Fumarole Bay Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Lake · Swimming · Views

The approach for this trail includes a multi-mile boat ride across Crater Lake. Boat rides can be reserved ahead of time and are seasonal and dependent on conditions, so be sure to check the park website as well as the website for Crater Lake National Park Lodges for current information.

To begin the journey, take Cleetwood Cove Trail, the only trail that provides access to the lake, down to Cleetwood Cove and the boat landing. The Cleetwood Cove Trail is located along East Rim Drive and a rather large parking lot is located directly across from the trailhead. If this parking lot fills up, people often park their vehicles along the park road.

At the bottom of the Cleetwood Cove Trail, board one of the boats at your designated time and sit back and relax until you arrive at Wizard Island. Depending on the option selected, the boat ride can be short and direct to Wizard Island or can include a longer tour of the lake with a ranger explaining the lake's history and major features.

The boat will arrive at Wizard Island, and the trailhead for both Fumarole Bay and Wizard Island Summit Trail begin at the end of the dock. The initial portion of the trail is well maintained and easy to follow. After a short distance, the trail reaches a fork with a sign directing visitors either to the summit or Fumarole Bay. Follow the trail heading west and to Fumarole Bay. After a short distance, the trail turns north. Follow the trail north as it passes along the slope of a small hill and offers views of the lake below. A little further along, the trail heads inland a short distance before turning west and descending to Fumarole Bay.

The trail in this section is often rough and uneven as it passes over large chunks of volcanic rock. Additionally, short trails leading down to the lake and other parts of the island diverge from the main trail. These trails offer good opportunities to find secluded spots along the lake if the distance to Fumarole Bay is too far.