Crater Lake,  Crater Lake National Park,  Aug 16, 2004 - Aug 19, 2004     page 23 / 36

We finished our hike up the Watchman and drove back to the Cleetwood trail. This provides the only access down to the lake surface. While certainly a strenuous hike (1.1 miles one-way, 700 feet down), it offers some interesting views even if one is not planning on taking the boat tour. We arrived at the lake surface with about 50 minutes to spare before the boat left. We soaked our feet in the cool water. We were amazed at the clarity of the lake water.