If Crater Lake National Park is on your family’s bucket list, now is the time to make it happen. Located toward the southwest corner of Oregon, the park’s famous boat tours from Cleetwood Cove will take their final voyage on September 14, 2025, before closing for an extensive renovation project that won’t have it reopening until 2029.
We’ve visited Crater Lake numerous times before but only viewed it from the rim. We always wanted to take the boat tour but always ran into various obstacles whenever we tried to time our visit with the excursion — they were either booked or not operating on the times we tried to plan our visit in past years. When we heard about the closure, we decided that this was going to be the year we did it. We are so glad we didn’t wait!
If you’re considering visiting Crater Lake, be sure to check out our post, the Ultimate Guide to Visiting Crater Lake. It’s still one of the most useful guides I’ve seen.
Another reason we were a little reluctant is because my wife has asthma. While it is well-managed right now, it has not been in the past and she was worried about making the steep climb down the Cleetwood Cove trail in order to get back to the top. It ended up being fine — more on that later — but you do need to have some physical stamina to make the trip.
Crater Lake’s only legal water access point, Cleetwood Cove, is getting a complete makeover from 2026 through 2029. The reconstruction project will modernize the trail, build a new boathouse, install updated docks and restrooms, and add a viewing platform for visitors. While these improvements will enhance the experience for future generations, it means visitors have just a few more weeks to experience this incredible adventure without waiting multiple years.
Crater Lake is America’s deepest lake, at 1,949 feet. Explore Crater Lake offers an unforgettable two-hour guided journey around it. If you’ve only ever visited from the rim like we did, you will get up-close views of the roughly 2,000-foot cliffs and other things you have only seen from a distance.
During the tour we took on July 26, our park ranger gave an entertaining and informative presentation that lasted the whole two hours. But he also gave us time to enjoy the views in silence. At one point the boat caption stopped, and we got to fill up our water bottles from the lake’s clear and clean water. They are so careful not to contaminate the lake with anything that they had us all empty our water bottles out into a bucket before they were filled.
The tour showcases iconic landmarks like Wizard Island (a cinder cone volcano rising from the lake) and Phantom Ship, a jagged rock formation that appears to sail across the crystal-clear waters. Some tours are lucky enough to see the Old Man of the Lake, a 30-foot mountain hemlock log with three feet exposed above water. The old man’s age is carbon dated beyond 450 years old but it was first sighted and tracked in 1896. We unfortunately didn’t see it on our tour, though.
What makes this experience truly magical is seeing Crater Lake from the water level. While the rim drive offers stunning overlooks, being on the lake itself provides a completely different perspective of the massive crater walls that formed 7,700 years ago during Mount Mazama’s catastrophic eruption.
A big part of the appeal of what the ranger can tell you is how to interpret the geological evidence of what you’re looking at. The phenomenon that formed Crater Lake and the remnants of the rock formations that you can still see over thousands of years is amazing.
The standard cruise costs $33 to $48 depending on the season and is suitable for all ages, making it perfect for families with children who might not be ready for the more strenuous Wizard Island hiking option.
The Wizard Island tour is a little different. That tour includes the Standard Crater Lake Tour and a three-hour stop onto Wizard Island where you can explore the volcano on your own. Be warned that the terrain is rocky, with small loose volcanic rocks and exposed slopes with no shade. The round trip takes approximately 90 minutes. You can also swim and fish on Wizard Island. While we didn’t take the plunge, it does sound really fun if you were well-prepared.
Here’s what every family needs to know: Reaching the boat launch requires hiking the steep, 1.1-mile Cleetwood Cove Trail both down and back. Don’t let the short distance fool you — this trail packs a serious punch.
The Crater Lake website describes the return journey as equivalent to climbing 65 flights of stairs and warns that people with heart or breathing problems should not attempt it.
As someone with well-managed asthma, my wife was initially concerned about attempting this trail. In the past when her asthma was not under control, I don’t think she would have been able to do it, even with her inhalers. Everybody is different though. She really was worried and almost backed out. But, we are both so glad that didn’t happen.
We took our time and stopped at basically every switchback. She stopped before she felt like she needed to. We stayed hydrated, and even stopped to make a snack using the BBQ-ology box from Crackerology. It was a nice break and we had the energy we needed to keep going. There are plenty of shady spots to pull off the trail and rest and a few spots with some seating.
The key is knowing your limits and not rushing.
After the challenging descent, you’ll be rewarded with tropical-looking blue waters where families can swim, fish (no license required!), and relax before the boat tour. The water is shockingly cold year-round, but many visitors swim. We didn’t plan to swim, but I wish we had. We did stick our feet in the water. It’s incredibly refreshing after the hike down.
