance reservations are recommended. However, some tickets are available for same-day bookings and can be purchased up to two hours before departure at the:

• Mazama Village Cabin
• Campground Registration Desk
• Crater Lake Lodge Front Desk, and
• at the Cleetwood Cove Kiosk

Road & Trail Closures

Before planning your trip, be sure to check the park’s current conditions. Learn what parts of the park may be closed due to weather, storm damage, or road maintenance. 

Explore Crater Lake with Shaka Guide

So, are you ready to explore this stunning volcanic lake and discover some of its hidden mysteries? Let Shaka Guide lead the way!

On our Crater Lake Tour, we’ll guide you around the park, pointing out the best overlooks and hikes and keeping you engaged with stories about Crater Lake’s fascinating history, geology–and a few underwater mysteries.

Whether you brave a dip in the icy waters or enjoy the spectacular view from above, you’ll discover that Crater Lake is “like no place on earth.”

Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Crater Lake National Park Tour!

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Crater Lake National Park Itinerary and Know Before You Go article.

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RELATED ARTICLES:
Best Hikes & Trails in Crater Lake National Park