Discovering Southern Oregon – August 2025
THIS SUMMER marks the last opportunity for visitors to descend to Crater Lake’s shoreline via the Cleetwood Cove Trail—the park’s only route to the water—before a major multi-year rehabilitation effort begins.
Since opening in 1960, the 1.1-mile Cleetwood Cove Trail—the only legal access to the water—has suffered from decades of wear and erosion. Built on unstable pumice soil and traversed by roughly 54,000 hikers each year, the trail has deteriorated significantly and is now in urgent need of repair.
The trail and the marina will officially close at the end of summer 2025, cutting off all access to the shoreline. That means no swimming, fishing, or boat tours will be available until the work is complete. Construction begins in summer 2026 and is expected to take three to four summers (2026–2029), depending on weather conditions and Crater Lake’s notoriously short construction season.
So, if standing at the water’s edge or boating across the lake is on your bucket list, now is the time to go.
To make the most of your trip, start by checking the park’s webcams on the Crater Lake National Park website. One camera shows traffic at the entrance, while another gives you a live view of lake conditions—useful for gauging weather and crowd levels. For the best experience, visit on a weekday or non-holiday and get an early start.
From Medford, take Hwy 62 for a scenic two-hour drive straight to the historic Crater Lake Lodge. Once there, enjoy the views from the iconic front porch rocking chairs, explore the lodge’s rustic lobby, and take in its historical displays. If boat tour tickets are sold out online, don’t worry, only about half are released in advance. The rest are available for walk-ups at the lodge or at the Cleetwood Cove trailhead.
Before heading around the lake, stop by the Kiser Studio Visitor Center to browse souvenirs and learn more about the park. Then walk to Sinnott Memorial Overlook for panoramic views and interpretive exhibits.
From there, drive the West Rim Drive. Don’t miss Discovery Point, where the lake was first spotted by European Americans, and Watchman Overlook, offering an amazing perspective of Wizard Island. Continue the East Rim Drive to Cleetwood Cove Trail and hike the steep 45-minute path down to the lake. This is where the boat tours launch, and where you can swim, fish, or simply enjoy the peace and beauty of the shoreline.
The narrated boat tours give you a close look at Liao Rock, the Devil’s Backbone, Wizard Island, the Old Man, (a floating tree stump), Garfield Peak, Waterfalls, Phantom Ship, Pumice Castle and, most of all, up-close views of the clear, deep-blue waters of the almost 2,000 foot deep, Crater Lake. This is an experience not to be missed.
The hike back up is challenging, so take breaks and enjoy the scenery as you ascend. Then continue your drive to Cloud Cap Overlook, the highest paved road in Oregon, followed by stops at Pumice Castle, Phantom Ship Overlook, and Pinnacles Overlook, to see the 100-foot-tall spires formed by volcanic gases, then stop at Sun Notch for yet another unforgettable view.
Wrap up your visit with a late lunch at Historic Crater Lake Lodge, which is one of the highlights of the park. After 3pm, the lounge offers casual food service, while the dining room serves up gourmet fare in a high-ceilinged space supported by massive Douglas fir pillars. Large windows showcase sweeping lake views, and a grand fireplace adds warmth on cooler days. No reservations are needed for breakfast or lunch.
With this guide, you’ll cover all the major highlights of Crater Lake National Park in one day and can head back down the mountain as the day ends, reflecting on the beauty and wonder of Crater Lake. See https://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm for details.