Half the tickets can be reserved online, while the other half are available for same-day purchase. Given this is the final season, booking in advance is highly recommended.
A standard Crater Lake National Park pass costs $15 to $30 and is valid for seven days, giving families time to explore other areas of the park.
While Cleetwood Cove will be closed after this season, Crater Lake offers numerous other family-friendly trails including Discovery Point (two miles with minimal elevation gain) and the Castle Crest Wildflower Trail (1.3 miles).
We followed the warnings about wearing layers and brought sweaters. Turns out that, on this warm July day, we did not need sweaters at all. At other times of the year, I am certain that you would want a sweater. Earlier in the season there is still a lot of snow which influences temperature. Later in the season, the temperature is naturally cooler.
The Woodsman Country Lodge exterior
We did not camp on this visit, although we have camped in the past when we have visited Crater Lake. There are a few places you can stay. We have stayed at Union Creek Resort on a past visit, which is a nice spot that is along the Rogue River and only about 30 minutes from Crater Lake’s entrance. This time though, we booked a night at The Woodsman Country Lodge in the town of Crescent.
We had no problems during our stay. The room was quirky and very “on theme” as a country lodge. There is a bar next door if you can sneak away. On our visit they were hosting karaoke. The next morning we tried to get some breakfast at the nearby market but it wasn’t open, so we drove about 15 minutes to the next town and got some food from a convenience store.
Yes, the hike is challenging, but the memories you’ll create floating on the deepest lake in America, surrounded by volcanic cliffs and pristine wilderness, will last a lifetime. If your family is up for the physical challenge and seeking an unforgettable adventure, Crater Lake’s boat tours offer an experience you simply cannot get anywhere else — at least not for the next four years.
Photos and Video by Don Haugen
The post Last Chance: Experience Crater Lake’s Magical Boat Tours Before They Close Until 2029 appeared first on Road Trips For Families.
We’ve visited Crater Lake numerous times before but only viewed it from the rim. We always wanted to take the boat tour but always ran into various obstacles whenever we tried to time our visit with the excursion — they were either booked or not operating on the times we tried to plan our visit in past years. When we heard about the closure, we decided that this was going to be the year we did it. We are so glad we didn’t wait!
If you’re considering visiting Crater Lake, be sure to check out our post, the Ultimate Guide to Visiting Crater Lake. It’s still one of the most useful guides I’ve seen.
Another reason we were a little reluctant is because my wife has asthma. While it is well-managed right now, it has not been in the past and she was worried about making the steep climb down the Cleetwood Cove trail in order to get back to the top. It ended up being fine — more on that later — but you do need to have some physical stamina to make the trip.
Why the Crater Lake Closure is Happening
Crater Lake’s only legal water access point, Cleetwood Cove, is getting a complete makeover from 2026 through 2029. The reconstruction project will modernize the trail, build a new boathouse, install updated docks and restrooms, and add a viewing platform for visitors. While these improvements will enhance the experience for future generations, it means visitors have just a few more weeks to experience this incredible adventure without waiting multiple years.
The Two-Hour Standard Crater Lake Cruise: A Family Adventure
Crater Lake is America’s deepest lake, at 1,949 feet. Explore Crater Lake offers an unforgettable two-hour guided journey around it. If you’ve only ever visited from the rim like we did, you will get up-close views of the roughly 2,000-foot cliffs and other things you have only seen from a distance.
During the tour we took on July 26, our park ranger gave an entertaining and informative presentation that lasted the whole two hours. But he also gave us time to enjoy the views in silence. At one point the boat caption stopped, and we got to fill up our water bottles from the lake’s clear and clean water. They are so careful not to contaminate the lake with anything that they had us all empty our water bottles out into a bucket before they were filled.
The tour showcases iconic landmarks like Wizard Island (a cinder cone volcano rising from the lake) and Phantom Ship, a jagged rock formation that appears to sail across the crystal-clear waters. Some tours are lucky enough to see the Old Man of the Lake, a 30-foot mountain hemlock log with three feet exposed above water. The old man’s age is carbon dated beyond 450 years old but it was first sighted and tracked in 1896. We unfortunately didn’t see it on our tour, though.
What makes this experience truly magical is seeing Crater Lake from the water level. While the rim drive offers stunning overlooks, being on the lake itself provides a completely different perspective of the massive crater walls that formed 7,700 years ago during Mount Mazama’s catastrophic eruption.
