I understand that we cannot swim in the waterfalls. But can we at least step into the water?

You can do whatever you want america discharges millions of toxic waste into sewage and pesticides into our rivers each year but likes to give us a hard time about swimming do as you please swim wherever you want just be nice to the trails animals and respect the waters by getting out to use the bathroom and not littering

Water is typically shallow, I have never seen it more than knee deep. Hike up to Crater Lake {or drive there via a very pitted dirt road) if you want to swim

There were no signs saying you can't do so, however, you can do it. It could be better to take the hike up to get to the main pool area. It's large and bigger than the little swamp in the bottom.

Not really a large area but i guess if you want to you could.

I believe so I don't see y not

Yes you can