Boat and Trolley Tours

Visitors on a boat tour looking at Phantom Ship

NPS Photo

Boat Tours

Contact Explor Crater Lake for ticket prices, tour descriptions and reservations or call their toll-free reservation line, 866-292-6720.

In summer, Explor Crater Lake, a concessioner for the park, offers daily boat tours on Crater Lake. A park ranger is aboard most tours, which circumnavigate the caldera. Captains and boats are US Coast Guard certified.

In the event that boat tours are canceled due to weather, smoke or safety concerns, the concessioner attempts to make appropriate accommodations for ticket holder.

Things to Know Before Booking a Boat Tour

• To reach the dock for boarding the boats, visitors must be capable of descending and ascending the Cleetwood Cove Trail. It is a one-mile trail that drops 700 feet (213 meters) to the lake shore. The steep, dusty trail may be challenging for some visitors.
• To take the tour, children must be at least 3 years of age, and every visitor must be willing to endure sun exposure, wind, occasional rough waters and engine noise. Children 12 or under are required to wear a life vest that is provided at the docks.

• There is no bathroom on board the boats. There are composting toilets available for use before and after the tour.

• Carefully consider what clothing and supplies you will need for two hours on an open boat with full exposure to the weather—sun, cool temperatures, rain, wind. Passengers may get wet during windy conditions and it can get very cold on the lake despite warm temperatures on shore.

 

Ranger and visitors next to trolley, NPS Photo

Trolley Tours

Contact Crater Lake Trolley for tour times, reservations, and ticket prices or call 541-882-1896.

During Summer, Crater Lake Trolley, a concessioner for the park, offers daily trolley tours. The tours typically begin in July and run through mid-September. The many benefits of a trolley tour include the luxury of enjoying the scenery while the trolley driver safely navigates the historic 33-mile Rim Drive. Each trolley makes five to seven stops at significant overlooks with opportunities for photographs and moments for reflection. The ranger on-board offers narration, trivia, and a dash of fun.

Trolleys are enclosed, wheel chair accessible, and seat 25 passengers. The tours are two hours and there are no bathroom stops.

Advanced reservations can be made at the Crater Lake Trolley website. Tickets can also be purchased from the trolley ticket office in Rim Village the day of a tour if there is availability.