A big part of the appeal of what the ranger can tell you is how to interpret the geological evidence of what you’re looking at. The phenomenon that formed Crater Lake and the remnants of the rock formations that you can still see over thousands of years is amazing.
The standard cruise costs $33 to $48 depending on the season and is suitable for all ages, making it perfect for families with children who might not be ready for the more strenuous Wizard Island hiking option.
The Wizard Island tour is a little different. That tour includes the Standard Crater Lake Tour and a three-hour stop onto Wizard Island where you can explore the volcano on your own. Be warned that the terrain is rocky, with small loose volcanic rocks and exposed slopes with no shade. The round trip takes approximately 90 minutes. You can also swim and fish on Wizard Island. While we didn’t take the plunge, it does sound really fun if you were well-prepared.
The Challenge: Getting Down (and Back Up) Cleetwood Cove Trail
Here’s what every family needs to know: Reaching the boat launch requires hiking the steep, 1.1-mile Cleetwood Cove Trail both down and back. Don’t let the short distance fool you — this trail packs a serious punch.
The Crater Lake website describes the return journey as equivalent to climbing 65 flights of stairs and warns that people with heart or breathing problems should not attempt it.
Real Talk: Managing the Cleetwood Cove Hike with Health Conditions
As someone with well-managed asthma, my wife was initially concerned about attempting this trail. In the past when her asthma was not under control, I don’t think she would have been able to do it, even with her inhalers. Everybody is different though. She really was worried and almost backed out. But, we are both so glad that didn’t happen.
We took our time and stopped at basically every switchback. She stopped before she felt like she needed to. We stayed hydrated, and even stopped to make a snack using the BBQ-ology box from Crackerology. It was a nice break and we had the energy we needed to keep going. There are plenty of shady spots to pull off the trail and rest and a few spots with some seating.
The key is knowing your limits and not rushing.
Family-Friendly Tips for a Successful Crater Lake Visit
Before You Go:
- Pack plenty of water and snacks for multiple hours
- Wear proper hiking shoes with good grip
- Bring hiking poles
- Bring layers of clothing — temperatures can vary significantly
- Start early to avoid afternoon heat
During the Hike:
- Take frequent breaks on the way down to save energy for the return
- The high elevation (over 6,000 feet) means thinner air — pace accordingly
- Snacks and drinks are available for purchase at Cleetwood Cove if you need to refuel
After the challenging descent, you’ll be rewarded with tropical-looking blue waters where families can swim, fish (no license required!), and relax before the boat tour. The water is shockingly cold year-round, but many visitors swim. We didn’t plan to swim, but I wish we had. We did stick our feet in the water. It’s incredibly refreshing after the hike down.
Planning Your Visit to Crater Lake
Half the tickets can be reserved online, while the other half are available for same-day purchase. Given this is the final season, booking in advance is highly recommended.
A standard Crater Lake National Park pass costs $15 to $30 and is valid for seven days, giving families time to explore other areas of the park.
While Cleetwood Cove will be closed after this season, Crater Lake offers numerous other family-friendly trails including Discovery Point (two miles with minimal elevation gain) and the Castle Crest Wildflower Trail (1.3 miles).
We followed the warnings about wearing layers and brought sweaters. Turns out that, on this warm July day, we did not need sweaters at all. At other times of the year, I am certain that you would want a sweater. Earlier in the season there is still a lot of snow which influences temperature. Later in the season, the temperature is naturally cooler.
The Woodsman Country Lodge exterior
Where We Stayed at Crater Lake
We did not camp on this visit, although we have camped in the past when we have visited Crater Lake. There are a few places you can stay. We have stayed at Union Creek Resort on a past visit, which is a nice spot that is along the Rogue River and only about 30 minutes from Crater Lake’s entrance. This time though, we booked a night at The Woodsman Country Lodge in the town of Crescent.
We had no problems during our stay. The room was quirky and very “on theme” as a country lodge. There is a bar next door if you can sneak away. On our visit they were hosting karaoke. The next morning we tried to get some breakfast at the nearby market but it wasn’t open, so we drove about 15 minutes to the next town and got some food from a convenience store.
Yes, the hike is challenging, but the memories you’ll create floating on the deepest lake in America, surrounded by volcanic cliffs and pristine wilderness, will last a lifetime. If your family is up for the physical challenge and seeking an unforgettable adventure, Crater Lake’s boat tours offer an experience you simply cannot get anywhere else — at least not for the next four years.
Photos and Video by Don Haugen
The post Last Chance: Experience Crater Lake’s Magical Boat Tours Before They Close Until 2029 appeared first on Road Trips For Families.