State: Oregon
Location: Crater Lake National Park
Length, Round Trip: 2.2 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 6175 feet
Maximum Elevation: 6850 feet
Elevation Change: 700 feet
Best Season: June to October
Difficulty: More Difficult
Usage: Moderate
A lot more than people use the trails
Trail Information
Visitors wishing to reach the lakeshore of Crater Lake will need to hike the Cleetwood Cove Trail. Located on the north side of Crater Lake, it is the only safe and legal access to the lake. The Cleetwood Cove Trail begins along East Rim Drive approximately four and a half miles east of North Junction. The route begins on the right side of Rim Drive at an elevation 6,850 feet. The trail descends steeply using switchbacks down an 11% grade. The trail ends 1.1 miles from the trailhead after descending to the lakeshore. The hardest part of this trail is the hike back up the 700 foot, 11% grade to your car. This is comparable to climbing 65 flights of stairs!
Directions
From North Entrance Station:
Drive south on the park road several miles to North Junction. Turn left on East Rim Drive and travel 4.5 miles east to the trailhead.
