Note: Boat tours are on hold for the 2025 and 2026 season. The Cleetwood Cove Trail (the only access to the lake) is open for summer 2025 but closed for construction in 2026 and 2027.
For decades, visitors to Crater Lake National Park have taken the mile of switchbacks 700 feet down to Cleetwood Cove in pursuit of a closer look at the country’s deepest lake. (Keep in mind that the 2.2-mile round-trip hike to the boat dock, with a 700-foot drop in elevation, may be too strenuous for some people.)
There, National Parks rangers have led guided boat tours, pointing out the craggy, lava-formed face of Llao Rock, the volcanic “masts” of the Phantom Ship island, and the tiny waterfalls that trickle down into the lake below.
Between mid-July and mid-September most years, visitors can book a boat tour of Crater Lake — check the website for dates, reservation information, and costs. Boat tours are currently closed for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
When they reopen, here’s what you might expect from these cool handmade vessels and how they arrived at the lake in recent years.
Learn All About the Lake From a Guide
Crater Lake was born in fire and lava. More than 7,500 years ago, Mt. Mazama erupted violently, destroying the mountain itself with so much force, it left a massive caldera — a crater — in its place. Over hundreds of years, snowmelt filled the pit, creating a lake that is more than 1,940 feet deep. The lake itself is picturesque, built into a dome of lava rock formations and whitebark pines, but for those interested in natural history and geology, Crater Lake is a gold mine.
The boat tour guides offer a wealth of information on the natural history of the lake, including how the eruption of Mt. Mazama created the lake’s islands and other landmarks, and how the snowmelt and depth of the lake impact its strikingly blue color.
Visitors can enjoy the lake from the deck of the boat — either via a 2-hour cruise around the lake or a cruise that allows for more time to stop and play at Wizard Island. A third option is to head directly to Wizard Island on a shuttle without cruising. Wizard Island is definitely a recommended stop, as visitors can hike, swim or seek out little critters like the Mazama newt, which can only be found at Crater Lake.
“It’s a truly unique experience — not many boats offer a tour with a park service ranger,” says Lisa Cesaro, senior director at Aramark, which manages concessions like boat tours at the park.
Experience the New Boat Fleet
In June 2023, Katanacraft and Crater Lake enlisted the help of Chinook helicopters to drop the boats into the lake from above, a necessity given the secluded nature of the caldera.
While reenvisioning the boats for the tours, the team at Crater Lake knew they wanted to work with the people who live within the region. They enlisted the help of Grants Pass-based Katanacraft to build the new boats.
The aluminum alloy vessels — which measure 41 feet long — can hold 55 passengers and two crew members, about 20 more people than the previous ones. Improved safety, stability and fuel efficiency measures make for an improved ride, and innovations in the hull allow the boat to reduce the impact to the shore.
Naming the New Boats
The Klamath Tribes were consulted to provide names for the boats that are culturally appropriate and meaningful, considering the Tribes’ longstanding connection to the lake.
The three boats have names in indigenous languages. You may find yourself on modokni (chosen by the Modoc Tribe and pronounced MO-DOCK-NEE, meaning “belonging to Modoc”), ʔewksiknii (chosen by the Klamath Tribe and pronounced OUK-SEEK-NEE, meaning “people of the lake”) or nɨmɨ (chosen by the Paiute Tribe and pronounced NEW-MUH, meaning “people”).
“It was a good opportunity for us to involve the local community,” says Kevin Snyders, the resident district manager of Aramark’s Oregon properties. “It was time for a refresh.”
If You Go:
- Be mindful that park services and staffing may be limited, so show your appreciation to staff, abide by park rules and take care to leave spaces clean.
- If possible, visit mid-week and avoid holidays and peak summer months, which draw the most crowds.
- Always check weather and road conditions before you go, confirm park hours and closures before you go, and find info on park fees and passes here.
- Book well in advance for lodging at Crater Lake Lodge, The Cabins at Mazama Village or Mazama campground within the park, or browse nearby options.
- Looking to spend a few more days in the area? Check out lodging at the gorgeous Running Y Resort, Lake of the Woods Resort or tribal-owned Kla-Mo-Ya Casino, all under an hour south.
- Find great casual dining in the area at Beckie’s Cafe, at Central Point’s Rogue Creamery, or along the Great Umpqua Food Trail.
- Looking for more don’t-miss outdoor adventures? Book a guided kayak or zipline adventure with Crater Lake ZipLine, a guided fishing trip with Roe Outfitters or a rafting trip with Indigo Creek Outfitters on the new Klamath River, after the dam removals. Take a stroll to spot birds and other wildlife at the Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, or rent a paddleboard, canoe or kayak to paddle the family-friendly Upper Klamath Lake.
