Xanterra Parks & Resorts (888.774.2728, www.craterlakelodges.com) offers guided boat tours of Crater Lake from July through mid-September (subject to weather). Standard Tours (105 minute) circle the lake while a ranger discusses its cultural and natural history; cost $29/Adult, $19/Child; and depart every hour from 10am – 3pm. Wizard Island Tours (3-hour/6-hour) drop guests off at Wizard Island; cost $39/Adult, $25/Child); and depart at 9:55am and 1pm. Wizard Island Tour allows plenty of time to explore the island, fish, or do whatever else you can think of (provided it’s socially acceptable and reasonably safe). Both tours require that you hike the 1.1-mile (one-way) Cleetwood Trail to the lake’s shore. It’s steep and strenuous, but short. Tours can be reserved by phone (888.774.2728), fax (303.297.3175), or e-mail (reserve-cl@xanterra.com). Reservation forms are available at www.craterlakelodges.com. Tickets (subject to availability) can also be purchased at Cleetwood Cove ticketing kiosk. The kiosk opens at 8am and all guests must check-in here prior to departure.
You can let Crater Lake Trolley (541.884.1896, www.craterlaketrolley.com) handle the driving with their 2-hour ranger guided tour of 33-mile Rim Drive. Tours are only offered during the summer. Tickets cost $25/Adult, $22/Senior, and $15/Child (5 – 13) and can be reserved over the phone or online. Pick up or purchase tickets at the ticket booth near the Community House at Rim Village. Trolleys help alleviate traffic congestion and reduce pollution thanks to modern engines that run on compressed natural gas. Trolleys are fully accessible.